When you suffer an injury at work, one of the first questions you might have is whether your medical bills will be covered by your employer. The answer, in many cases, is yes. However, understanding how workers’ compensation works in Oklahoma can help you see what to expect during the process. To see more on this topic, continue reading on. For other legal information, check out our Tulsa County Lawyers Group Blog here.
Understanding workers’ compensation in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, workers’ compensation insurance is a program that most employers must carry. It provides you with medical care if you suffer an injury while doing your job. The goal is to cover your medical expenses and a portion of your wages if you are unable to work because of your injury. If an injury occurs, you must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Oklahoma law requires you to notify your employer within 30 days of the injury. Failing to do so might jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.
What costs receive coverage?
Workers’ compensation insurance covers all necessary medical expenses related to your work injury. This includes emergency treatment, ongoing doctor visits, necessary surgeries, medications, and any rehabilitation. The coverage addresses the health care you need to recover and return to work, if possible.
It’s important to understand that the treatment must be provided by a doctor approved by your employer or their insurance company. You may have the right to see your own doctor, but you should check your employer’s policy on this to make sure you’re following the rules that allow you to stay covered.
Are there any costs that do not qualify?
When it comes to medical bills covered by an employer, workers’ compensation insurance does not cover conditions that were pre-existing before your workplace injury, unless your work has made that pre-existing condition worse. For example, if you suffer from back pain before starting your job but lifting heavy boxes at work worsens it, the treatment for the worsened condition may qualify for coverage.
Additionally, the insurance does not cover injuries that happen because you were violating company policy or committing a crime. Coverage may also be denied if the injury is self-inflicted or if you were not on the job when the injury occurred.
Process of filing a claim
Once you report your injury, your employer should provide you with a claim form to fill out and return. It’s important to fill out this form carefully and completely to avoid delays. After submitting the form, the employer’s insurance company reviews the claim and determines if they approve it. During this time, it’s vital to keep all medical appointments and follow the treatments your doctor recommends.
If your claim gets approval, you should start receiving benefits for medical care quickly. These benefits should cover all approved medical expenses and a portion of your wages if you are temporarily unable to work. If your injury permanently affects your ability to work, you might also be eligible for additional benefits.
What if my claim is denied?
Sometimes, workers’ compensation claims are denied. This can happen for various reasons, such as disputes over whether the injury is work-related or if the paperwork was not completed correctly. If your claim is denied, you will receive a notice explaining why. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal it. Oklahoma provides a specific process for appealing a workers’ compensation denial, which generally involves filing paperwork to request a hearing in front of the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Continuing treatment and monitoring your case
If the insurance company accepts your case, it’s crucial to continue following the medical advice you are given and attend all follow-up appointments. Your employer’s insurance company will cover your medical bills directly, so you should not see any bills. If a medical provider ever bills you, you should contact the workers’ compensation insurance adjuster assigned to your case.
It’s also a good idea to keep records of all your interactions with your employer and the insurance company, as well as copies of all forms you submit and receive. These documents can be important if there are any questions about your case later on.
Tulsa workers’ compensation lawyer
If you suffer an injury while working in Oklahoma, you typically receive coverage for medical bills by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. The key is to report your injury promptly, follow the rules for seeking treatment, and submit all necessary paperwork correctly. Need help with a potential workers’ compensation claim? Contact Tulsa County Lawyers Group by calling (918) 379-4864 or reaching out online to discuss your case with a workers’ compensation attorney.
