When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Oklahoma City

When you’ve spent years giving your all to your job, you expect the safety net of workers’ compensation to be there for you after you’ve suffered a serious workplace injury. Unfortunately, a significant number of claims end in denials, and countless others experience significant delays from filing errors and missed deadlines. Workers’ compensation policies come from insurance companies with profits as their motive. It’s not uncommon for an insurer to protect the company’s profits at an injury victim’s expense. It’s crucial to your claim to understand how an Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyer can help, and when you need an attorney for your claim.

If Your Injury Caused Significant Losses or Disability

Most workers’ compensation claims end with a settlement from an employer’s workers’ compensation policy; however, settlements often undervalue claims—particularly those involving substantial losses, such as permanent disability that prevents a return to the workplace. In these cases, favorable results are critical. Instead of leaving your case in the hands of an insurance company that’s not on your side, contact a workers’ compensation attorney to represent your best interests throughout the process of your claim.

If Your Employer Fails to Uphold Their Responsibilities In Your Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Claim

An employer must report your injury to the Workers’ Compensation Commission within ten days of receiving your written notification of injury. They also must provide you with a list of approved medical providers to ensure that your medical care is covered.

If an employer has delayed action in your claim, unreasonably denied action in your case, or retaliates against you for making a workers’ compensation claim, it may be time to hire an Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorney.

If Your Settlement Doesn’t Cover All of Your Injury-Related Expenses

Injuries are often expensive to treat as well as painful and sometimes temporarily or permanently debilitating. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation often offers a low settlement that may not adequately cover your lost wages and total future income loss. If workers’ compensation offers a settlement that doesn’t meet your losses, a workers’ compensation attorney can help by representing your interests while negotiating a settlement for your claim.

If You’ve Received a Claim Denial for Your Valid Workers’Compensation Claim

Data from a recent workers’ compensation study shows that workers’ compensation denies about 12.8% of claims; however, a significant number of initial claim denials end with a settlement after an appeal. The appeal process may require a hearing, where you’ll need to present compelling evidence of your injury’s impact and evidence that it occurred in the workplace. If you’ve received a claim denial from workers’ compensation, contact an Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyer for your appeal process.

If a Non-Employer or Third-Party Caused Your Injury

Finally, there may be additional compensation available to you if your injury was caused by a non-employer, such as a contractor, subcontractor, or property owner. While workers’ compensation insurance protects employers from lawsuits, if a non-employer’s negligence caused your injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Compensation in these claims typically comes from the at-fault party’s liability insurance. A successful Oklahoma personal injury claim also recovers compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which aren’t available in a workers’ compensation claim.

An Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyer pursues all available avenues to maximize your compensation.