Workers' Compensation: Oklahoma

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips.

Summary

• All Oklahoma employers that are covered by the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act are required to post a specific notice in the workplace. See Notice Requirements.
• In 2014, Oklahoma moved to an Administrative Workers' Compensation system, a major departure from the previous court-based system. See Oklahoma Administrative Workers' Compensation Act.
• All employers in Oklahoma must provide workers' compensation insurance unless they are specifically exempted by law. Some employers may be able to "opt out" of the Oklahoma workers' compensation system. See Covered Employers.
• Almost all employees are covered by workers' compensation insurance except a few specifically exempted by law. See Covered Employees.
• Workers' compensation pays benefits to any employee who is injured at work or becomes ill due to exposures at work, so long as the injury qualifies for compensation. See Compensable Injuries.
• Employers may not be liable for claims under certain circumstances. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
• Injured employees are entitled to reasonable, related medical expenses, to be paid by the employer or the employer's insurance carrier. See Medical Benefits.
• Workers' compensation also provides wage-replacement and other disability benefits to eligible employees or their beneficiaries. See Wage Replacement and Other Benefits.
• The Oklahoma Administrative Workers' Compensation Act creates new administrative agencies. Employees injured on the job must report the injury within a specified period of time following the incident. Either party may dispute a claim. Disputes are adjudicated by the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission (WCC). See Administration, Claims Procedure and Disputes.
• Employers may not retaliate against employees who file workers' compensation claims. See Retaliation and Interference.