Accidents at work can leave you with a range of injuries, from mild to severe. These injuries may require medical attention or even require you to take time off work, which can put a significant financial strain on you and cause you to lose wages.
Fortunately, Oklahoma has workers’ compensation laws to safeguard employees injured on the job. These laws aim to help injured workers receive compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages caused as a result of work-related accidents.
Let’s dive into the details of Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation laws and understand your rights as an employee.
Table of Contents
Who is Covered by Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation laws?
All employers in Oklahoma who have three or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This means if you work for an employer who has at least three employees, you are entitled to benefits if you sustain an injury while on the job.
It is essential to note that independent contractors aren’t included in this category of workers’ compensation insurance. Still, some companies may falsely claim their independent contractors as employees, providing them with workers’ comp coverage. In case of a dispute, it’s advisable to consult a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that you know your rights.
What Injuries are Covered by Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Laws?
Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system covers injuries that occur as a result of accidents that occur while you are working. These can include physical injuries that arise from accidents that occur at work, repetitive motion injuries caused by routine job activities, physical ailments that develop gradually over time due to continuous exposure to chemicals or other hazardous materials, and mental illnesses that result from situations encountered at work.
Under Oklahoma law, you can receive compensation for the following injuries and related damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Oklahoma
If you are injured on the job, your priority should be seeking medical treatment, as your health and safety is paramount. Once you are safe, you should report the incident to your employer as soon as possible; under Oklahoma law, the employer must be notified of the injury within 30 days of the accident. Failing to notify your employer of the injury in the specified period may result in a rejected compensation claim.
Once the employer has been notified, they will file a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance provider. If the claim is approved, the injured employee will receive medical treatment and other benefits necessary during the healing process. However, if the claim is rejected or delayed, the injured worker should seek legal representation from a reputable workers’ compensation attorney.
What to Expect During the Claims Process
The claims process starts when the employer notifies their workers’ compensation insurance company of the accident. From this point, the injured employee will be required to submit medical bills and other details of their injury for evaluation.
Once the medical documents and other supporting evidence have been reviewed, the compensation insurance company determines whether to approve or reject the claim.
If the claim is approved, the injured employee will receive their medical expenses paid and lost wages reimbursed, depending on the severity of the injury. In case of permanent disability or an inability to return to work, the employee can receive vocational rehabilitation services, enabling them to learn new skills and re-enter the workforce.
However, if the injury is severe and results in significant limitations, the employee may also receive permanent disability benefits that last for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees who sustain injuries on the job. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is essential to know your rights. Workers’ compensation laws ensure that you are entitled to medical treatment, lost wages compensation, and other benefits that are essential for your recovery.
If you have any queries or concerns about Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws, it is always advisable to seek legal representation from a reputable workers’ compensation attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected at all times.