If you’ve been injured at work in Creek County, you have important rights under Oklahoma law. Workplace injuries can happen suddenly and leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. Knowing exactly what to do after a workplace accident can protect your health, your job, and your legal rights to compensation.
Report the Injury Immediately
The first and most important step after any workplace injury is to report it to your employer as soon as possible. Under Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the accident or discovery of a work-related illness.
Make sure your report is in writing and keep a copy for your records. Delaying or failing to report the injury could cause your workers’ compensation claim to be denied later. Even if your injury seems minor, always report it—some injuries worsen over time.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away
After reporting the injury, you are entitled to receive medical care. In Oklahoma, your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company typically selects the authorized treating physician for your care.
Your medical treatment should include:
- Immediate emergency care if needed
- Follow-up examinations and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Referrals to specialists when necessary
If your employer refuses or delays medical treatment, contact an experienced Creek County workers’ compensation attorney right away. You have the right to receive prompt and proper care for any job-related injury or illness.
Document Everything
Accurate documentation can make or break your case. From the moment your injury occurs, keep detailed notes about:
- How and when the injury happened
- Any witnesses present
- Conversations with your supervisor or HR representative
- Medical visits, test results, and treatment plans
- Missed workdays and lost wages
You should also save all correspondence from your employer or the insurance company, including claim forms and medical authorizations. This documentation helps prove both the cause of your injury and its impact on your ability to work.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once your employer has been notified, they should submit a claim to their insurance carrier. However, it’s smart to follow up to ensure your claim was actually filed. If your employer fails to report it, you can file directly with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (OWCC) in Oklahoma City or Tulsa.
Your claim should include:
- The date and description of the injury
- Your employment information
- Medical documentation from the treating physician
After your claim is filed, you may begin receiving temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if you’re unable to work. These benefits typically amount to 70% of your average weekly wage, up to a statutory cap.
Understand Your Right to Compensation When Injured at Work
If your claim is accepted, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation:
- Medical care at no cost to you
- Temporary total disability (TTD) while you recover
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) if your injury causes lasting impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job
- Death benefits for dependents if a work-related injury results in fatality
If your employer or the insurer disputes your claim, you have the right to appeal through the OWCC. An attorney can help you prepare the evidence needed to protect your claim and challenge any unfair denial.
Common Workplace Injuries in Creek County
Employees in Creek County face many types of workplace hazards, including:
- Construction and oilfield accidents
- Slip-and-fall or trip injuries
- Repetitive motion and lifting injuries
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Vehicle and equipment accidents
Even if your injury was partly your own fault, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits—Oklahoma is a no-fault system.
Creek County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Being injured at work can be life-changing, but you do not have to face the process alone. Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to provide medical care, wage replacement, and long-term benefits to employees who get hurt on the job. Our team of Creek County Attorneys can help you through the process and advocate for you. Call us at 918-209-3709 for a free and confidential consultation or ask a legal question here.
