Heavy equipment work injuries in Oklahoma can cause devastating injuries. You need to act to protect your future and obtain the maximum amount of compensation.
The Oklahoma workers’ compensation insurance program is designed to compensate you for your injuries and lost wages. The critical thing to remember is that the workers’ compensation insurance program is a no-fault insurance policy. No-fault means that your right to recover under Oklahoma workers’ compensation insurance is not affected even if you were at fault for your injury.
Heavy equipment is inherently dangerous.
Accidents involving heavy equipment can result from operator error, improper maintenance, or defective equipment, among other reasons. Typically, work-related heavy equipment injuries in Oklahoma involve the following:
- Construction Equipment—backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, and trenches
- Workplace Machinery—forklifts, bailers, presses, and other equipment
- Transportation Equipment—dump trucks, cement trucks, and combines
There can be a wide range of injuries to which you are exposed. Some of the most common injuries from heavy equipment accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Dislocations
- Internal injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Whatever injuries you sustained, it is important to speak with an experienced Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyer for several reasons. Firstly, while workers’ compensation claims are often your only legal option, there are circumstances in which other avenues of compensation are available. These alternate paths might offer significantly more compensation. Secondly, although the workers’ compensation process begins outside a court of law (in an administrative body), your legal rights are still at stake, and you have the right to appeal. Finally, the insurance company’s lawyer will represent them at the hearing. You should be represented, as well.
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Steps To Take After A Work-Related Heavy Equipment Injury
As with any injury, the first thing you need to do is seek professional medical attention. Even if you believe you are okay, you must see a doctor. You might have injuries that are not apparent to you, such as soft tissue damage, concussions, nerve damage, or other impairment. Only once you know the full extent of your damages can you obtain the total amount of compensation you deserve.
The next thing you need to do is report the accident to your employer. The law requires almost all Oklahoma employers to keep and maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Once you report the injury your employer is required to send you to a doctor for treatment. If while you are being treated by the Workers compensation doctor who takes you off work or puts you on light duty you are entitled to temporary disability payments. Those payments continue you are done treating or have reached maximum medical improvement.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near You
After you have reported your heavy equipment work injuries to your employer, you should speak with one of Kania Law Office’s experienced Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyers. You might have a right to recover damages that extend beyond workers’ compensation. Our lawyers can help you maximize the compensation you receive. While workers’ compensation claims begin as typical insurance claims, they can evolve quickly into court proceedings seeking the medical treatment that you are entitled to. Get a free and confidential consultation with one of our Tulsa work injury attorneys by calling (918) 743-2233 or by contacting us online.
Tulsa's Local Personal Injury Lawyers
Are you looking for Tulsa attorneys who will fight aggressively for you? Our team of personal injury attorneys have the experience needed in Oklahoma law to secure the outcome you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation 918-743-2233 or contact us online.