Hurt On the Job
In our blog, we talk about different types of accidents. Oil field and construction accidents happen on the job. A slip and fall or automobile accident can occur on the job, as well. As Oklahoma City workers compensation attorneys, we understand the impact of being hurt at work.
Workers compensation is coverage provided to almost all Oklahoma workers from their date of hire. Unlike federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), workers compensation benefits are available to those temporarily injured or partially disabled.
The aim of workers compensation is rapid provision of medical, disability and other benefits to workers who might otherwise have to sue their employer to receive compensation for injury.
Facts about workers compensation
Points about Oklahoma workers comp law regarding workplace injury include:
- Oklahoma employers are required to provide workers compensation insurance.
- An injury report must be made, or medical treatment obtained, within 30 days of the injury. Thus, you need to report your injury as soon as possible to your supervisor.
- Except in certain circumstances, employers choose the medical care provider if you are injured.
- If off work due to compensable injury for more than seven days, you may be eligible to receive temporary total disability benefits (TTB).
How do attorneys help?
You do not need legal counsel to file for workers compensation benefits. However, when your case involves serious disability, death or a rejected workers comp claim, getting legal advice is important. Remember, when filing for workers compensation, you are dealing with your employer’s insurance company — and warnings in previous posts about bad faith practices apply.
Hopefully, you will make it through your day — and your career — without a workplace accident. However, if you are injured, contact us online at Cunningham & Mears for advice and strong legal counsel. Initial consultations are free.
Ryan Y. Cunningham is a founding partner of Cunningham & Mears. Mr. Cunningham devotes his practice to protecting the rights of injured Oklahoma residents. In addition to assisting injured clients, Mr. Cunningham endeavors to improve personal injury representation by speaking on issues related to personal injury law to attorneys in continuing legal education courses and to law students. Learn More