Maddox v. Sooner Completions, Inc.

Summary

The Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a claimant's direct review proceeding from a Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge's order. The court held that, under the applicable Workers' Compensation Act, the claimant was required to appeal first to the Workers' Compensation Commission before seeking review in the Supreme Court.

Holdings

1. Because the alleged injury occurred after the Workers' Compensation Act became effective on February 1, 2014, the current Act applied, and Maddox was required to follow the appellate procedure in 85A O.S. Supp. 2013 § 78.
2. The Oklahoma Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to consider a direct appeal from a Workers' Compensation Commission ALJ ruling when the claimant has not first timely appealed to the Commission.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Oklahoma Supreme Court had jurisdiction to directly review a Workers' Compensation Commission ALJ order without a prior appeal to the Commission.
2. Whether the workers' compensation procedures in effect when Maddox was injured required him to appeal the ALJ's decision to the Commission before seeking Supreme Court review.

Disposition

dismissed