All Oklahoma employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation. This insurance system covers medical bills and other expenses for employees who are hurt on the job. Find out if you’re eligible to receive help with the costs associated with your injuries.
Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
Every seven seconds, a worker is injured on the job. Common workplace injuries include:
- Overexertion
- Being struck by falling objects
- Slips, trips and falls
- Crashes and collisions
- Tendonitis and carpal tunnel
- Cuts, lacerations and punctures
- Exposure to loud noises
Injuries caused by repetitive movements, such as typing or hunching over a desk, can be difficult to prove. Even when injuries have more obvious causes, the insurance company may try to deny your claim or undercut your settlement.
To prove that you’ve been harmed by a work-related injury or illness, you will be required to submit to an exam by a physician chosen by your employer’s insurance company.
The results of your exam can affect whether or not your claim gets approved. We recommend contacting us before scheduling your appointment so we can guide you through the process.
Workers’ Compensation Exemptions
Not everyone is entitled to workers’ compensation. In Oklahoma, certain employees are considered exempt from the insurance system. These include:
- Freelancers and independent contractors
- Volunteers and employees of tax-exempt youth sports leagues
- Certain agricultural workers
- Licensed real estate brokers paid on a commission basis
While your employer is legally required to post a notice in your workplace specifying your rights and the benefits available to you, the wording and details may contain complexities that are difficult to understand.
To know if your employment status includes workers’ compensation benefits and to learn how to go about filing a claim, we suggest speaking with a member of our team. We can advise you on the best course of action and discuss different avenues for seeking compensation.
Time Limits to Report and File
Qualifying for workers’ compensation doesn’t guarantee you coverage. Not only do you need to prove that your injury or illness is work-related, you need to report and file your claim within a specific timeframe. The quicker you report an injury, the better your chances at being covered.
For most claims, you have one year to file a workers’ compensation case.
If you choose to file for additional compensation once initial payments have been made, you will be subject to a different set of time limits. The same goes for claims involving:
- Disabilities related to silicosis or asbestosis
- Exposure to X-rays, radioactive substances or ionizing radiation
- Job-related death benefits
The attorneys at Johnson & Biscone, P.A. are well-versed in workers’ compensation statute of limitations. They will ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner so you can begin receiving compensation as soon as possible.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Oklahoma City
For more than 40 years, the legal team at Johnson & Biscone, P.A. has helped clients in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas with their workers’ compensation claims. Call 405-232-6490 to schedule a free case review.
