If you are injured on the job and are unable to work, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation payments. However, you must file your claim promptly. If you miss the deadline for filing a claim, you may lose your right to receive compensation.
The Oklahoma City worker’s compensation injury lawyers at Warhawk Legal understand how stressful it is to be unable to work because of a workplace injury. You may be worried about how you will pay your family’s living expenses in addition to the mounting medical bills. Don’t face this challenge alone.
Contact us at (405) 397-1717 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. If we represent you, we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
When To Report Your Workplace Injury in Oklahoma City
You must report your workplace injury within 30 days or risk having your workers’ compensation claim denied. If you report your injury during the first 30 days, you will have the presumption of a valid injury claim. This means that the employer has the burden to prove that your injury is not true.
You should make your report in writing to a supervisor, employer, or managing body. Be sure to use any designated reporting forms and follow any specific process your employer has for making an injury report.
Even if you only suspect you may have suffered an injury or were exposed to any potentially harmful materials or conditions, report it in the manner required by your employer immediately and no later than within 30 days.
If you miss the 30-day deadline to report your injury, the injury will be presumed to not have happened at work. This means the burden to prove that your injury is a true workplace injury, will be on you.
Even if you have witnesses to your workplace injury and believe it will be easy to prove, you should report it within the deadline and enjoy the presumption of truth.
Additionally, your workers’ compensation benefits begin to accrue within 3 days of when you report your injury to your employer assuming you are unable to return to work.
When To File Your Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Claim
You must file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits in Oklahoma within one year of the workplace accident and injury or two years if the injury is for an occupational disease or infection. Additionally, a work injury death claim must be filed within two years from the date of death.
You need to have an experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyer representing you from the beginning. The Warhawk Legal attorneys will begin building your strongest case from the moment they take your case. We will fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Extenuating Circumstances When Filing a Workplace Injury Claim
If you do not report your injury within 30 days, you will likely face an uphill battle in proving that your injury was caused on the job. However, some situations make it difficult to know when you were injured.
Hearing loss does not normally happen immediately but comes on over time. Likewise, musculoskeletal injuries can take longer to identify since symptoms may appear to be normal aches and pains. Another problematic injury is workplace-related hernias because it can be difficult to identify when and where the injury happened.
These types of injuries can make a workers’ compensation claim more complicated. However, experienced, skillful workers’ compensation lawyers know how to handle complicated cases and can help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
What if a Third Party Caused My Injury?
Sometimes, an injury on the job happens due to the negligence or wrongdoing of someone other than your employer. When this happens, you may be entitled to file an Oklahoma City accident claim against the third party as well.
Examples of third-party defendants in a workplace injury could include:
- The manufacturer of a dangerous or defective produce
- A contractor on the job site
- A criminal actor on the job
- Another employee acting intentionally to cause your injury
- Another driver if you are in a car or truck accident while on the job
These are only a few possible third parties who could be responsible for injuries sustained on the job. In these situations, you need a dedicated Oklahoma City personal injury attorney to investigate your accident or incident and identify all potentially liable parties. At Warhawk Legal, we will thoroughly evaluate the causes of your injury and hold all responsible parties liable to ensure you get every dollar you deserve in your personal injury claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With An Oklahoma City Workplace Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured on the job, you deserve to be compensated. Whether your injury should be covered by workers’ compensation, or your injury is due to the negligence or wrongdoing of a third party, Warhawk Legal is here to help you.
Call us today at (405) 397-1717 or go to our contact page now to schedule a free consultation. We will help ensure that you are fully compensated for your workplace injury.