Tulsa Workers Compensation-New Laws

New Workers Comp Laws In Oklahoma

Plans to Shift the Oklahoma Workers Compensation System from Adversarial to Administrative

If you work in an occupation that involves a high degree of exposure to work-related injuries or occupational illnesses, you should be aware that the workers compensation system in Oklahoma may soon change in fundamental ways.  Representatives for the Republican controlled Oklahoma legislature have revealed that they will unveil a proposal this week to shift the Oklahoma workers compensation system from an “adversarial system” to an “administrative system.”  The legislature has indicated that its goal is to provide reforms that will reduce workers compensation premiums while being fair to workers who are injured on-the-job.

Although the complete litany of changes has not yet been made available, the following changes have been announced:

The system will be less adversarial and focus on administrative processing of claims.

• Employers will have an opt-out option that permits employers to develop their own “workers compensation plan”.

The legislature hopes the governor will sign the changes into law, but Democrats are concerned about the wholesale changes to the workers compensation system.  They point out that changes made two years ago are just now taking effect so it is too early to determine how the modifications will impact workers compensation insurance premiums.  While some Democrats in the legislature agree that reforms are appropriate, they believe that it is too soon to implement a massive overhaul.

If it is not already clear who the changes favor, all a worker needs to do is examine who is supporting the legislation – the State Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.  A spokesman for the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce has indicated that workers compensation premiums in Oklahoma are the sixth highest in the country.

While it is not yet clear whether the proposed changes will become law, the workers compensation system will become complicated for new claimants if the measures are enacted.  We invite workers who have suffered a job-related injury or an occupational illness in Oklahoma to contact us to have their questions about how recent and pending changes in the law may affect their workers compensation claims.

Call For Your Free Oklahoma Workers Compensation Consultation

Our Oklahoma workers compensation lawyers are committed to advocating for the benefits injured employees need to recover and continue to provide for their families.  The Kania Law Office’s Oklahoma workers compensation attorneys offer a free consultation.  We invite you to contact us today at (918) 743-2233 or fill out this form to set up your initial confidential consultation.