The Ritchie Law Firm is actively engaged in the practice of Workers' Compensation Law in Oklahoma. In Oklahoma workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for all employers except in some very limited situations. The purpose and objective of workers' compensation is to reimburse the injured worker for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment and to compensate the injured worker for his/her temporary and/or permanent disability.
Oklahoma workers' compensation law is set forth in Title 85 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The Oklahoma workers' compensation courts are located in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. In the experience of the claims handled by the Ritchie Law Firm, a majority of workers' compensation claims are resolved by settlement after being properly prepared, documented and presented. In some instances however a trial may be necessary when the parties cannot agree.
The most common issues of the workers' compensation claims are: Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Permanent Total Disability (PTD), Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), and medical expenses for reasonable and necessary treatment. TTD claims involve claims for benefits as a result of a work injury that causes the injured worker to be temporarily unable to work.
The injured worker is entitled to the receipt of TTD benefits while off work and under the active care of a doctor due to the work related injury. The amount of the TTD benefit is dependent upon the date of the injury. The benefit is computed as 70% of the worker's weekly check up to a maximum amount which is set by a schedule for the date of the injury.
In the case of a work injury resulting in Permanent Total Disability (PTD) the worker will be entitled to an award computed at 70% of the worker's weekly check up to a maximum amount which is set by a schedule based on the date of the injury.
In some instances the work injury may result in a person being permanently partially disabled. In these instances the person is entitled to Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits also have a maximum cap which is set at 50% of the State's Average Weekly Wage.
The practice of Workers' Compensation Law involves many varied issues both factually and legally. The Ritchie Law Firm has experience in the representation of both claimants (injured workers) and defendants (insurance companies and employers). We would welcome the opportunity to assist you with any questions relating to workers' compensation in Oklahoma.