Reforms' Attorney Fee Language Could Encourage Settlements

By John P. Kamin, ReporterThe massive reform bill passed by Oklahoma state lawmakers earlier this year made a small change in the law that could make it much easier for employers to settle workers' compensation claims.When Gov. Mary Fallin signed Senate Bill 1062 into law on May 6, the workers' compensation reform bill was largely known for replacing the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court with an administrative court system, benefits cuts and provisions allowing employers to opt out of the state workers' compensation system. However, lawmakers also made a change to statutory ...