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Article: Oklahoma Workers' Comp Reforms Help Reduce Number, Size of Claims.
- Article from:
- Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Article date:
- March 2, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 The Daily Oklahoman. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Paula Burkes Erickson
Mar. 2--Ralph Ward of Moore has been drawing workers' compensation benefits for two months. A mechanic with BMW Motorcycles, Ward on Christmas Eve broke his right hip, test-driving a bike. After 26 days in the hospital, he's recuperating at home with weekly visits by physical therapists and nurses.
Under state workers' comp laws, Ward is entitled to the medical care, as well as 70 percent of his average weekly wages, up to 100 percent of the state's average weekly wage of $528. For as long as he is incapable of working, he can receive the tax-free benefits up to 300 weeks.
Ward, 64, intends to return to work as ...