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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Proposal to Eliminate Participation of Lawyers

A proposal has been made by the Commission of Labor in Oklahoma, Mark Costello, to eliminate the participation of lawyers at the hearing level in workers' compensation matters. The reform has been suggested to save money and put more money on the hands of the injured workers.


Costello, a local businessman, was elected last November on the Republican ticket. He founded American Computer & Telephone (AMCAT) that he sold in 1991.


McCullough’s 279-page measure, House Bill 1224, would create a workers’ compensation commission with three members: a physician, an attorney and an industry professional. Administrative law judges would preside over claims hearings.