When is the award for disfigurement entered?

In Oklahoma Workers Compensation, an award for disfigurement is entered 12 months after the injury occurs. This time period allows for an appropriate assessment of the disfigurement, taking into account how the injury may affect the individual's appearance and daily life over time as healing progresses. It provides a sufficient window to evaluate the permanency and impact of the disfigurement on the injured worker’s overall well-being and potential earning capacity.

This waiting period is important not only for accurate compensation but also ensures that the extent of the disfigurement can be properly documented and supported by medical evidence. Immediate or earlier awards might not capture the full scope of the injury's effects, making a 12-month period more reasonable for both the injured party and the payer.