Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Broken Arrow

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma?

  The Broken Arrow Police can be reached at (918) 259-8400 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma?

  You can request a copy of a police report in person or by mail. For assistance, call (918) 451-8302. In-Person – Visit the Broken Arrow Police Department (BAPD) Records Unit at 1101 N. 6th St., Broken Arrow, OK, 74012. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Please bring a completed Open Records Request Form and your photo ID. By Mail – Send a completed Open Records Request Form along with a money order or check for the fee, and a stamped and self-addressed envelope to the BAPD Records Department, 1101 N. 6th Street, Broken Arrow, OK, 74012.

  Download the Open Records Request Form here: https://www.brokenarrowok.gov/government/police/divisions/support/records.

• What benefits does the workers’ compensation insurance system in Broken Arrow provide?

  You may expect to receive any of these benefits under workers' compensation in Broken Arrow:

  Medical benefits – Covers all expenses related to injury/illness treatment, including travel costs. Temporary disability benefits – Replacement for lost wages during the recovery period. Permanent disability benefits – Compensation for when you are left with a permanent disability after finishing medical treatment. Vocational rehabilitation benefits – Training and job placement assistance. Death benefits – Compensation for the surviving dependents of a worker who passes away due to an injury.

• How much of lost wages does workers’ compensation pay out for injured Broken Arrow employees?

  If you are totally unable to work, worker’s compensation will pay for 70% of your lost wages. If you have returned to work on a limited capacity and earn less than before the injury, the insurance will cover 70% of the wage gap between your previous and current work. Calculations are based on your average weekly wage. Note that there are caps to the amount of lost wage replacements. Your Broken Arrow workers' compensation attorney can advise you on these.

• How long do you have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Broken Arrow, OK?

  You have to notify your Broken Arrow employer of your injury and ask for medical treatment within 30 days. Failing to notify within 30 days can bar you from benefits. A written notice is also preferred. Your employer should report the injury to the insurer within 10 days of your notification, and your claim should be accepted or denied shortly after. If there are disputes, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission within one year.

• Do you have to prove who was at fault for your injury to get workers’ compensation benefits in Broken Arrow, OK?

  No, workers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault system providing benefits to injured Broken Arrow workers without the burden of proving fault. Your fault or somebody else’s fault in causing your injury or occupational illness does not affect your eligibility to claim benefits. However, in exchange for this, you cannot sue the employer for personal injury or claim damages for pain and suffering.

• Your Broken Arrow employer is asking you to pay for some of the workers' compensation premium, is this ok?

  No, you should not be made to pay or take deductions for the workers’ compensation insurance premium. Broken Arrow employers doing this are committing a misdemeanor, according to Oklahoma Statutes §85A-9. In the same way, any employee who misrepresents their injury or illness to obtain benefits is committing workers’ compensation fraud, which is a felony, according to Oklahoma Statutes §85A-6.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.