Were you or a loved one injured on the job in Tulsa, Oklahoma? It’s very likely that you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Call Parrish DeVaughn at (855) 901-1988 to learn about your legal rights today. Our Tulsa workers’ compensation lawyers offer a free consultation and can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys have recovered over $300 million for clients like you. We’re prepared to put our resources and years of experience to work for you. Call our law offices to schedule your free case review today.
Why Should I Call Parrish DeVaughn for Legal Help With a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Tulsa?
The path to receiving fair workers’ compensation benefits in Tulsa, OK, can be challenging. Workers’ compensation insurance companies often go to great lengths to minimize the amount they must pay. Choosing Parrish DeVaughn means working with experienced Tulsa personal injury lawyers.
We’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Lawyers. Insurance companies know that we don’t back down from a fight to protect our clients.
Our trusted team has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars over the years. We deliver big-firm results, yet take a small-firm approach. Your attorney will always be available to answer your questions and explain your options.
It’s important to act quickly if you want to get top results. Call us today to arrange a free consultation and speak with a Tulsa personal injury attorney who can help.
How Common Are Workers’ Compensation Claims in Oklahoma?
In 2024 alone, roughly 15,400 Oklahoma workplace injuries caused employees to miss work or deal with job transfers or restrictions.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Labor, the following industries had higher rates of workplace injuries and illnesses involving days away from work, job transfers, or restrictions in 2024:
- Courier and messenger Services
- Remediation and waste management
- Warehousing and storage services
- Beverage and tobacco manufacturing
- Motion picture and sound recording
- Nursing and residential care facilities
Workers’ compensation benefits may be available regardless of the nature of your work. If you were injured at work, call our attorneys to discuss your legal rights and options.
Overview of the Laws on Workers’ Compensation in Oklahoma
Workers’ compensation provides financial compensation to individuals who are injured or develop illnesses in the course of employment. Nearly all employers in Oklahoma are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Accessing that insurance is the first step for most injured workers.
Workers’ compensation laws are different from personal injury laws. In personal injury cases, injured parties must prove that someone else caused their injuries. Once they do, that party (and their insurance company) can be held financially responsible.
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage. You don’t have to prove your employer caused your injuries or illness.
How Do I Know Whether I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Tulsa?
Not all injured workers in Oklahoma qualify for workers’ compensation. Whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits depends on factors such as whether:
- You were injured or became ill while performing work-related activities
- You were a covered employee
- Your injury was not caused by intoxication or the use of illegal drugs
- Your employer was legally required to carry workers’ compensation coverage
You also have to satisfy all procedural requirements to get coverage. An experienced Tulsa workers’ compensation attorney can help. Contact our attorneys today to learn more about Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system.
Can I Sue My Tulsa Employer for Damages After a Workplace Accident?
Generally, no. Workers’ compensation’s no-fault system applies to both the employee and the employer. You can receive benefits without proving that your employer was negligent, while employers generally receive protection from personal injury lawsuits arising from covered workplace injuries.
However, exceptions exist. For example, an injured worker may have additional legal remedies if an employer failed to secure required workers’ compensation coverage or intentionally caused the worker’s injury under the standard established by Oklahoma law.
You may also have the right to sue a third party. If someone other than your employer caused your injuries through negligence, that party is not protected by your employer’s workers’ compensation immunity simply because you are also collecting workers’ compensation benefits.
What Is the Value of My Workers’ Compensation Claim in Tulsa?
The amount of your workers’ compensation disability benefits will depend on:
- Your average earnings prior to the disability
- The length of your disability
- How much you can earn with the disability
- Whether your injuries are temporary or permanent
- Whether your disability persists after reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI)
Oklahoma limits the value of your disability benefits. While most injured workers receive 70% of their pre-disability wages, you could receive less if your earnings exceed the cap.
The amount you receive can also depend on your rights under personal injury laws. Injured workers who can also file personal injury claims tend to receive more via a personal injury settlement or verdict.
What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Tulsa?
Workers’ compensation provides economic benefits. Mental injuries are generally only considered if they stem from physical injuries.
Workers’ compensation benefits include:
Medical Expense Coverage
Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses. These may include:
- ER visits
- Hospital Stays
- Surgeries
- Medication and medical devices/equipment
- Lab work and diagnostic testing
- Follow-up doctor’s visits
- Specialized therapies and care
Your employer has the right to choose your doctor. If they do not choose within five days (after you notify them about the injury), you can choose your own doctor.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are available if your work injury or illness prevents you from doing your job.
You may receive:
- Temporary total disability benefits if you’re entirely unable to work during recovery
- Temporary partial disability benefits if you can perform some work, but can’t earn what you did prior to the disability
Your doctor will determine your level of disability. TTD benefits cover roughly 70% of your average weekly wages prior to the disability. They aren’t paid for your first three days of disability.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Two different types of permanent disability benefits exist:
- Permanent total disability benefits
- Permanent partial disability benefits
Permanent partial disability benefits may, in some circumstances, be resolved through a lump-sum payment. Permanent total disability benefits are generally paid as periodic benefits rather than being commuted to a lump sum.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation provides job retraining if you’re unable to return to your prior job. It’s possible that you could receive training to enter a new line of work.
Death Benefits
Survivors of fatal workplace injuries may also qualify for benefits. The victim’s surviving spouse and dependent children are eligible for financial assistance.
What Is the Process for Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Oklahoma?
Workers’ compensation isn’t automatic. Workers’ rights are often challenged. In cases with long-term disabilities, you’ll have to prove that you qualify. You’ll start by notifying your employer about your injuries or illness. They’re then responsible for getting in touch with their insurance company to start the process.
When disputes arise, you may have to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. After that, the following process may apply:
- Request a hearing or pre-hearing conference to present evidence and address disputed issues before an administrative law judge (ALJ)
- Exchange relevant evidence and complete any necessary discovery
- If the ALJ decides against you, request a review by the Workers’ Compensation Commission
- Participate in settlement negotiations or mediation in an effort to resolve the claim
- Seek review by the Oklahoma Supreme Court if permitted under Oklahoma law
You’re also entitled to request a change in doctor on a one-time basis.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Lawyer To Help With a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Oklahoma?
Our attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing until we recover compensation in your case. The amount you pay depends on the amount we recover.
Does Oklahoma’s Shared Fault Law Apply to Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence law does not apply to your workers’ compensation benefits. It’s important to understand that you’re eligible for benefits even if you share blame.
Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Tulsa Represent Clients With All Types of Injuries
Our attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn represent clients with all types of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Crushing injuries
- Amputations
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Hearing damage
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Vision loss and eye injuries
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
If you lost a loved one on the job, our wrongful death attorneys can fight to help your family get a fair deal.
How Long Do I Have To Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Workplace Accident in Oklahoma?
It’s always important to notify your employer as quickly as possible. Failure to tell your employer about your injuries or illness within 30 days jeopardizes your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Call a Seasoned Tulsa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for a Free Case Review Today
Were you or a family member hurt at work in Tulsa, OK? It’s important to have an experienced Tulsa workers’ compensation attorney on your team. Call Parrish DeVaughn today to learn more about how our experienced team can fight for you during your free consultation.
