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Nestled in the heartland of the United States, Oklahoma offers a distinctive mix of Midwestern hospitality and frontier spirit. From the vibrant energy of Oklahoma City to the rustic beauty of the Wichita Mountains, the Sooner State beckons both adventure seekers and business pioneers alike.
With a thriving economy and array of industries, Oklahoma presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses to flourish. When it comes to safeguarding your business and employees, finding the right workers’ compensation insurance is crucial.
Workers' compensation is a system of insurance for employers with one or more employee. It’s designed to provide medical and financial protection for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Without workers’ compensation, the cost of an injured employee’s medical treatment could become the responsibility of your business.
The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission is responsible for administering the workers’ comp law in Oklahoma. Every employer, with a few exceptions, is required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Full or part-time workers are considered employees under Oklahoma workers’ compensation law.
Workers’ comp coverage can be obtained through a partner like EverPeak Insurance. The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission can approve self-insured requests based on financial requirements.
Employees can verify online if their employer has coverage through an online search tool.
Policies include protection for full-time and part-time workers.
Some exemptions from workers’ comp in Oklahoma include:
Workers' compensation covers a range of work-related injuries and illnesses, including physical injuries resulting from an accident and occupational diseases developed over time due to job conditions.
Oklahoma workers’ comp insurance provides three types of benefits for work injuries:
The weekly compensation rate in Oklahoma is 70% of a person’s average weekly wage, and it cannot exceed the state’s average weekly wage.
Find more information on Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation rates here.
In the event of a work-related injury or illness:
For an injury that’s determined to be work-related, an employer should find medical treatment for the injured employee within five days of knowledge that the accident occurred.
Employers in Oklahoma have the right to choose the treating physician. If the employer doesn’t find reasonable and necessary treatment within five days of notice of the injury, the injured employee can select their treating physician.
Payment for medical care is due within 45 days of the receipt by the employer or insurance carrier unless there’s a good-faith reason to request additional information about the invoice.
If the treating physician determines the employee is unable to perform their job duties, temporary total disability benefits must be paid.
The first installment of benefits is due on the 15th day after the employer is notified of the injury. There is no compensation for the first three days of missed work.
Oklahoma workers and employers who wish to dispute a workers’ compensation claim can file a case with the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission or contact the Counselor Division for information about mediation.
Employers in Oklahoma with one or more employee must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify for self-insurance. Compliance with these requirements is essential to protect both the employer and employees.
When selecting a workers' compensation insurance provider, consider factors such as the provider's experience in the industry, financial stability, coverage options, claims process, customer service, and cost.
We recommend requesting multiple quotes and comparing the offerings before making a decision.
Covering your business and employees with a trusted insurance partner — like EverPeak — brings peace of mind so you can focus on your bottom line.
Employers who fail to secure workers’ compensation coverage for their business may be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 per day. Failure to pay may result in a court order urging the employer to halt further employment until they pay the fines or secure workers’ compensation coverage.
In most cases, employees in Oklahoma are barred from suing their employers for work-related injuries or illnesses. The workers' compensation system provides an exclusive remedy, meaning that employees typically cannot file a lawsuit against their employers. Instead, they must pursue a workers' compensation claim to receive benefits for their injuries or illnesses.
Generally, independent contractors aren’t covered by workers' compensation insurance in Oklahoma. Workers' compensation laws typically apply to employees rather than independent contractors.
However, it's important to note that the classification of a worker as an independent contractor or an employee can be complex, and misclassification can lead to legal disputes. If you’re unsure about your classification, we recommend seeking legal guidance.
Ideally, the incident should be reported immediately or within a few days of the occurrence. Prompt reporting helps ensure the necessary steps are taken to initiate the workers' compensation claims process.
Employees can verify online if their employer has coverage.