Payment of Death Benefits to Firefighter's Widow Bars Her Tort Action

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that an award of workers’ compensation death benefits to the family of a firefighter barred his widow from pursuing a tort claim based on his fatal accident. Case: Farley v. City of Claremore, No. 115400, 05/05/2020, published. Facts: Jason Farley worked for the City of Claremore as a firefighter. In May 2015, Farley responded to the scene of a flash flood in the city. The 44-year old was swept away by the floodwaters and drowned. Procedural history: Farley’s widow filed a civil suit against the city. She sought damages pursuant to Oklahoma'...