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Oklahoma City Workers' Compensation Lawyer
If you were hurt in the course of your job duties, we want to help
Under Oklahoma law, almost all employers must have workers’ comp insurance coverage. Employers can obtain coverage from private insurers, CompSource Oklahoma or through court-approved self-insurance. Workers’ compensation is provided to protect you in case you sustain injuries while at work.
If you sustained an injury while on the job, you need experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorneys to guide you through the system and protect your rights to benefits. At Cunningham & Mears, we are dedicated to helping you understand and protect your rights to compensation after any injury.
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Types of workers’ compensation benefits
Depending on the nature of your injuries, injured workers may be entitled to several different kinds of workers’ comp benefits in Oklahoma:
- All reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Temporary wage loss benefits
- Permanent disability based on percentage of impairment and determination of disability
Is it better to settle my workers’ compensation claim?
Obtaining fair Oklahoma workers’ compensation settlements from your employer or their insurance company is often a complicated task. Because insurance companies are businesses, adjusters often deny or undervalue claims to minimize payouts and maximize profits. By obtaining the assistance of experienced workers’ comp lawyers, you can maximize your chances of a full and fair settlement. Experienced attorneys have a thorough understanding of the system. They know how to complete a thorough application and how to represent you in appeal.
Oklahoma workers’ comp laws and appeals
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Courts in Oklahoma City and Tulsa examine claims to ensure the workers’ comp laws are applied correctly. Ten judges hear contested cases and approve settlements. If you cannot reach a settlement with the workers’ comp insurer, Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyers can help you request and prepare for a hearing before a judge. After that, the next step is to appeal the trial judge’s ruling to the Court En Banc or the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Personal injury or workers’ comp: which one do I need?
If you are injured in a workplace accident, the typical form of recovery is Oklahoma workers’ comp benefits. However, in some cases, you may be entitled to recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit if:
- A third party’s negligence caused your injuries
- You were injured by a defective product
- You are a contractor, and therefore ineligible for benefits
- You do not work on the site where you were injured
- Your injuries were caused by foul play
What to do when you have been injured on the job
After a workplace injury you should do the following:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the injury to your employer right away
- Make sure that your employer has filed a workers' compensation claim on your behalf
It is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding workers' compensation. The Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission publishes a free guide for injured workers which will answer many of your questions about what the program covers and what benefits you are entitled to.
The dedicated team of lawyers at Cunningham & Mears is here to protect your rights and fight for the fair amount of compensation you have earned after a workplace injury. With 105 years of combined service, we are trusted advocates for our clients' interests. At Cunningham & Mears, our Oklahoma workplace injury attorneys thoroughly examine the facts of your case to determine whether filing a workers’ comp claim or pursing a personal injury accident claim is in your best interest.
If you were hurt while on the job, call us to learn more about your options
At Cunningham & Mears, we are determined to provide you with the help you need after an accident or workplace injury. If we cannot represent you, we will refer you to a workers’ comp attorney who can. To learn more about Oklahoma workers’ compensation laws and how we help injured clients, contact us or call 405-232-1212 today for a free initial consultation.
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