When you get hurt at work, everything changes. Medical bills pile up. You can’t work. You worry about your family’s future. Workplace accidents happen across Tulsa’s diverse industries. Construction sites, oil fields, manufacturing plants, and delivery routes all present hazards. If you’ve been injured on the job, you need an attorney who understands Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system. You also need someone who can pursue additional claims against negligent third parties. Abel Law Firm has spent over 50 years helping injured workers in Tulsa. We’ve recovered more than $550 million for our clients. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Abel Law Firm for Your Workplace Accident Claim
When you’re injured at work, you need an attorney who knows the system inside and out. Abel Law Firm brings decades of experience to every workplace accident case. Our team includes multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers. We’ve earned recognition from Best Lawyers in America. We maintain a Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent AV rating, the highest professional rating available. Our clients have given us a 5.0 rating with over 221 Google reviews. The Journal Record readers voted us Oklahoma’s Best Personal Injury Law Firm in 2023.
Experience and awards matter only if we deliver results. We’ve recovered over $550 million for injured clients. One case resulted in a $15 million verdict in an oil rig accident. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We offer free consultations. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Our Tulsa office is staffed by attorneys who understand the local community. We know the industries that drive our economy.
Types of Workplace Accidents We Handle
Workplace accidents take many forms. Each one requires a different approach. We handle construction accidents. These include falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, equipment malfunctions, electrocution, and struck-by incidents. Our experience with oil and gas field accidents includes explosions, equipment failures, toxic chemical exposure, and crushing injuries. These cases demand knowledge of both workers’ compensation law and federal safety regulations.
Our firm also represents workers injured in manufacturing and industrial settings. We handle transportation and delivery accidents. We work with clients who suffer repetitive motion injuries. And we als represent workers injured in slip and fall accidents at work. We handle burn injuries and caught-between incidents. No matter what type of workplace accident you’ve experienced, we have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue fair compensation.
How Workplace Accident Claims Work in Oklahoma
Understanding your options is the first step toward recovery. Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system. You can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident. Workers’ compensation covers your medical expenses. It covers disability benefits and rehabilitation costs. It covers other related expenses. You don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive these benefits.
However, workers’ compensation is not your only option. If a third party caused your injury, you may have the right to file a separate lawsuit. A third party is someone other than your employer or a coworker. For example, if a defective piece of equipment caused your injury, you might have a product liability claim. You could sue the manufacturer. If a contractor’s negligence caused your accident, you might have a claim against that contractor. These third-party claims can result in additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 85, Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a third-party claim. This deadline is important. Don’t delay in contacting an attorney. You also have the right to choose your own doctor in many workers’ compensation cases. This can make a significant difference in your treatment and recovery. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can complicate your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover
The compensation available in a workplace accident case depends on the nature and severity of your injury. Medical expenses are covered. This includes emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover lost wages. For temporary total disability, you receive a percentage of your average weekly wage. For permanent total disability, you may receive ongoing benefits.
Rehabilitation and retraining costs are also covered. This applies if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job. If your injury results in permanent partial disability, you receive a rating. This rating determines your compensation. Pain and suffering damages may be available in third-party claims. In the tragic event of a workplace fatality, surviving family members may recover wrongful death benefits. The specific compensation available in your case depends on your circumstances. A consultation with an experienced Tulsa workplace accident attorney is important.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident
Your actions immediately following a workplace accident can significantly impact your case. First, seek medical attention right away. Do this even if your injury seems minor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Get a written confirmation of your report. Document everything about the accident. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions. Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
Gather contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Preserve any evidence related to the accident. This includes equipment, clothing, or materials involved. Before signing any documents from your employer or their insurance company, contact an attorney. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly. They may offer less than what your claim is worth. Avoid posting about your injury on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media. They may use your posts against you. The sooner you contact Abel Law Firm, the sooner we can protect your rights. We’ll begin building your case immediately.
Why You Need an Attorney for Workplace Accidents
The workers’ compensation system is complex. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. You need someone in your corner. That person should understand the system. They should know how to handle it effectively. An experienced workplace accident attorney helps you understand your rights and options. We handle all communication with insurance companies. You can focus on recovery. If your claim is denied, we can file an appeal. We’ll represent you in workers’ compensation court.
We also investigate whether third-party claims are available in your case. Many injured workers don’t realize they have the right to sue someone other than their employer. We identify all potentially liable parties. We pursue every avenue of compensation available to you. Then, we work to ensure your medical treatment is properly documented. And, we work to ensure your injury is accurately rated for disability benefits. Throughout the process, we protect your rights. We work toward the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a workplace accident?
Seek medical attention first. Do this even if you think your injury is minor. Report the accident to your employer. Get written confirmation. Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Write down details about what happened. Get contact information from witnesses. Avoid discussing the accident on social media. Contact an attorney before signing any documents.
How long do I have to file a workplace accident claim?
For workers’ compensation benefits, report your injury to your employer immediately. For third-party claims against someone other than your employer, you have two years from the date of your injury. File a lawsuit within this timeframe. Don’t wait. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace accident?
Generally, no. Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system provides immunity to employers. In exchange, employers provide workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may have the right to sue third parties. Their negligence or defective products may have caused your injury.
What if my workers' comp claim is denied?
You have the right to appeal a denial. The appeals process involves presenting your case to the workers’ compensation court. An experienced attorney can gather evidence. We obtain medical records. We present arguments to support your claim. Many denied claims are overturned on appeal with proper legal representation.
ow much does it cost to hire Abel Law Firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured workers to access quality legal representation without financial risk.
Will my case go to trial?
Most workplace accident cases settle before trial. However, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We work to obtain fair compensation. We have the experience and resources to handle complex workplace accident cases. Also, we have achieved significant verdicts for our clients.
What types of workplace accidents do you handle?
We handle construction accidents. We work with oil and gas field accident victims. Also, we represent workers injured in manufacturing and industrial accidents. Our firm also handles transportation accidents. We work with clients who suffer repetitive motion injuries. We represent workers injured in slip and fall accidents at work. Additionally, we handle electrocution and burn injuries. We represent workers in caught-between incidents. Finally, we represent workers injured in virtually every type of workplace setting.
How long does a workplace accident case take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case. It depends on the severity of your injury. It depends on whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months. Others take longer. We work efficiently to resolve your claim as quickly as possible. We work to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Contact Abel Law Firm for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured at work in Tulsa, don’t wait to get legal help. Abel Law Firm offers free consultations. Our firm will discuss your case and explain your options. Call (918) 777-7046 or fill out our online contact form. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Our Tulsa office is located at 5525 E 51st St, Suite 540. We serve injured workers throughout the Tulsa area and across Oklahoma. Let our Tulsa personal injury lawyers help you recover the compensation you deserve.
