Anyone familiar with workers compensation lawsuits in Oklahoma City?

[gerard]

I was working for a warehouse and had a pallet of product topple on me on Feb 20th, 2012. I have been on workers comp up until June 8th. At that point, I had been diagnosed with a cervical strain and Cervical Degenerative Disc Disorder. I have had TONS of physical therapy, and have had 2 sets of facet block spinal injections (4 injections each time) but I still have pain. On june 8th i was released back to work, but I now have permanent restrictions of no lifting/pushing/pulling more than 25lbs. Due to these restrictions, I could no longer perform my previous job. My former employer was performing a "restriction review" to see if they could accomodate a job within the restrictions... Long story short they screwed me over and I didn't get the questionnaire til after the deadline. So now I am considered as "voluntarily resigning" from my position as of July 9th, 2012. My attorney filed paperwork for a lawsuit on June 26th, and the opposing council has still not filed a Form 10 (which is required for me to get a lawsuit loan to help pay bills til i am able to find a job).

I guess what I am wondering is... is there a way for this to get settled faster? At this point in time, given my financial situation, I really don't think that additional medical treatment is necessary. I've been through a lot, and I would be happy for just a monetary settlement. If/when it does start causing more issues or pain down the line... i should be in a good career at that point with good medical insurance.

Does anyone have any input on this? My deposition is scheduled for August 28th if that matters, and the impairment rating would be after that. If just a monetary settlement is possible, does anyone have any idea how much i should be asking for?