How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim

When you are injured on the job, you are usually entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. With the exception of injuries caused while intoxicated, self-inflicted injuries and injuries suffered while committing a crime, most other workplace injuries will be covered under workers' compensation. It is important to follow proper procedure when filling out your workers' compensation claim to ensure that you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve.

-Notify your employer immediately when you are injured. Your employer is required to provide you with the appropriate paperwork to fill out in a timely manner. If the injury is serious, you may want to seek medical attention first and then notify your employer afterwards. By informing your employer right away, you can prove that the injury happened at work.
-Seek medical attention. If it is an emergency, you will be allowed to go to any doctor. If not, you may need to go to the doctor provided by your employer's insurance. You may also get a second opinion from a doctor of your choice at a later date.

-Fill out your paperwork as soon as possible. The sooner you return your workers' compensation forms to your employer, the sooner you can start receiving your benefits.

-Know your rights. Workers' compensation benefits generally cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages associated with your injury. It is important to understand what you are entitled to receive so that your employer or his insurance company does not try and take advantage of you.

-Consult an attorney. Often, employers will try to bully you into not filing a claim, or the insurance company will not offer you the benefits you deserve. It is important to have a skilled workers' compensation attorney help you through this process to ensure that your rights are protected.

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so you are entitled to collect benefits regardless of who caused the accident. If you are being unfairly denied workers' compensation benefits, the attorneys at Stipe Injury Law can help. Please contact our Oklahoma City workers' compensation attorneys today to schedule a consultation.

Applying for Social Security Disability

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a physical or mental condition that impairs your ability to work for a living. You must have documentation of the type and duration of this condition by a doctor. In order to qualify, your disability must last at least one year.

In order to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you can fill out an application at your local Social Security Administration office, apply through the Social Security Administration website, or apply by phone.

It is important to file your disability application as soon as possible. The majority of applications are denied at first. If your application is denied, you will have to go through an extensive appeals process in order to obtain your benefits. Therefore, any delay in your application will mean that you most likely will not receive any benefits for quite some time.

It is a good idea to consult with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney when you are applying for benefits. Since many applications are initially denied, you stand a much better chance of receiving benefits if you have the help of an attorney who understands the application process. If your claim is denied, it is essential that you obtain the services of an attorney for the appeals process.

The Oklahoma City, Oklahoma attorneys at Stipe Injury Law have helped many clients receive the disability benefits they rightfully deserve. If you need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, please contact our Oklahoma City Social Security Disability lawyers today to schedule a consultation.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents

Auto accidents occur on a regular basis and often result in severe injuries or fatalities. More than one million Americans die each year in auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many of these accidents are caused by bad driving.

The most common causes of auto accidents are:

• Distracted drivers. Approximately 25-50% of motor vehicle accidents in the United States are caused by distracted drivers. The most common driver distractions resulting in accidents are rubbernecking, driver fatigue, looking at scenery, other passengers, adjusting the radio, and cell phones.
• Driver fatigue. Every year, approximately 100,000 accidents are caused by drivers who are too tired to be behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many people do not act sensibly and pull over when they feel they are too tired to drive. This results in many avoidable accidents.
• Drunk Driving. The NHTSA estimates that in 2004, over 16,000 motor vehicle fatalities involved alcohol-related accidents. This risk is especially great on weekend nights.
• Speeding. Drivers who speed pose multiple dangers to others on the road. Speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react to road conditions, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Furthermore, injuries sustained in high speed crashes are often much more severe.
• Aggressive Driving. Aggressive driving threatens the safety of all others on the road. Examples of aggressive driving tendencies include tailgating, flashing high beams at drivers in front of you, deliberately preventing another driver from changing lanes or passing, disregard for traffic signals, unsafe and unexpected lane changes, and failure to yield the right of way.
• Weather. Adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, heavy rain, high winds, and fog make driving conditions considerably more hazardous and lead to many accidents.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. The attorneys at Stipe Injury Law have the skills, resources, and experience needed to help you receive the proper compensation that you deserve.

Please contact our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys today to schedule a consultation.