An accident on the job can result in a career-threatening injury. You may temporarily or permanently be unable to work. Life can get unbearable if you don’t have the ability to work.
Fortunately, workers’ compensation protects employees who suffer on-the-job injuries. As a covered employee, you may be entitled to certain benefits after suffering an accident while carrying out your work duties.
Medical benefits
Workers’ compensation covers the medical bills arising from your injuries. It includes the cost of hospital care and associated out-of-pocket expenses such as rehabilitation or aftercare services. The costs incurred in getting medical attention, such as transportation accommodation, are also included in the benefits.
Missed wages
You are entitled to a portion of your missed wages for the time you are unable to work. In Oklahoma, it covers 70% of your wages, although the amount is capped and subject to change depending on the prevailing average weekly wages in the state.
If you can only work in a job that pays you less than your former job, you deserve compensation for the loss in wages due to your injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits include such missed wages. Your beneficiaries will enjoy the missed wages if the workplace accident results in death.
Death benefits
In the case of fatal accidents, your loved ones will receive death benefits meant to cover funeral expenses. In Oklahoma, funeral expense benefits cannot exceed $10,000.
Which of these benefits you may qualify for depends on the extent of your injuries and how they prevent your ability to work or engage in meaningful economic activity. It also depends on how well you present your case, so legal help is always advisable if you are injured at work.