Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation is designed to provide benefits to eligible workers that become injured at work or while working for an employer. As with any government benefit program, there are numerous guidelines, exemptions and restrictions in place. An Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney can help you through the claims process when you have been injured at work. They can also answer the questions you have about the entire process.
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at The Armstrong Law Firm, PLC, is, “When do my Workers’ Compensation benefits begin paying?”
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When you will begin receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits depends on several factors, one of which is the type of benefits to which you are entitled. Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation provides injured workers the following benefits, depending on your injury’s severity and your ability to return to work:
- Medical care for work-related injuries or illnesses
- Payments to help replace your lost wages while recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses
- Temporary total disability payments
- Compensation for permanent disabilities caused by work-related injuries or illness
- Job retraining if your injury makes you unable to work in your previous occupation
- Death benefits for your family if you die due to a work-related injury or illness
An Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney can review your injury and surrounding circumstances and share more about benefits you may be able to claim. A medical review and documented proof are usually necessary to qualify for benefits.
How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay in Oklahoma?
Workers’ Compensation benefits in Oklahoma are paid out in types of disablement, which is determined by your injuries and how they limit your ability to work. This judgment is made by your primary treating physician. These benefits are to begin within 15 days after you file an injury claim with your employer. Some limitations can apply.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) — These benefits are paid to injured workers who are able to return to work and perform some lower paying, lighter duty form of work. TPD benefits are calculated at 70% of the difference between your pre-accident and post-accident wages. So, for example, if your job paid $800 weekly before you were injured, but the limited duty tasks you now perform only pays $450 a week. Multiply the difference in wages ($350) by 70% (350 x 0.7) to calculate your TPD weekly benefit of $245. This benefit is paid to you until you resume your normal work tasks or for a maximum 52 weeks.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) — These benefits are paid to injured workers who are unable to perform any type of work. The maximum rate in 2022 for temporary total disability benefits in Oklahoma is $953.18 per week. In 2023, the maximum is raised to $986.86. Depending on the severity of the injury, total disability payments may be paid up to 104 weeks or until you return to work.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD) — These benefits are paid to injured workers who have been judged by a competent medical authority to be permanently unable to perform any type of work. TPD benefits are calculated at 70% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum rate of $953.18 in 2022. These payments continue weekly until you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.
Permanent Partial Impairment Benefits (PPI) — These benefits are paid to injured workers who have been judged by competent medical authority to have a permanent work-related disability that still allows them to perform some type of work. PPI benefits are based on your type and extent of disability. Your weekly payments are equal to 70% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum of $360 in 2022.
Other benefits are available and are paid according to specific schedules. These include death benefits to your spouse and children, medical payments to your providers and compensation settlements for loss of a limb.
Seasoned Guidance for Workers’ Compensation Claims in OK
The Armstrong Law Firm, PLC in Tulsa can provide more complete explanations and information about what compensation you may receive and when in a confidential consultation. Workers’ Compensation claims can be complicated and the rules governing benefits are complex. You need a seasoned Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Oklahoma to guide you and help you receive everything you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.