Workers’ compensation is a program designed to protect workers’ rights to key benefits after suffering a work-related injury. When you’re hurt or become sick because of your job, workers’ compensation provides a percentage of your weekly pay and covers your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the injury-causing incident.
Some workers might find the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim overwhelming or confusing, but knowing the steps to take after an injury at work is essential for a successful claim.
If you have questions that you’d like answered by an experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Oklahoma
Workers’ compensation in Oklahoma is a “no-fault” insurance system designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to work-related activities. The system covers medical care, wage replacement, and disability compensation, regardless of who is at fault for the incident.
Oklahoma’s Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act primarily governs these laws, ensuring that injured workers receive support while protecting employers from most lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
To qualify for workers’ compensation, an injury must occur as a direct result of job duties. Certain workers, like independent contractors and federal employees, are excluded from coverage.
Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation program includes benefits for temporary and permanent disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, and, in cases of death, support for surviving dependents. The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission administers these laws and helps injured workers navigate claims, disputes, and available benefits.
Steps to Take After Suffering a Work-Related Injury
Experiencing a work-related injury can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps ensures you get the care and benefits you need. Here’s a guide to navigating the process effectively:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeking prompt medical treatment. Notify the healthcare provider that the injury is job-related to initiate documentation for workers’ compensation.
- Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Timely reporting is crucial for accurate documentation and ensures that your claim moves forward without unnecessary delays.
- Document the Injury: Complete any required forms, such as incident and leave documentation, to formally record the injury with your employer. Accurate records are essential for validating the claim.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere closely to the treatment plan prescribed by your medical provider. Attend all appointments and follow the recommended course of care, as non-compliance can impact eligibility for benefits.
- Stay in Contact With Your Employer: Keep your employer updated on your progress and any work restrictions that may arise from your injury. Open communication helps you manage job expectations during your recovery and smooths your transition back to work.
By following these steps, you’ll help ensure your recovery while protecting your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.
Rights and Responsibilities of Injured Workers
In Oklahoma, injured workers are entitled to reasonable and necessary medical treatment for their work-related injuries. Employers must provide this care within five days of being notified of the injury. If they fail to do so, the worker can select their own physician, and the employer covers the cost.
Workers also have responsibilities, including notifying their employer of the injury within 30 days to avoid jeopardizing their claim. Additionally, workers must follow the treatment plan prescribed by their healthcare provider, as missing appointments or not adhering to medical advice may impact eligibility for benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Could Be Entitled To
Workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits to support recovery and financial stability after a work-related injury:
- Medical Care: Covers necessary treatments related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Disability Income: Replaces lost wages while you recover, with payments based on temporary or permanent disability status
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Offers job training and placement services if you cannot return to your previous position due to injury limitations
- Death Benefits: Provides financial support to dependents if a worker’s injury results in death, including funeral expenses
These benefits aim to aid recovery and help injured workers maintain financial security.
Workers’ Compensation Exclusions and Coverage Limits
Not all injuries qualify for workers’ compensation in Oklahoma. Injuries must result directly from work-related activities to qualify. Incidents occurring outside of work duties, such as during personal recreational activities, or those resulting from drug or alcohol use, are generally not covered.
Additionally, mental health conditions are only eligible if they stem from a physical injury or a violent crime in the workplace. These exclusions highlight the importance of understanding specific criteria when considering a claim.
An Attorney Can Also Help With a Denied Claim
All too often, employers and insurance agencies challenge, fight or deny some or all aspects of a workers’ compensation claim. If this happens, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get covered. It does, however, mean that you will need someone to fight for your rights. The best thing you can do for yourself any time you suffer an injury on the job is to secure the services of an expert workers’ compensation law attorney.
Workers’ compensation lawyers know how to fight denials and challenges to these claims. They can guide you through the tricky maze of filing a claim and making sure that you are aware of all your rights, and how to get full coverage for your injuries.
Contact Parrish DeVaughn for Legal Help Today
If you are hurt on the job in Oklahoma, act immediately. The Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyers at Parrish Devaughn and help you with the process. Contact us for help and more information on how to pursue your personal injury case today.
Originally published May 3, 2016.
