Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Under Oklahoma law, employers must report workplace injuries to the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (OWCC) within seven days of notice or knowledge of the injury. See 85 O.S. §22 (Oklahoma Statutes Title 85).
If you’re unsure whether your claim has been filed:
- Contact your employer or HR department. Ask for a copy of the First Notice of Injury (Form 3) submitted to the OWCC and the insurance carrier.
- Reach out directly to the OWCC. Use the OWCC Electronic Claims Portal (ECOMP) at ecomp.wcc.ok.gov or call the Records Division at (405) 521-4134 to verify claim status.
- Contact the insurance carrier. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier should confirm whether they have received and accepted the claim.
- Request a certified copy of your file. Under 85 O.S. §22, you can request records maintained by the OWCC to confirm the filing and status of your claim.
Keep records of all communications and dates. If your employer or insurer has not filed a claim within seven days, you may file directly with the OWCC through their website or by mail.
Helpful Hints
- Always follow up in writing and keep copies of emails or letters.
- Note important deadlines: in Oklahoma, you generally have one year to report an injury and two years to file a claim after notification.
- Save the claim number provided by the OWCC for all future inquiries.
- If you can’t get information, consider consulting an attorney familiar with Oklahoma workers’ compensation.
- Visit the OWCC website (www.oklahoma.gov/wcc.html) for forms and detailed guidance.