Oklahoma Supreme Court Clarifies “Active Pursuit” Requirement for Workers’ Compensation Claims

• A recent Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling appears to have clarified the “active pursuit” requirement for workers’ comp claims.
• In the case OBI Holding Company, et. al v. Schultz-Butzbach and the Workers’ Compensation Commission* (2025 OK 55), the state high court reversed a lower-level trend and provided some clarity on the dismissal of inactive claims.
• The case centered on a claim where the injured worker filed a timely claim but then failed to seek or receive any benefits for a period exceeding six months. The Administrative Law Judge and the Workers’ Compensation Commission had previously denied the employer’s motion to dismiss the claim, reasoning that a timely request for a hearing was sufficient to keep the case alive, regardless of the subsequent inaction.
• The Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected this interpretation. It held that an employer is entitled to have a claim dismissed when the claimant fails to seek or receive benefits, including medical treatment, for a continuous period of six months.
• The court vacated the Commission’s order and granted the motion to dismiss.
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AI Adoption in WC Seen Requiring Balance With Human “Compasssion”

• Top payers are using AI to reduce burdensome administrative tasks and move claims professionals to what’s described as more human-centered work, according to a new industry benchmarking study by Rising Medical Solutions.
• The 12th annual study, recently published, shows that executives see the technology as complementing, not replacing, the expertise and “compassion” of claims professionals.
• The report highlights the need for organizations to adopt and adapt digital transformation, including AI-driven analytics, to remain competitive.
• The report is based on a study conducted through first-person focus group research with a range of industry professions.
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