Every day in Oklahoma sees workers injured on-the-job. Many of those injured workers do not realize that the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation laws provide them valuable rights.

When an Oklahoma employee suffers an on-the-job injury, the employer or its Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier is responsible for providing and paying for prompt medical treatment. This means all medical treatment that is reasonable and necessary, including x-rays and MRIs, physical therapy, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.

If an injured worker must travel out of town for medical treatment, he must be paid for each mile traveled. The current reimbursment rate is 58.5 cents per mile.

In addition, if an injured worker is unable to work because he is under the care of a doctor, that worker is entitled to draw “temporary total disability”(TTD) payments in an amount equal to 70% of the average weekly wage of the employee, up to a maximum of $528.00 per week. Once the worker has been released to return to work, even if it is light duty, the obligation to pay TTD comes to an end.

If an injured worker is unable to return to the same type of work after he has been released by the doctor, then the employee may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation and training.

Oklahoma law requires that an injured employee must either notify his employer of the injury within thirty (30) days of the date of injury or must seek medical treatment within thirty (30) days of the date of injury to have a valid claim. Failure to give notice or seek medical treatment within the time allowed may result in the claim being denied.

A claim must be filed with Workers’ Compensation Court within two years of the date of injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered an on-the-job injury, contact me today for a free consultation. I will use my experience, knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible results for you and your family.