If you or someone you love is injured in an accident on the job in Oklahoma, you will want to educate yourself about the types of benefits available to you via the state’s workers’ compensation program. You will also want to learn about the process for applying and receiving these benefits.
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission explains that there are different categories of workers’ compensation benefits based upon the type of injury that a person experiences. In cases where you permanently lose function or a body part, you may be eligible for what is called permanent partial loss of use or permanent total loss of use or amputation benefits. In both cases, the benefits are calculated at a maximum of 70 percent of your weekly average wage. The length of time that benefits may be earned will depend based upon the extent of the injury.
For partial losses, benefits may be earned up to 350 weeks. For total losses or amputations, the length of time that you may earn benefits will depend on what body part is involved. In addition to amputations of arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes, loss of one testicle or both testicles as well as the loss of an eye or hearing in either or both ears may qualify you for benefits. For extremity amputations, the location of the amputation will influence the amount or length of benefits.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give Oklahoma employees an overview of the workers’ compensation benefits structure for permanent losses after work-related injuries or illnesses.