How Workers’ Compensation Works in Oklahoma

How workers’ compensation works isn’t always easy to understand. Its only after you suffer an on the job injury in Oklahoma that how it works becomes important. Workers comp is a form of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries. These benefits typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs resulting from on-the-job injuries. The state of Oklahoma through its legislators and the Workers compensation court has specific rules for collecting benefits and getting medical treatment for your injuries.

Employer Coverage is Mandatory

In Oklahoma, workers’ compensation operates under state laws designed to protect both employees and employers. It protects employers by limiting their liability to remedies under Oklahoma workers compensation law. In turn, It help employees by guaranteeing they get medical treatment and payments for on the job injuries. Most employers in Oklahoma have a requirement to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits to their employees. This insurance is there to be used to cover medical treatment and disability payments to injured workers. Additionally, most companies buy this insurance through their insurance company or use Comp Source Oklahoma for their coverage. Employers who do not carry work comp insurance face strict fines and other potential liability from the State and injured claimants.

Strict Rules For Reporting an Injury

If you receive an injury on the job, it’s essential to report the injury to your employer as soon after the injury occurs. Some injuries like shoulder or knees may be cumulative in nature. For a cumulative trauma injury you must report it when you become aware of the injury. In Oklahoma, you typically have 30 days from the date of the injury or from when you became aware of the illness to report it to your employer. If you fail to do so you have the burden of proving that the injury occurred at work and as a result of the work you do. If you fail to report the injury within the statutory limits you can bet the insurance company will deny your claim.

Filing a Workers Comp Claim

After reporting the injury, your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file a workers’ compensation claim. These forms must be completed and submitted to the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). The claim form contains biographical information regarding who you are and how the injury occurred. Further, it’s also necessary to provide your wage information as this is what they use to come up with your TTD rate in the event that you have to be off work.

Medical Treatment For The injury

If your workers’ compensation claim receives approval, you’ll be able to receive medical treatment for your injury. This may include doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other necessary medical services related to your work-related condition. Additionally, this is the phase where things might get difficult. The insurance company only has a requirement to provide you with that medical treatment that is reasonably necessary to get you back to work.

What’s reasonable and necessary in the realm of workers comp is far different than what you health insurance provider might offer you. Many times appointments are set and never made or treatment is recommended but never done. This is where workers comp attorneys come in. What the lawyer does is whenever a Doctor recommends treatment or when you need TTD the attorney sets the matter in front of the Judge and ask them to write an order ordering the insurance company to authorize the treatment.

Lost Wages And TTD Benefits

If your injury or illness causes you to miss work, you may be eligible for lost wage benefits through workers’ compensation. This is called TTD and the amount you receive is based on your weekly wage. This payment continues until you reach maximum medical improvement or until your employer offers you light duty work while you are treating. If your employer does not have light duty or you are permanently totally disabled the coverage continues as you treat. Certain injuries limit the length of time that you can collect TTD payments and also impact you future PPD rates. This includes certain soft tissue injuries.

Tulsa Workers Comp Attorneys in Your Corner

Knowing how workers’ compensation works in cortical to injured workers in the state. Workers compensation is a vital safety net for employees in Oklahoma. It provides crucial support in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses. By understanding how workers’ compensation works and knowing your rights and responsibilities, you can navigate the process more confidently.

This helps ensure that you receive the benefits you need in the event of a workplace injury or illness. It’s important to understand that the insurance company isn’t in business to help you but to make a profit. When the insurance company puts profit ahead of your rights its time to get help. Call the Tulsa Workers compensation attorneys at Kania Law Office at 918.743.2233. Or click here to ask a free and confidential online legal question. Remember, our attorneys don’t charge anything up front. All our fees are on a contingency basis and we don’t get a payment unless you get a settlement.