Workers' Compensation Settlements in Oklahoma

Suffering an injury at work in Oklahoma can be devastating. In addition to excruciating pain and overwhelming medical bills, your work-related injury might cause a permanent disability or temporary disability that prevents you from returning to work. Workers’ compensation benefits can pay for your medical treatment, medications, and rehabilitation, as well as replacing a significant portion of your lost income. 

While many workers’ comp benefits are paid weekly, lump-sum settlements are a potential option in some circumstances. The process of seeking a workers’ compensation settlement can be highly confusing. However, our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and work to maximize your compensation. 

The legal team at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons has extensive experience fighting for Oklahoma workers’ compensation benefits. We are ready to get to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorney. 

What Is a Workers’ Compensation Settlement Chart and How Does It Work? 

A workers’ compensation settlement chart helps assess the appropriate settlement for injuries or impairments to various body parts. In Oklahoma, the table works by assigning a specific number of dollars to each body part and indicating the amount of compensation a person may receive for a particular timeframe based on their permanent impairment rating. 

A doctor may determine an injured worker’s impairment rating by assessing how the injury affects the worker’s abilities, including these factors: 

• Range of motion in the injured body part
• Function of the injured body part
• Strength of the injured body part

If the injury was catastrophic, the doctor may also evaluate the injured worker’s: 

• Ability to communicate
• Ability to stand up
• Autonomy of movement
• Daily functions (eating, dressing, going to the bathroom, etc.)
• Self-care 
• Ability to travel 
• Use of hands  

Your settlement will depend on the unique combination of factors pertaining to your injury and impairment. 

Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Settlement Chart 

In Oklahoma, for injuries incurred on or after July 1, 2021, permanent partial impairments will be paid out at 70 percent of the worker’s average weekly wage, but those benefits are capped at $360 per week. According to the Oklahoma workers comp settlement chart, the estimated maximum payouts for impairment according to which body part was injured are as follows: 

• Whole body – $1,296 for every 3.6 weeks (1 percent) up to $129,600 for 360 weeks (100 percent)
• Arms and legs – $990 for every 2.75 weeks (1 percent) up to $99,000 for 275 weeks (100 percent)
• Hands and feet – $792 for every 2.2 weeks (1 percent) up to $79,200 for 220 weeks (100 percent)
• Thumb – $237.60 for every 0.66 weeks (1 percent) up to $23,760 for 66 weeks (100 percent)
• First finger – $140.40 for every 0.39 weeks (1 percent) up to $14,040 for 39 weeks (100 percent)
• Second finger – $118.80 for every 0.33 weeks (1 percent) up to $11,880 for 33 weeks (100 percent)
• Third finger – $79.20 for every 0.22 weeks (1 percent) up to $7,920 for 22 weeks (100 percent)
• Fourth finger – $61.20 for every 0.17 weeks (1 percent) up to $6,120 for 17 weeks (100 percent)
• Great toe – $118.80 for every 0.33 weeks (1 percent) up to $11,880 for 33 weeks (100 percent)
• Other toes – $39.60 for every 0.11 weeks (1 percent) up to $3,960 for 11 weeks (100 percent)
• Eye – $990 for every 2.75 weeks (1 percent) up to $99,000 for 275 weeks (100 percent)
• Hearing (one ear) – $396 for every 1.1 weeks (1 percent) up to $39,600 for 110 weeks (100 percent)
• Hearing (both ears) – $1,188 for every 3.3 weeks (1 percent) up to $118,800 for 330 weeks (100 percent)
• One testicle – $190.80 for every 0.53 weeks (1 percent) up to $19,080 for 53 weeks (100 percent)
• Both testicles – $568.80 for every 1.58 weeks (1 percent) up to $56,880 for 158 weeks (100 percent)

As these numbers are maximum amounts, it is essential to consult with our knowledgeable Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys, who can pursue the maximum compensation possible in your case.

If you suffer any kind of injury at work, you should take these key steps: 

• Report the injury to your employer immediately.
• Seek medical attention right away, even for seemingly minor injuries.
• Document details about how, when, and where the accident occurred.
• Collect contact info of any witnesses to the incident.
• Take photos of the accident scene and visible injuries.
• Keep notes on all accident-related correspondence and medical visits.
• Avoid signing any documents or statements without consulting a workers’ comp attorney.
• Reach out to our Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys for a free consultation as soon as possible after the workplace accident that injured you.

Following these guidelines helps build a solid claim to maximize your recovery over the long run.

What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?

Some people incorrectly believe that a workers’ comp claim denial spells the end of their chances of receiving compensation. However, many workers’ compensation claims are initially denied or undervalued, only to ultimately succeed through the appeals process. 

If your claim has been denied, the most critical step to take is to consult with our experienced Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys. We can help you file an appeal with the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission. If that appeal fails, we can appeal the decision in Oklahoma courts.