Workers Compensation in Oklahoma
A workplace injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment, you’re doing your job, and the next, you’re in pain, unable to work, and facing mounting medical bills.
Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured employees by covering medical costs, replacing lost wages, and providing rehabilitation services. However, getting the benefits you deserve isn’t always easy.
Employers and insurance companies may try to deny your claim, delay payments, or offer less compensation than you need.
This guide breaks down Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system and explains the steps you need to take.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Oklahoma?
In 2023, private-sector employers in Oklahoma reported approximately 35,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, with an incidence rate of 2.8 cases per 100 full-time employees, slightly above the national average.
Some industries in Oklahoma report higher injury rates than others:
- Construction: With an incidence rate of 4.0 per 100 workers, common hazards include falls from heights, electrical accidents, and heavy equipment mishaps.
- Manufacturing: An industry with an injury rate of 3.5 per 100 employees, where workers frequently suffer from machine-related injuries, repetitive strain disorders, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Oil and Gas Industry: A major contributor to Oklahoma’s economy, but one of the most dangerous sectors due to the risk of explosions, toxic exposure, and equipment failures.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system ensures that employees injured on the job receive medical care and financial assistance while they recover. To qualify, the injury must have occurred while performing job-related duties.
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court mandates that every employee hired in the state of Oklahoma be covered by worker’s compensation insurance. The exceptions to this are sole proprietors, real estate agents, certain agricultural workers, and independent contractors.
If you suffer an injury in a work-related accident, you can receive medical benefits. As well as partial and permanent disability benefits, and vocational retraining if you are unable to return to your job.
Wage replacement benefits typically begin after a seven-day waiting period and continue until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are cleared to return to work.
Get Medical Attention
After a workplace injury, seeking medical care should be your top priority. Not only does this ensure you receive the treatment you need, but it also creates a medical record linking your injury to your job—an essential part of your workers’ compensation claim.
In Oklahoma, your employer’s insurance provider may require you to see a designated medical provider for treatment. However, if you wish to switch doctors, you may need approval from the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).
Even if your injury seems minor, don’t delay treatment. Some conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries or internal trauma, can worsen over time and make it harder to prove your job caused them.
Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and prescriptions. These documents will be critical if your claim is disputed or you require additional benefits.
File a First Report of Injury
Once you’ve received medical care, the next step is reporting the injury to your employer. Oklahoma law requires employees to report workplace injuries within 30 days, but reporting sooner can prevent delays in processing your claim.
Your employer is responsible for filing a First Report of Injury (FROI) with their workers’ compensation insurance provider and the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). This report should include:
- The date, time, and location of the injury.
- A detailed account of how the accident occurred.
- Information regarding the medical treatment you’ve received so far.
The insurance carrier will review your claim and determine eligibility for benefits. If your injury is disputed, you may be required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to assess its severity.
Oklahoma has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a formal workers’ compensation claim. If you fail to take action within this period, you may lose your right to benefits.
There is a limit of 156 weeks in Oklahoma to receive weekly benefits. However, an Oklahoma Workers’ Comp Court may choose to extend that to 300 weeks, depending on the circumstances of the claim.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Even though Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured workers, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. If you face delays, disputes, or an unfair settlement, a lawyer can help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
A workers’ compensation attorney can:
- Ensure your claim is filed correctly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
- Negotiate with insurance providers to maximize your benefits.
- Represent you in hearings before the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Advocate for additional compensation, such as permanent disability benefits or vocational retraining.
If your claim has been denied or your benefits have been cut off early, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and fight for the financial support you need.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Oklahoma
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Oklahoma state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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