Oklahoma lawmaker wants more money in workers' compensation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker who was awarded more than $61,000 in workers' compensation due to a collision as he drove to the state Capitol is appealing for more money.

And the state House and its insurance carrier are also appealing -- asking that the $61,560 awarded to Republican Rep. Mike Christian in July be thrown out.

The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/PcE1TC ) that Christian's appeal asks the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court "to adequately compensate" Christian for injuries suffered in the 2009 collision.

Insurance carrier CompSource Oklahoma argued an exception to the workers' comp law for driving to and from work -- if the employer pays travel expenses -- shouldn't apply.

CompSource argues that Christian was commuting with his wife -- who was to continue on to her job in the couple's personal vehicle.