The vast majority of Oklahoma employees are covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system and are therefore entitled to benefits for work-related injuries. There are some workers this rule does not apply to in Oklahoma, including:
- Real estate agents or brokers
- Independent contractors
- Certain agricultural or horticultural workers
- Certain domestic workers
- Sole proprietors
- Volunteers
- Tractor-trailer or truck rental owners/operators
- Tax-exempt youth sports league employees
If you are covered by the workers’ compensation system, this does not mean you will receive benefits any time you are injured. This is because the workers’ compensation system does not cover all injuries. It only covers injuries that occur in the course and scope of employment.
Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp
The workers’ compensation system covers injuries — physical, mental, and emotional — that occur in the course of employment. Proving an employer’s fault or even for a work-related illness or injury is not necessary since Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws are based solely on strict liability.
Most injuries that occur at the workplace can be categorized as work-related, including injuries that occur in company-owned vehicles or at other locations so long as an employee is doing something that is job-related. Even workers injured while attending social events that are sponsored by their employer are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Employees are generally compensated for lost wages, medical bills, and other types of losses that are incurred after being hurt at work. Workers’ compensation also provides injured workers with temporary and permanent disability benefits based on the severity and duration of the injury or illness.
Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Comp
An employer’s insurance company will deny claims for non-work-related injuries. For example, injuries that occur during meal breaks or in a parking lot outside of the employer’s building are typically not covered. The insurance company will contend that injuries like these are not eligible for workers’ comp benefits because they were not sustained as a result of employment-related activities. The insurance company may also deny your claim if you were hurt while engaging in horseplay or if you were injured while physically fighting with another employee.
Have you been injured at work? If so, seek legal representation from Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Our attorneys are committed to protecting the best interests of injured workers. Let us fight for the workers’ compensation benefits 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.