What to Do If You Are Injured at Work in Oklahoma City: Workers’ Compensation Basics

Whether you work in one of the most dangerous industries or not, anyone can be injured when they go to work. If you were injured on the job in Oklahoma, it is important to know what to do and how to protect your rights.

For assistance after a workplace accident, you are welcome to reach out to an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at the Putnam Law Office.

How to Handle a Workplace Accident in Oklahoma

You are under no obligation to file a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation claim if you are injured at work. However, it is your right to when an injury accident happens, and doing so can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, missed wages, and potentially more.

After a workplace injury accident in Oklahoma, you must report the incident to your supervisor. If they file an accident report, it is important to get a copy of it. Having a workplace injury accident report documents that your accident happened and helps you protect your right to compensation because sometimes, an injury won’t produce symptoms until days or weeks after an accident. When this happens, an accident report will safeguard your ability to get the benefits you need.

If the workplace injury accident is catastrophic and immediate medical attention is required, then getting to a hospital quickly is essential. After critical treatment is administered you can then report the accident to your supervisor and obtain the report. In situations where emergency medical treatment is not required, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Since most employers that have at least five employees must have Oklahoma workers’ compensation insurance, it is likely that you will be covered if an accident happens at work. As such, your employer’s insurance coverage will pay for the costs of your medical treatment.

However, in some cases, the negligence of a third party at your job is partly why your accident happened. In this case, it could be possible to file a personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim against this third party. Personal injury claims can include non-economic damages you suffered like pain and suffering for which you can be compensated. By contrast, these damages are not compensable with workers’ compensation benefits.

Whether or not you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both, having an attorney’s assistance can be beneficial. An attorney can advise you of your rights and protect them on your behalf. When you are badly injured, it is necessary to reduce your stress and focus on getting better. With an attorney’s help managing your claims, you are better positioned to do this.

Speak to an Attorney at the Putnam Law Office Today

For help after a workplace accident, and to learn more about what your rights are to compensation, you are welcome to talk with an Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer at the Putnam Law Office. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced and resourceful attorney, please call 405-724-7701 today.