Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Laws

The beautiful state of Oklahoma was established in 1907. Throughout the years, this state has experienced a much slower increase in the population compared to the other states within the union. With the passage of time, a growing economic community has been created and a need for protection became necessary; with this, the Oklahoma Workers Compensation laws were put into place in 1986 to protect the people.

Oklahoma Legislature gave the Commissioner of Labor authority to enforce the laws that were put into place for the economic community. The Commissioner also was given to power to levy fines for civil penalties of up to $10,000 as well as the ability to file criminal charges with the District Attorney in cases that are deemed a willful violation.


The Oklahoma Statutes, specifically Title 85, provide laws governing medical, indemnity and rehabilitations benefits for employees who are injured on the job. Since the workers' compensation was set into motion, over 46,000 were and are now protected by workers' compensation insurance. These laws have helped those who were in need assistance to collect over $3 million in civil penalties.

The administration through the Court, which is both administrative and judicial in nature, of which ten judges hear cases that are contested and approve settlements in both the Oklahoma City and the Tulsa court locations. A claimant can request either request a hearing before a judge or settle their claim without a trial. If an appeal is necessary, one may be made to the Court En Banc or to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

The Court Administrator will organize, direct and also develops all of the administrative work that is necessary of the court. These responsibilities also include the regulation of all of self-insurance as well as the application of the Schedule of Medical Fees. In addition, the Administrator can also approve select settlements in which they have the authority to approve.

The Court can determine upon significant reason that a workers' compensation claim is reasonable and valid can then approve a claim; the Court, upon certain criteria that is set within the somekeyword, can terminate the claim as well with or without a Court order. Medical guidelines have been established, set within the laws, for medical as well as hearing and vision impairments; guidelines have also been established as to who is authorized to perform testing and how the medical, hearing or vision testing is to be done.

For additional guidance and assistance, the State of Oklahoma Workers' Compensation department offers Medical Case Managers, the option of disputes and mediation for people who need these services. If further clarification regarding the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation laws is needed, contacting a legal office who specializes in Oklahoma Workers' Compensation laws is recommended.

About the Author

The Whitten Law Firm provides individualized legal services, by an attorney for each client, in all venues of the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court as well as appeals at all levels which include the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals and the Oklahoma Supreme Court. In addition, the Whitten Law Firm offers assistance with obtaining settlement approvals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Visit their website at somekeyword to find out more.