The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide a simple and efficient process for employees to seek compensation for work-related injuries. The workers’ compensation process does not require an employee to show the employer was “at-fault” but only that the injury occurred in the “course and scope” of employment. In the simplest terms, this means that the employee is performing some sort of function or task for the benefit of the employer. The workers’ compensation system also provides the employer with absolute protection from lawsuits brought by employees for work-related injuries. Workers compensation cases often involve complicated legal issues. Certain types of conduct or circumstances can result in delays in receiving benefits or your claim being denied altogether. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine if a particular situation or injury will be covered. For instance, taking illegal drugs or being drunk on the job can provide a complete defense to the employer.
If you or a loved one has received a work-related injury in or around Oklahoma City, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer immediately. There are strict time limits for the taking of legal action in such cases, so do not hesitate to send us an email or call us at 405-232-7980 for a free consultation.
At the Law Office of Robert R. Robles, I employ over 30 years of experience to ensure that you or your loved one receive all of the benefits to which you are legally entitled. We understand your stress and anxiety and will help make sure the process goes smoothly by dealing with your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company.
What Should I Know About Work-Related Injuries?
Many injuries are not the simple injury you would commonly expect to see from a slip and fall, chemical burn, explosion or equipment failure injury. Some injuries can occur as a result of performing a repetitive movement day after day. Repetitive trauma injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can take long periods of time to develop but may qualify an employee for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation covers a variety of injuries to the body including:
- Spinal injuries including herniated and bulging discs in the neck or back regions
- Hand, arm or shoulder injuries such as lacerations, fractures, muscle/tendon tears and full or partial limb amputation
- Knee, leg and foot Injuries including lacerations, fractures, muscle/tendon tears and full or partial limb amputation
- Nerve damage
- Brain injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injury
- Repetitive movement injury such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud noises at work
- Burn injuries, scaring or disfigurement
- Occupational Disease (Including Asthma, Asbestosis, COPD, Mesothelioma, Silicosis and conditions resulting from exposure to fumes, chemicals, poisons or other toxins)
- Death from traumatic injuries: exposure to toxins, fire or asphyxiation.
What are some of the exceptions where workers’ compensation insurance may not cover my claim?
If an employee “off the clock” or not otherwise engaged in a task or duty for the benefit of the employer, your injury might not be covered. While workers’ compensation may cover an employee injured during his or her daily work commute, it will cover an employee who was involved in company business or running an errand on the way to or from work.
If an employee is injured on the job but was intoxicated by alcohol or narcotics such injuries would also not typically be compensated by workers’ compensation, unless the intoxication did not cause the injury such as a pipe falling on an intoxicated employee. or a mysterious explosion killing an intoxicated employee.
Protect Your Rights! Our Experienced Lawyers will Help You
Only an experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation injury lawyer will be able to thoroughly investigate your case and advise you on the many ways to obtain full compensation for your work injury claim. Many workers’ compensation insurance companies will deny liability or wrongfully delay your compensation in an attempt to reduce their payout on your claim.
I invite you to contact the Law Office of Robert R. Robles in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to speak with our Oklahoma City Workers’ Comp Lawyers for more information about how I can help you. If you have questions about whether your job-related injury is covered, you should contact me today for your free initial consultation.
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