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How is a Workers Comp Settlement Determined in Oklahoma?

Workers' compensation in Oklahoma is determined by 4 different financial factors:

Current Medical Expenses

The medical bills associated with the initial injury (hospitalization, medication, etc.)

Future Medical Expenses

Any medical bills that may be incurred due to lasting complications of the filed injury (therapy, surgeries, nursing, etc.)

Lost Wages

Financial hardship from being unable to work in the past, present, & future.

Specific Loss

Long term handicap referring to a loss of a specific bodily limb or function (hearing, vision, amputation, etc.)

Before you accept a settlement offered by your employer or the workers' compensation insurance company handling your claim, we recommend that you consult with an attorney. An experienced Oklahoma City workers' compensation attorney can review the circumstances of your work injury and the settlement you were offered to determine whether it is fair and will actually cover all of your medical expenses and loss of earnings for the time you are disabled.

Get a Second Opinion Before Settling Your Workers' Comp Case

A settlement offered by your employer may not be fair for two primary reasons: the type of settlement and the fact that the employer's doctor has determined the level of impairment. A Joint Petition settlement is generally the type of workers' comp settlement that an employer will offer. This is a lump sum settlement that will terminate any future right to benefits in the future. What if your injury suddenly worsens? You will be unable to seek additional benefits.

Then there is the matter of the doctor who determines your "level of impairment". This may be defined as the severity of disability and how this affects your life. Your level of impairment will directly impact the settlement you are offered.

Without a second opinion, you will rely solely upon the medical opinion of a professional who works for your employer.

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Experienced Workers' Comp Settlement Legal Counsel

In properly handling your workers' comp settlement, a lawyer at the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote will ensure that two medical opinions are sought in regard to your level of impairment and that a Joint Petition reached is actually in your best interests. We will work to resolve any disputes or disagreements without going to court but have the resources and experience to aggressively protect your interests in Workers' Compensation Court if this is necessary to reach a fair outcome.

Contact an Oklahoma City workers' comp lawyer from our firm to discuss your injuries and the settlement offered by your employer to determine if you deserve more.

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