In 2013, the legislature enacted several changes to Oklahoma workers compensation law.
Formerly, workers compensation in Tulsa was based around a court system.
As of February 1, 2014, all work-related claims must be processed through Oklahoma’s new administrative workers’ compensation system – the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Committee.
Any claims for injuries taking place prior to February 1, 2014 will be handled by the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing Claims.
FAQ: Oklahoma Workers Compensation Law
In Oklahoma, an employer must carry workers compensation insurance unless the employer is statutorily exempted, e.g., the employer is the federal government.
Because of how Oklahoma workers compensation law is set up, an individual injured while on the job cannot simply file a lawsuit against his employer for negligence.
Instead, he is obligated by statute to file a claim for workers compensation to see if he is entitled to benefits.
The first step to filing a workers compensation claim is reporting the injury to one’s employer. The new rules provide 30 days for an employee to give notice of his injury.
Under the law, the employer has the right to choose the doctor who will administer care to the employee making the claim.
If the employer does not choose a health care provider for the employee within seven days after the injury is reported, then the employee is permitted to choose his provider at the employer’s expense.
The employee has one year from the date of his work-related injury to file his claim with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission.
In cases of a work-related sickness or disease, this deadline is extended to two years from the date of the last injurious exposure.
Additional Information
Oklahoma now has a Counselor Program, also called an Ombudsman Program, for employees who want general information about Oklahoma workers compensation law.
While the counselors can provide very helpful information, it is an excellent idea to hire an attorney to handle your workers compensation claim for you.
An experienced Tulsa workers compensation attorney will ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that you meet all applicable deadlines.
If you disagree with a decision made by the Commission, an attorney can assist you through arbitration and dispute resolution required by the recent changes in Oklahoma workers compensation law.
Our attorneys are versed in Oklahoma’s new workers compensation laws and in the old rules under the former court-based system.
We can help you understand your rights if you have been injured in the workplace or suffer from an occupational sickness or disease, whether your injury or exposure took place before or after February 1, 2014.
Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma Workers Compensation Attorney
To find out if you might be entitled to compensation for injuries that resulted from a work-related injury, contact the Oklahoma workers compensation injury attorney at the Personal Injury Law Office of Tulsa today.
For a low-cost, no-obligation consultation, call (918) 924-5528 or send your question using the email form on this page.
