Common Misconceptions About Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation

  1. Worker's Compensation
  2. Common Misconceptions About Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation
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Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation is a crucial system providing support and benefits to employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. Despite the program providing millions of dollars in medical support each year, many workers are unaware of how it works. Rumors, social media, and more create misconceptions about Workers’ Compensation that may cloud your views.

The Armstrong Law Firm, PLC, in Tulsa, clears up several common misconceptions surrounding Workers’ Compensation in Oklahoma that often lead to confusion and misinformation.

Myth #1: Only Severe Injuries Are Covered

One common myth is that only severe injuries are covered. The truth is, Workers’ Compensation covers a wide range of injuries, from minor to serious, as long as they’re job-related. Employees have every right to seek compensation for both minor and major injuries sustained in the workplace. This can include:

  • Repetitive-use injuries like carpel tunnel or stress fractures
  • Mental health injuries that accompany physical injuries
  • Illnesses from work conditions or exposure to harmful substances
  • Sprain and strain injuries

Myth #2: Injuries That Are Your Fault Are Not Covered

Some workers believe that if they’re at fault for their injury, they won’t be eligible for benefits. This is not true. Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system, meaning benefits are given regardless of who caused the injury. There are a few exceptions, such as self-inflicted injuries or those that occurred while committing a crime. However, in cases of work-related injuries, fault is not a determining factor in whether or not you may receive benefits.

Myth #3: Benefits Can Only Be Obtained Through a Lawsuit Against Your Employer

A serious misconception is that getting Workers’ Compensation benefits involves filing a lawsuit against your employer after an injury on the job. The fact is, Workers’ Compensation does not involve lawsuits against your employer – it is a safety net for workers that makes lawsuits unnecessary. Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance your employer carries; the insurance company is who actually handles injury claims and provides your benefits. Employees can also file administrative appeals when benefits are denied or payments stop prematurely. Lawsuits in Workers’ Compensation cases are rare.

Myth #4: Workers’ Compensation Pays Benefits for Pain and Suffering

Another misconception is that Workers’ Compensation includes provisions for pain and suffering. However, this is not the case. Workers’ Compensation benefits in Oklahoma may include:

  • Medical care
  • Temporary disability benefits
  • Permanent disability benefits
  • Death benefits for qualifying family members
  • Vocational retraining
  • Mental injury benefits if they are connected to a physical injury

An Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney can help you gain a clearer understanding of all the benefits you are entitled to receive in your particular case.

Myth #5: Workers’ Compensation Is Only for Workers in Strenuous Occupations

Many workers believe that Workers’ Compensation is only for employees in physically strenuous occupations like construction workers and butchers. However, even office work can result in toxic exposure illnesses in buildings with hazardous conditions and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. No work environment or activity is completely free of the risk of injury of some kind. Workers’ Compensation is not limited to specific job types but rather encompasses a wide range of potential workplace injuries and illnesses.

Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me

Don’t allow common misconceptions and rumors surrounding Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation to mar your views or delay filing a claim if you become injured at work. Most Oklahoma employees have specific rights and entitlements in the event of a work-related injury or illness. An Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Lawyer near you in Tulsa can help you learn the facts about this vital program and navigate the claims process more effectively to access the support you need during challenging times.

Contact The Armstong Law Firm, PLC, at (918) 582-2500 to get fast support if you sustain a work-related injury anywhere in Oklahoma.

 

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