Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Attorney

Millions Recovered for Injured Workers & Families

Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system is designed to function as a safety net for workers and families who suffer losses due to work-related injuries, illnesses, or death. Unfortunately, recovering the benefits you deserve is never guaranteed, especially when employers and their insurance carriers aggressively dispute, deny, and underpay claims to protect their bottom lines.  

If you’ve been injured or sickened on the job or have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, our Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. want to help. We’re backed by decades of experience and have helped workers and families across the region recover millions of dollars in compensation and important benefits. 

As a firm trusted by colleagues and communities across Oklahoma, we’re standing by to discuss how we can fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (888) 287-1046 or contact us online today to request a FREE consultation.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers' compensation is a critical system designed to protect employees who get injured or ill because of their job. In Oklahoma, workers' compensation offers financial and medical assistance to eligible individuals, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and, if possible, return to work. 

Here’s an overview of some of the key elements of Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system:

• Purpose. The principal goal of workers’ comp is to provide quick and fair compensation for those who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This means that, in exchange for relinquishing the right to sue an employer, injured workers can obtain important benefits regardless of who caused their accidents. 
• Eligibility. Most employers in Oklahoma are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage, with a few exceptions for certain types of companies and certain industries. Under most circumstances, it covers full-time, part-time, seasonal, and even temporary workers. If you are a covered employee and were injured on the job in Oklahoma, hired in Oklahoma, or perform your job principally in Oklahoma, you’re likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. 
• Covered Injuries & Illnesses. Workers' compensation in Oklahoma typically covers injuries that are the direct result of an employee's work duties or the workplace environment. This includes traumatic physical injuries, repetitive strain injuries, and various occupational illnesses. Certain mental or emotional injuries may be covered if they are the direct result of a physical workplace injury. In general, workers’ comp does not cover non-work-related injuries, injuries incurred while an employee was committing a crime, or injuries suffered by employees who were under the influence of non-prescription drugs or alcohol.
• Claim Filing. Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net, but it does not automatically award benefits to injured workers or beneficiaries, nor does it ensure that awarded benefits are “fair” and commensurate with the losses suffered by victims. To obtain the benefits you deserve, you’ll need to adhere to a few important requirements (such as employer notification and medical evaluations) and file a claim with your employer’s insurer. The claim process does pose a variety of challenges, including risks for disputes and denials. Fortunately, experienced attorneys can guide you through the process and work to position you for a successful outcome. 

Benefits Available in an Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Case

Understanding and navigating the workers' compensation system in Oklahoma can be a complex process, which is why the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission strongly encourages workers and families to consult with legal professionals who specialize in this area of law. 

By working with a lawyer, you’ll have access to invaluable insight as you file a claim and pursue needed benefits, which may include:

• Medical Treatment. Workers' compensation covers all necessary medical treatments for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes doctor visits, hospital care, medications, surgeries, and any requisite rehabilitation. In Oklahoma, employers have the right to choose physicians for the initial, non-emergency treatment of injured workers. You may need to choose a provider who has been expressly authorized by the workers’ compensation insurer, and you may have the ability to seek coverage or treatment from non-authorized providers. To be sure that your care will be covered, it’s best to consult with a lawyer. 
• Wage Replacement. If your injury or illness necessitates time away from work, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits, known as Temporary Total Disability (TTD). These benefits are typically paid as a percentage of your average weekly wage based on a calculation outlined in the Oklahoma Administrative Workers' Compensation Act. 
• Vocational Rehabilitation. If you're unable to return to your previous work due to permanent restrictions, vocational rehabilitation services may be provided to help you find new employment within your capabilities. These benefits can be vital in helping you earn income in a new capacity. 
• Permanent Disability. In cases where an injury or illness results in a permanent disability that prevents an employee from resuming any kind of gainful employment, Oklahoma workers' compensation law provides for two types of benefits: Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) and Permanent Total Disability (PTD). PPD benefits are designed for those who have sustained a permanent injury but can still work in some capacity, whereas PTD benefits are for individuals who are completely unable to work again. The amount and duration of these benefits vary depending on the severity of the disability and are determined through a medical evaluation process.
• Death Benefits. If a work-related injury or illness results in the death of an employee, Oklahoma's workers' compensation system provides death benefits to the surviving dependents. These benefits include coverage of funeral expenses and a portion of the deceased worker's average weekly wage to help support the dependents financially. The specific amount and duration of these benefits are dependent on the number of dependents and their relationship to the deceased employee.

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyers know that workers and families depend on these benefits to recover from injuries and repair their lives. As such, we’re devoted to conducting the necessary investigations, evidence gathering, and legal legwork that positions clients to recover the full amount of benefits they need. We can discuss the types of benefits to which you may be entitled during a personalized consultation. 

Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation FAQ

How Long Does Workers' Compensation Last in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the duration of workers' compensation benefits can vary broadly depending on the severity of your injury and your ability to return to work. 

Typically, medical benefits continue as long as there is a need for treatment directly related to the work injury. If you are unable to work, Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are available for a maximum of 156 weeks but could be extended in certain circumstances. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits are determined by the severity of your impairment and could result in long-term or even lifetime financial support.

How Long Do I Have to Report My Work Injury or Illness?

After sustaining an injury at work, you should report it to your employer immediately. The official deadline for reporting your injury in Oklahoma is within 30 days, and delays in reporting can create complications with your claim. Filing promptly ensures that you receive medical treatment quickly and prevents potential disputes regarding the source of the injury.

What Is My Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?

The value of a workers' compensation case in Oklahoma is not one-size-fits-all – it depends on factors such as:

• The nature and severity of your injury
• The estimated time you will be unable to work
• Your average weekly wages prior to the injury

Medical expenses are fully covered if they are reasonable and necessary. TTD benefits pay a portion of your wages during recovery, and PPD benefits consider any permanent disability you may have sustained. Our attorneys can help you better understand benefits available to you after reviewing the details of your case. 

What is the Difference Between a Workers’ Compensation Claim and Personal Injury Claim?

Workers' compensation and personal injury claims differ primarily in two areas: fault and damages. 

• No-Fault Insurance. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can be compensated for a work injury regardless of who is to blame (and even if you caused your own injury). Conversely, personal injury claims are based on negligence and require proof that someone else's actions caused your injury.
• Damages. Personal injury claims allow for the recovery of pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, whereas workers' compensation does not. However, workers' compensation provides more immediate benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.

Can I File a Lawsuit for Additional Damages?

Because worker’s compensation is designed as a sole legal remedy, workers eligible for workers’ compensation are generally unable to sue their employers for additional damages in court. However, if a third-party's negligence contributed to your injury – that is, someone other than your employer or a coworker – you may have the right to pursue a separate personal injury lawsuit against that party. We can help you identify any potential third-party liability claims during a consultation. 

What If My Claim is Denied?

Workers' compensation laws are meant to provide swift and sure benefits to injured workers, but sometimes claims can be disputed or denied. If you are facing difficulties with your workers' compensation claim, our attorneys at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. can evaluate your options for pursuing an appeal. 

Call For a FREE Case Review: (888) 287-1046

Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. is an award-winning firm that’s recovered over $400 million in compensation for clients. We know Oklahoma workers’ compensation laws and how to guide workers and their families toward the benefits they deserve.

If you have a potential case, give us a call at (888) 287-1046 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation. Our attorneys serve workers and families throughout Oklahoma.