Oklahoma City Workers' Compensation Lawyers & Attorneys
Stipe & Belote is one of the preeminent workers' compensation law firms in the state of Oklahoma, having represented thousands of clients in this area of law. As one of the largest firms to practice this type of litigation, we have many expert workers compensation attorneys who focus solely on these cases and getting our clients the compensation they are entitled to.
Your employer has to abide by federal and state laws designed to keep you safe at work. When workers are injured, employers and their workers compensation insurance carrier are responsible for providing those employees with the medical care they need as quickly as possible. This medical coverage provided must include all necessary treatments, physical therapy, surgeries, medications and reimbursement for travel to appropriate medical facilities.
If an injured worker cannot resume the same job after recovering from his or her injury, the employer is responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation and training. While under a doctor's care, he or she is also entitled to collect 'temporary total disability' (TTD) that constitutes for 70% of his or her weekly pay up to $473.00. After returning to work, even if the employee cannot work as long or be paid the same amount for the position, his or her TTD payments will be discontinued.
If an injury is severe enough that the employee cannot return to work at all, it is possible for he or she to be evaluated for permanent impairment or disability. Two doctor's approvals are needed for this. The employee's attorney selects the first doctor, and the employer's insurance company usually selects the second. If both parties agree to the level of disability, a settlement or 'Joint Petition' can be reached.
When a Joint Petition is reached, the insurance company pays the employee an agreed to sum and the employee then releases his or her employer of all future claims. If the two parties cannot come to an agreement, a Workers' Compensation Court judge can hear the case and decide what the injured party should be awarded.
The statute of limitations on workers compensation claims is a little different than most personal injury claims. The employee has two years from the time of injury to file a claim, but he or she must also notify the employer about the injury or seek medical treatment within thirty days for a claim to be accepted.
If an injury involving an employee's heart, lungs, eyes or other vital organs takes place (called a 'cumulative trauma') then a few additional specialized laws apply. You can contact our expert workers compensation lawyers to find out more.
If you are located in the McAlester, Norman, Edmond or Oklahoma City area and you or a loved one has been injured at work, you should contact the offices of Stipe & Belote today.
We have helped clients like you settle workers compensation claims for over 50 years and have the experience and expertise needed to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation today.
To find out more, please read our Workers' Compensation FAQs.
Workers' Compensation FAQs
Who is entitled to workers compensation?
Anyone who has been seriously injured on the job due to the negligence of his or her employer. If you are located in Oklahoma and have been injured at work, you should call us today to discuss your legal options.
What medical coverage does an employer have to provide to injured employees?
Depending on the severity of the injury, the employer or its insurance carrier needs to provide prompt and adequate medical care, pay for all reasonable treatments and therapies, rehabilitation, medication, and travel expenses related to treatment.
What happens if an injured employee cannot return to the same job or type of work once released from medical care?
The employer or its insurance carrier must provide vocational rehabilitation and training. Additionally, an injured worker is entitled to weekly 'temporary total disability' (TTD) payments of up to $473.00 - and if the injured cannot return to work at all, he or she can apply for permanent disability.
When do TTD payments end?
Whenever the employee returns to work, regardless of whether the level of work or pay is the same.
What happens if a worker is permanently injured and cannot go back to work?
If two doctors (one selected by the employee and another by the employer's insurance company) agree that the employee has a permanent injury, the two parties can enter into a settlement or go to Workers Compensation Court to decide what compensation the employee is entitled to.
What is the statute of limitations for these cases?
Two years from the date of injury. However, the employee must also notify the employer of the injury and seek medical care within 30 days of the injury to successfully file a claim.
What is a cumulative trauma?
Any injury that affects important organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, ears, etc. Special laws apply to cases involving injuries of this kind.
We have been representing clients in the McAlester, Edmond, Norman and Oklahoma City area in workers compensation cases for over 50 years. We have the experience and case records to prove that we are the right firm to represent you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
