The law requires most businesses in Oklahoma to carry workers’ compensation. If you’re injured on the job, you can apply for workers’ compensation to help you pay for medical treatment and supplement your income. However, you might lose your eligibility if you quit your job.
What happens if you resign from your job while collecting workers’ compensation?
If you’re suffering from a temporary disability, your ability to collect workers’ compensation is directly tied to your job. You might lose your eligibility for wage replacement if you quit your job while receiving payments. However, you’ll still be eligible for compensation that covers the cost of medical treatment as long as it’s ordered by your doctor.
A severe workplace injury like a head injury or spinal trauma could result in permanent disability. You might be able to continue receiving payments if you quit your job after suffering from a permanent disability. To compensate for your injuries, the insurance company might offer monthly payments or one large settlement.
A workers’ compensation attorney may give you more specific advice on whether you should quit your job or not. If you’ve been temporarily disabled, you might want to wait until you’ve cashed the last check before you submit your resignation. Otherwise, you may not get all the benefits that you’re entitled to.
How can you get the maximum amount of compensation?
Most insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible. If you file for workers’ compensation, your employer’s insurance company might offer a settlement that’s much lower than the amount you actually deserve.
An attorney may tell you if the insurance company has offered a fair amount or if you should fight for more compensation. If you’ve lost a loved one after a workplace accident, an attorney might also help you pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
