There are countless domestic workers in the state of Oklahoma. These hard-working men and women often complete chores around the house, care for children or elderly adults, serve as drivers, or prepare food. This job is far from easy, and sadly, many domestic workers are injured while performing their job duties. If you are a domestic worker, it’s important to understand your rights following an on-the-job injury.
Common Domestic Worker Injuries
Domestic workers can suffer a wide range of injuries while on-the-job, including:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Hip injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Car accident injuries
- Cooking injuries (burns, lacerations, etc.)
Some on-the-job injuries are minor, whereas others are severe enough to interfere with the individual’s ability to work. If a worker is unable to work as a result of an injury, workers’ compensation benefits can help them make ends meet while they recover.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
The workers’ compensation system was established to provide benefits to people who suffered work-related injuries. A worker who qualifies for these benefits can receive compensation for medical expenses, short-term disabilities, and long-term disabilities.
Most workers in Oklahoma are covered by this system, which means they are entitled to benefits after a workplace injury. But unfortunately, the system does not cover every type of worker in the state of Oklahoma.
Are Domestic Workers Covered By the Workers’ Compensation System?
A domestic worker may or may not be covered by the workers’ compensation system. The law states that these workers are not covered if the household in which they work had an annual payroll of less than $50,000 in the last calendar year.
For example, let’s say a full-time nanny picks up a child she cares for and sustains a back injury as a result. The child’s parents, her employer, employ several domestic workers that collectively earn more than $50,000 per year. In this case, the nanny is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But, if the children’s parents pay less than $50,000 per year to their domestic workers, the nanny is not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if she suffers an on-the-job injury.
Are you a domestic worker who has sustained a work-related injury? If so, seek legal representation from Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Our attorneys will review your case and help you explore all of your legal options. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.