For many years, the law in Oklahoma gave injured workers the right to select their own treating physician. However, the law was recently changed. After 1994, if your employer participates in a Certified Work Place Medical Plan (CWMP), you must select one of the physicians provided by that plan, or select a family physician designated [...]
Yes. Chiropractic care is covered by Workers’ Compensation in Oklahoma. The law very clearly allows for care by a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, chiropractor, chiropodist, dentist or optometrist. YOU have the right to select any on of these types of physicians to render medical care for your injury. However, if your employer belongs to a [...]
If your Workers’ Compensation claim is properly handled, your right to medical care in future years can be protected. The right of an injured worker to reasonable and necessary medical attention, may be the most valuable benefit provided by Workers’ Compensation law. Great caution should be exercised in entering into any agreement that requires you [...]
The law requires you to either report your injury to your employer within sixty (60) days OR receive medical care from a physician during that sixty (60) day period. However, It is best if you notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. If you do not give notice of your injury to your [...]
If you are disabled for more than three (3) days due to a work-related injury, you are entitled to receive weekly income benefits. These benefits should begin on the fourth (4th) day of disability and generally continue as long as your disability continues.
If you or a loved one has suffered an on-the-job injury, contact me [...]
Workers’ Compensation benefit rates are calculated based upon both the state’s average weekly wage (SAWW) and the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW). The law provides benefits equal to 100% of the employee’s AWW up to 70% of the SAWW for temporary total, permanent total and death benefits. For injuries occurring between November 1, 2005 and [...]
When you have received sufficient medical care and are released by your physician, you may be entitled to a benefit for permanent disability. How much permanent disability you have is estimated by a physician and is generally stated in a written report in terms of a percentage. (Example: 30% disability to the leg.) Remember, you [...]
Workers’ Compensation laws provide for rehabilitation benefits in cases of serious injury. If your injury prevents you from returning to your work, you may be entitled to educational assistance or training to learn another skill. You may also be entitled to assistance in obtaining other employment. There is no additional attorney fee for securing rehabilitation [...]
You are not required by law to have an attorney represent you. However, without a lawyer you must deal with an experienced insurance adjuster or insurance company lawyer on your own. Both of these parties make a living protecting the insurance company’s interests. The best way to be sure that you receive each and every [...]
You pay an attorney fee only if you recover benefits. Under Oklahoma law, an attorney receives a twenty percent (20%) attorney fee for permanent disability benefits collected and a ten percent (10%) attorney fee for temporary total disability benefits collected. There is generally no attorney fee when weekly benefits are paid voluntarily. The injured worker [...]
