If your back has been injured due to a job-related incident while you were employed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you are prevented from suing your employer unless you can show that your employer intentionally caused your injuries.
This rules out any negligence suits, i.e., any lawsuits against your employer for failing to safely maintain the worksite, etc.
However, you may be entitled to financial benefits under your basic Oklahoma workers compensation rights.
FAQ: Oklahoma Workers Compensation Rights
In 2013, the Oklahoma legislature passed new workers compensation laws; any claim regarding a work-related injury sustained on or after February 1, 2014 must be filed with the new Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission.
What are the first steps you should take in filing your administrative claim?
To protect your Oklahoma workers compensation rights, first report your injury to your employer.
In Oklahoma, an injured worker has only 30 days to give an employer notice of the injury.
If the 30-day deadline is missed, then a rebuttable presumption attaches to the claim that the injury was not sustained while in the course of performing services for the employer.
After giving notice of the injury to your employer, schedule an appointment with a doctor approved by your employer’s workers compensation insurance carrier.
If you fail to see a doctor which is approved by your employer’s carrier, they may not pay the medical bill for that visit.
After you have taken these first two important steps, we highly advise that you consult a reputable Tulsa workers compensation attorney.
Although legal representation is not necessary to file for your Oklahoma workers compensation rights, a skilled lawyer can help you the obtain maximum benefits due to you and assist you in not missing any applicable deadlines.
Additional Facts
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 1 million workers experience back injuries annually.
A worker can damage the muscles in their back, as well as, ligaments, vertebrae and discs from daily tasks in the workplace.
The most common industries in which employees suffer back injuries are construction, agriculture, oil, and healthcare.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Workers Compensation Attorney
To get the best advice and guidance regarding your Oklahoma workers compensation rights, contact the Personal Injury Law Office of Tulsa today.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with a Tulsa workers compensation attorney, call (918) 924-5528, or send your question using the email form on this page.
