Injury & Accident Attorneys Serving Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman & All Of Oklahoma
If you get hurt on the job, don’t count on your employer or the workers’ compensation system to treat you fairly. In order to receive the benefits that you deserve and your family needs to get by during your recovery, you need an experienced workers’ comp lawyer on your side.
Johnson & Biscone, P.A. has built a sterling reputation in workers’ compensation claims. Take full advantage of our experience by calling 405-232-6490 for a free consultation. Our work injury attorneys serve Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and all of Oklahoma.
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Read about what to expect during your workers’ comp case below:
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
The workers’ compensation system is designed to aid workers who get hurt or fall ill while working within the scope of their employment. It is a type of insurance held by employers to compensate employees when they suffer work-related injuries. The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (OWCC) presides over benefits for injured workers.
Unlike personal injury cases, workers' comp is a no-fault system; neither you nor your employer is liable for the injuries you sustain. In spite of this, employers often try to shirk responsibility, and OWCC does deny or underpay valid claims.
By law, all employers in Oklahoma are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage. But, even though employer coverage is mandatory in Oklahoma, make no mistake: Applying for benefits is not an easy process.
To get the full benefits you deserve, you need an experienced work comp lawyer in your corner.
Benefits under Workers' Comp
The benefits to which you are entitled will depend on the extent and severity of your injury. The workers’ compensation system in Oklahoma makes the following benefits available:
- Medical treatment: Employers are required to provide “reasonable and necessary medical treatment” through their workers' compensation insurance carrier.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): Replaces the difference in wages between what a worker earns for his or her regular job while on restrictions and what the worker would be receiving if they were TTD.
- Temporary total disability (TTD): Covers a portion of wages for workers who are completely unable to work, at the direction of an approved treating physician, while recovering from an injury. Benefits are time-limited for injuries such as hernias and soft tissue damage.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): Compensates a worker for the permanent disability they have sustained, because of their on-the-job injury, at the end of a case.
- Permanent total disability (PTD): Compensates workers who are unable to work at all as a result of an on-the-job injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Workers who quality for PPD benefits may be eligible for vocational training to place them back into the workforce.
- Continuing medical maintenance (CMM): Workers who are permanently partially disabled may qualify for ongoing compensation, at the recommendation of their doctor.
In the event that a worker dies on the job, spouses and dependent children may be eligible for death benefits through workers’ compensation. A surviving spouse can receive 70% of the loved one’s weekly wage and $100,000 lump sum. Surviving spouses and children are eligible for a lump-sum $25,000 payment, and each child is eligible for 15% of the weekly wage (or state average wage, if it’s lower). Increases in payment and proportionality apply when there are more than 2 surviving children.
What to Do after a Workplace Injury in Oklahoma
No one plans on getting hurt on the job, however, when you work in a high-risk industry, accidents can happen. And if you work specifically in the oil field industry or construction, you may be even more likely to be injured on the job.
Being injured on the job can bring about financial challenges. If you’re unable to work, how will you pay your bills and take care of your family? The financial uncertainty can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure how to make ends meet while recovering from your injuries, a worker’s compensation lawyer can help.
The lawyers at Johnson & Biscone have earned a reputation for standing up for their clients’ rights and getting them the compensation they deserve, in both the construction and oil field industries. If you’ve been injured on the job due to another contractor’s negligence, we can help.
We specialize in the following workplace injuries areas:
- Back and neck injuries
- Burns
- Faulty equipment
- Brain injuries
- Oilfield accidents
Preserving the integrity of your claim begins the moment you get hurt. Workers' comp claims are subject to very strict rules and deadlines that you must follow in order to receive the full benefits you deserve.
When you get hurt at work, here are the steps you must take:
- Report the injury to your employer: Notify your employer ASAP that you’ve been hurt. Some employers maintain tight deadlines for reporting an accident, and failure to follow internal protocols could result in the company disputing your benefits claim. Complete an incident report as soon as you can.
- Seek medical attention: When you report a work injury, you need to kindly demand to see a medical professional. Get the care you need from this specified provider only. Going to a doctor of your own choosing could result in denial of your workers’ compensation claim.
- Give the doctor a good history: The appointment with the doctor is your opportunity to get the type and extent of your injury on record. Tell the doctor all about your symptoms, limitations you’re facing, and actions that exacerbate the injury. A comprehensive medical record that documents your injury is one of the best assets in a workers’ comp claim.
When you follow these steps, you enhance the strength of your claim for benefits. Your employer also has responsibilities at this time. Once you tender notice of your injury, the employer must submit a form called the “Employer’s First Notice of Injury” to its worker’s compensation insurer and the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Workers' Comp Claim Process
The insurance company will review your employer’s “First Notice of Injury” within 15 to 30 days. The insurer will review your medical records, employee file, workplace incident report, and more to determine your eligibility for benefits.
