Are independent contractors eligible for workers' compensation in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, independent contractors are generally not considered employees under workers' compensation laws. This distinction stems from the nature of the relationship between independent contractors and those who hire them; independent contractors typically operate their own businesses and have control over their work processes, which differentiates them from traditional employees. As a result, they do not have the same rights to workers' compensation benefits that employees do, as the workers' compensation system is primarily designed to protect employees who are injured in the course of their employment.

The ineligibility of independent contractors for workers' compensation aligns with the overarching principle that only those classified as employees—who have a direct employer-employee relationship—can file for benefits in the event of a work-related injury. While there might be specific situations or exceptions that could lead to a different outcome, the general rule is that independent contractors, by their very nature, do not fall under the definition required to be eligible for workers' compensation coverage.