No workplace is completely safe. Even with the best safety measures in place, accidents can happen to anyone. If you’ve been injured on the job in Oklahoma, you’re likely facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. This can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery.
At Carr & Carr Attorneys, we understand the challenges you’re facing. While our firm doesn’t directly handle workers’ compensation cases, we serve as a trusted resource to connect injured workers with top workers’ compensation attorneys who can effectively manage your claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.
How We Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Carr & Carr has been serving Oklahoma injury victims since 1973. Though we focus our direct representation on other personal injury matters, we’ve built strong relationships with skilled workers’ compensation attorneys throughout Oklahoma.
Important: Carr & Carr does not sign up or directly handle workers’ compensation cases. Instead, we provide a valuable referral service that connects you with experienced attorneys who specialize in workers’ compensation law. When you contact Carr & Carr about a workers’ compensation matter, we’ll connect you with attorneys who have proven track records handling workers’ compensation cases.
Careful Vetting: We only refer to attorneys whose expertise and client service meet our high standards
No Additional Cost: Our referral service comes at no cost to you
Personalized Matching: We consider the specifics of your case to make the most appropriate referral
Our Referral Process
- Initial Consultation: Contact us for a free consultation about your workplace injury
- Case Assessment: We’ll gather basic information about your situation
- Attorney Matching: We’ll connect you with a workers’ compensation attorney suited to your specific needs
- Seamless Transition: We ensure a smooth handoff to the attorney who will handle your case
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation in Oklahoma
Most employers in Oklahoma City are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This crucial insurance policy provides medical coverage and income-replacement benefits to employees who sustain injuries or illnesses while performing job-related duties.
The workers’ comp program was created to make it easier for workers who suffer on-the-job injuries to access medical care and financial support. It also helps employers by limiting their legal exposure. By accepting workers’ compensation insurance benefits, you typically forfeit your right to pursue legal action against your employer for damages. Therefore, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to understand your rights and ensure that you receive the full range of medical and financial benefits you are entitled to.
Benefits You May Be Entitled To
To qualify for workers’ compensation coverage, your injury or illness must have occurred during the course of your job duties or as a result of carrying them out. This includes injuries sustained on your employer’s property or while performing job-related duties on another’s property. Workers’ compensation may not cover injuries or illnesses caused by:
- Self-inflicted injuries
- Alcohol or drug use
- Injuries while committing a crime
- Injuries or ailments suffered outside of work
How much you can expect to receive in weekly benefits will depend in part on the severity of your injury or illness and how long it is expected to keep you from working. In Oklahoma, these types of injuries are categorized as follows:
- Medical only
- Short-term disability
- Permanent disability
- Accidental death
If your condition is classified as medical only or disabling, you are eligible for benefits like the following:
- Medical expenses for treating your job-related injuries
- 70% of your average weekly wages (not to exceed 100% of the state’s average wage)
- Job retraining if you can’t return to your previous occupation
In the event of a fatal work-related illness or injury, dependent family members may be eligible for certain death benefits that include costs of medical treatment received before death, funeral expenses and burial costs, and either a lump-sum award or weekly cash payments.
FAQS
What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident?
It’s crucial for injured workers to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to seeking benefits. Failing to follow the guidelines set forth by Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation program can potentially result in a loss of financial aid that you may be entitled to receive.
Here are some fundamental steps that you can take to safeguard your right to obtain benefits:
- Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible (Oklahoma law requires notification within 30 days)
- Seek medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Document everything related to your injury and treatment
- Contact Carr & Carr for a referral to a qualified workers’ compensation attorney
- Consult with the referred attorney to understand your rights and options
The workers’ compensation claims process can be daunting and overwhelming, especially if you are trying to recover from a severe injury or cope with the loss of a loved one. That’s why many people turn to workers’ compensation attorneys for assistance in navigating this complex system and receiving the benefits they deserve.
What if Your Claim for Workers’ Compensation is Denied?
If your employer or the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer denies your claim, you may be able to appeal. The first step is to file a written protest with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (OWCC) within 30 days of the denial and explain why you believe the claim was wrongly denied.
Upon receiving your protest, the OWCC will schedule a hearing to review your case. You will have the opportunity to present compelling evidence and argue your case before an administrative law judge. If the administrative law judge upholds the denial of your claim, you have the right to appeal to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
It’s important to note that the appeals process can be difficult and time-consuming. You may want to consider hiring a workers’ comp attorney to help you navigate the legal process and improve your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Do I Need to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
While you aren’t legally required to hire legal representation for your workers’ comp claim, there are several reasons why doing so can be in your best interests:
- Your Rights Will be Protected: Although workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect injured workers, insurance companies may still try to minimize your benefits or deny your claim altogether. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under the law.
- You Will Have Help With the Legal Process: The workers’ compensation process can be complicated, with many rules, regulations, and procedures to follow. A lawyer with extensive experience in workers’ compensation cases can guide you through the entire process, from filing a claim to appealing a denial of benefits.
- You Can Maximize Your Benefits: An OKC workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the most out of your benefits by negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that your medical treatment is covered, and pursuing all available avenues for financial compensation.
- You Enjoy Peace of Mind: Dealing with a work-related injury or illness can be stressful, making it easier to feel overwhelmed by the legal and financial implications. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have a dedicated team fighting for your best interests.
How much does legal representation cost for workers’ compensation cases?
The attorneys we refer to typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive benefits. The fee is usually a percentage of the benefits recovered and is regulated by state law.
Get Connected to the Right Attorney Today
While Carr & Carr doesn’t directly handle workers’ compensation cases, we’re committed to helping injured workers find the legal representation they need. Our referral service ensures you’re connected with a qualified attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law.
Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Contact Carr & Carr today at 866-510-0580 or through our online form for a free consultation and referral to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.