If your claim is approved, your work comp benefits will start to arrive shortly. However, if your claim is denied, your best first step is to contact an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to handle your case.
Why Do I Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney?
Depending on the nature of your injury or condition, you have 1 to 2 years to file your claim into a case. However, this is not nearly as long as it sounds. Workers' comp hearings can be complicated, and the process is tedious. Making sure that you have an attorney that knows the ropes of the workers’ comp world is extremely important.
Throughout the process, your employer’s insurance company will be represented by a lawyer. If you don’t have representation, you are at a serious disadvantage.
At Johnson & Biscone, P.A., our attorneys know the workers’ comp system. We file the necessary documents on time on your behalf. We represent you in interactions with the insurance company before the hearing; you might not even have to attend these early court dates. And we investigate the circumstances of your workplace injury and gather evidence we can present during the hearing.
Why You Should Hire Johnson & Biscone as your Workplace Injury Lawyers
Our law firm has prevailed on behalf of many workers throughout Oklahoma in workers’ compensation claims. Experience is what sets us apart: For decades, our partners and associates have dedicated significant parts of their practice to work comp and workplace injury cases. Where other law firms dabble, our attorneys focus.
Another key component is our integrity. We believe that hiring an attorney is the only way to be treated fairly in workers' comp matters. When you hire Johnson & Biscone, P.A., we serve your interests and custom-tailor a legal strategy that seeks to maximize your benefits.
You deserve full compensation for the injuries you sustain at work. And, if we determine that a third party may be liable for your injuries, our attorneys can also build a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We also hold third parties liable in wrongful death claims if your loved one tragically died in a workplace accident.
"To be honest I never thought I needed a lawyer. But when you get hurt on the job it seems to change management’s opinion of you. I worked for a company for 15 years and after the accident I was made to feel like I was an outsider. And when my safety manager told me that I could go ahead and call that Biscone bunch if you want to I did just that because I figured if management didn’t like them they were the only people for me. If you’re needing somebody to fight for you then call EMILY OR JOE. They care about you and your well being. They got me my treatment and care that I needed and deserved as an employee and the best settlement they could obtain for me and I thank the whole team because it was teamwork from that Biscone bunch that I’m thankful for."
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees who suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties. In Oklahoma, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ comp insurance, and in theory, the system should be straightforward.
In reality, that’s not always the case.
Claims can be delayed, denied, or underpaid. Employers and insurance companies may dispute even valid cases. If you're hurt on the job, understanding your rights and how to navigate the system is essential — especially when the stakes include your health, income, and future.
At Johnson & Biscone, P.A., we help injured Oklahomans secure the benefits they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
No. It’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a claim. If you’re fired, demoted, or harassed after reporting a workplace injury, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination case.
It is important to document all interactions with your employer and get legal advice if you believe your rights have been violated.
What Happens if I Aggravate a Pre-Existing Condition at Work?
You may still be eligible for benefits. If your job duties worsen a pre-existing condition, workers’ comp may apply.
These cases are often challenged, so medical documentation and legal support are key.
Does Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Cover Mental Health Conditions?
Yes, but it’s more complicated.
Mental health conditions, like PTSD or anxiety, must be clearly linked to your job. Often, the condition must result from a specific traumatic event or ongoing, documented workplace stress. These claims require strong medical evidence and often face more scrutiny.
Can I Reopen My Workers’ Comp Claim If Symptoms Return?
Yes, in some cases.
If your condition worsens or new symptoms arise, Oklahoma law allows claims to be reopened — but deadlines apply. You’ll typically need new medical evidence and a significant change in your health status.
Can I Sue My Employer Outside of Workers’ Compensation?
Usually not. Workers’ comp is considered the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries in most cases. However, exceptions exist:
- If your employer intentionally caused harm
- If a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was involved
How Do I Appeal a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim in Oklahoma?
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to file an appeal with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission. This process may include:
- A formal hearing
- Submitting evidence or medical records
- Mediation or trial
Having legal representation during this process can greatly improve your chances of success.
Need Help With a Workers’ Comp Claim?
We’re Here for You. Navigating workers’ compensation can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with an injury. Let our experienced attorneys at Johnson & Biscone help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a family member has been injured at work, you are not alone. The process of getting medical care and then applying for workers’ comp benefits may seem daunting, but our attorneys can help. Call 405-232-6490 for a free, no-obligation review of your case. You can also click here to send us an Email Contact Form, and our staff will help you through the process.
Johnson & Biscone, P.A. has extensive experience in worker’s compensation law, as well as benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance. We proudly pursue all of the benefits that our clients and their families need, with service available throughout Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and the surrounding areas.
