To File a Workers Compensation Claim you must inform your employer of the on the job injury. Many people who suffer workplace injuries need to file a workers compensation claim.  However, people often do not know how to begin to file the paperwork or what the proper process is.  There are definitely time frames and certain reports that you must be aware of in order to receive workers compensation.

How to File a Workers Compensation Claim

The first step to file an Oklahoma workers compensation claim is to notify your employer of the injury as soon as you are aware of it.  This could be reporting to a supervisor, filing a report through HR, or other avenues.  It is all dependent upon your workplace policy.  You should file the report in writing and keep a copy for yourself.

Next, your employer will notify their insurance provider.  This provider will send you to a workers compensation doctor from a list of providers they choose.  This doctor will examine your injuries and request a course of treatment.  This may be surgery, physical therapy, or just simply rest for a few days.

Finally, you will follow the suggested treatment and upon completion visit the treating doctor again.  This doctor will determine if you are at “maximum medical improvement” and either release you back to work or send you into a different course of treatment.

At the end of your treatment, you will receive a settlement.  Afterwards, you should be able to return to work or some type of work that takes into account any permanent injuries you may have.

Statutes of Limitations and Other Loopholes

To file an Oklahoma workers compensation claim, you must follow certain rules under the law.  First, you have a statute of limitations for when you may file a claim.  This is 2 years from the date of the injury or when you notice the injury.  If you file a claim after this 2 year window is over, then your claim will likely face denial.

Another loophole is that you must not accept the final settlement unless your medical treatment is verifiably complete.  Once you accept the lump sum settlement, your employer is no longer liable for any medical treatment regarding the injury.

Lastly, you need to request and make sure your employer files your injury claim with the Workers Compensation Commission.  This ensures that you will receive a lump sum settlement at the end of your treatment.   If an employer attempts and gets away with paying your medical expenses without reporting the injury, then you are not entitled to the settlement at the end.  This could cost you thousands in settlement payments.

INFORMATION ON WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE AND EMPLOYERS.

Advantages of Hiring Work Injury Attorneys

It is important that you protect your interests when you file a workers compensation claim.  To do this, it is wise to hire a workers compensation attorney.  For instance, sometimes a company will be slow to file your claim and cause you to spend extra time off work or valuable time in medical treatment.  If you have an attorney though, the paperwork will be filed through the attorneys office.  This eliminates the wait for the employer to take care of the paperwork.  Further, an injury attorney will ensure that you do not accept a settlement before your medical treatment is complete.  Many employers may attempt to make this offer, but an experienced attorney will know better.  Our Wagoner work injury attorneys offer a free case evaluation.