ArticleGovernorState

Comp Judges Handing Out Less

Workers’ compensation awards in Oklahoma drop under new judges

By Randy Ellis

The four newest workers’ compensation judges are much more tightfisted than their predecessors in handing out money to injured Oklahoma workers.

The four have awarded, on average, $5,092 less to workers with permanent injuries than did the four judges they replaced, records show. That’s a 15.6 percent drop.

Gov. Mary Fallin appointed the four new judges.

“Whether it’s right or wrong, judges appointed by Republican governors tend to be more conservative judges who are pro-business,” said Bob Burke, a workers’ compensation attorney who represents injured employees.

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