Slip and fall accidents, back pain, and other work-related incidents are common and impact Oklahoma workers across all industries. According to the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission, approximately 7,935 claims were filed in 2018 — up from 7,910 in 2017.
What are the 2018 work injury figures in Oklahoma?
The leading work-injury incidents cited in 2018 workers' compensation claims in Oklahoma included:
- Slip, trip and fall injuries: 2,009 incidents and more than 25% of all filings
- Strain: 1,182 incidents and nearly 15% of all filings
- Struck by or injured by: 942 incidents and nearly 12% of all filings
- Caught in, under or between: 549 incidents and nearly 7% of all filings
- Striking against or stepping on: 484 incidents and more than 6% of all filings
- Motor vehicle crashes: 443 incidents and more than 5% of all filings
- Cut, puncture, scrape: 282 incidents and more than 3% of all filings
- Burns or scalds: 244 incidents and more than 3% of all filings
The majority of injuries included:
- Shoulder injuries: 1,372 injuries and more than 17% of all filings
- Back injuries: 1,228 injuries and more than 15% of all filings
- Knee injuries: 852 injuries and more than 10% of all filings
- Hand injuries: 793 injuries and nearly 10% of all filings
- Neck injuries: 471 injuries and nearly 6% of all filings
- Head injuries: 305 injuries and nearly 4% of all filings
The majority of filings were related to injuries in the following industries:
- Manufacturing: 1,149 incidents and more than 14% of all filings
- Retail trade: 914 incidents and more than 11% of all filings
- Public administration: 870 incidents and nearly 11% of all filings
- Health care and social assistance: 808 incidents and more than 10% of all filings
- Construction: 745 incidents and more than 9% of all filings
How likely is it I will receive workers' compensation after an injury in Oklahoma?
If you were hurt on the job and immediately reported your injury to your employer and sought medical attention, you did the right thing. Pursuing a successful workers' compensation claim and obtaining benefits is easier said than done, however.
Many workers who already deal with the stress of an injury, missed work and costly medical bills may find the process to be overwhelming. The paperwork alone is highly complex. Insurance companies may try to downplay or deny your claim to save money on their end.
That's why you should never pursue a workers' compensation claim without the legal advocacy of an experienced Oklahoma attorney. The legal team at Lawter & Associates Attorneys at Law PLLC can negotiate for a fair settlement to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
If a third party (someone other than your employer or a co-worker) was responsible for your work injury, you may be able to pursue non-economic damages for pain, suffering, or loss (partial or complete) of a body part.
If you have any questions regarding your work injury and aren't sure what course of action to take, contact our law office and find out how we can help you.