A workers’ comp attorney breaks down everything you should know
Slip, trip, and fall injuries topped the list of work-related injuries for last year in Oklahoma in which injured workers received workers’ compensation benefits, according to the recent annual workers’ compensation report for 2020 from the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission.
The annual report also includes information about how much money was paid statewide last year to sick or injured workers, as well as which work-related injuries or illnesses were the most common ones in 2020.
What are common workplace injuries in Oklahoma?
In 2020, the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission received 7,224 filings for work-related injuries or illnesses. The most common work-related injuries or illnesses eligible for workers’ compensation benefits last year in Oklahoma included:
- Slip, trip, or fall injuries (26 percent of claims)
- Muscle strains (19 percent)
- Struck by an object injuries (15 percent)
- Caught in between an object or underneath one (7 percent)
- Work-related motor vehicle accident injuries (5 percent)
- Injuries due to being struck or stepping on an object (4 percent)
- Cuts, punctures, or scrapes (2 percent)
- Burn injuries or scalding injuries due to extreme heat or cold (2 percent)
- Other miscellaneous causes (20 percent)
Which part of the body is injured the most at work?
The 2020 annual workers’ compensation claim report also includes detailed information about which parts of the body are injured the most. The top 5 on the list includes injuries to the following body parts:
- Right shoulder (608 claims)
- Unspecified parts of the back (539 claims)
- Left shoulder (520 claims)
- Lower back (502 claims)
- Neck (383 claims)
These are just some of the most common injury claims filed for work-related injuries in Oklahoma last year. There were many other types of serious injuries deemed eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. That’s why it’s important for sick or injured workers to file a claim as soon as possible.
How much money are workers entitled to receive?
The maximum amount of money sick or injured workers in Oklahoma can receive each week for workers’ compensation is adjusted nearly every year, primarily to reflect increases in the cost of living.
Since January 1, 2021, and through the end of this year, the maximum weekly workers’ compensating rate in Oklahoma is $923.53 per week, according to the annual report. That figure is 2.7 percent higher than last year when the maximum weekly workers’ compensation rate for the state was $898.63 per week.
To receive the maximum amount, sick or injured workers must meet certain income requirements, as well as provide proof that they have a work-related illness or injury covered by workers’ compensation. There are also restrictions on how long sick or injured workers can receive benefits. Applicants must also apply for benefits within a certain amount of time after their work-related injury or illness. If workers miss these deadlines, they might not be eligible to receive benefits.
A workers' comp lawyer can help you navigate the system
Just because you have a work-related injury or illness that qualifies for workers’ compensation in Oklahoma does not mean you will automatically receive benefits. In many cases, claims are denied and workers miss out on the benefits they're entitled to.
Sometimes, a workers' comp insurance company will claim that a work-related injury happened outside of work or that you have a pre-existing medical condition that's not covered. Other times, employers pressure injured workers to return to work too soon.
At Lawter & Associates, PLLC, we take pride in helping sick and injured workers pursue the benefits they deserve. Don't go through this journey on your own. Discover what we can do for you and contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorney. We have offices conveniently located in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.