If an employee has sustained a permanent total disability in a work-related incident, what percentage of his average weekly wage is paid?

In the context of workers' compensation in Oklahoma, an employee who has sustained a permanent total disability as a result of a work-related incident is entitled to compensation that is based on a percentage of their average weekly wage. The correct percentage for permanent total disability is typically set at 70% of the employee's average weekly wage. This compensation is designed to provide financial support to the employee, recognizing that they can no longer participate in gainful employment due to their permanent disability.

Understanding the rationale behind this percentage helps clarify why it is specifically 70%. Workers’ compensation laws aim to balance the needs of the injured worker with the financial considerations of employers. The benefit aims to replace a significant portion of the lost wages while also accounting for the long-term impact on the worker's ability to earn a living.

Other percentages, such as 60%, 80%, or 90%, may be relevant in different contexts, like temporary total disability or differing classifications of injury, but specifically for permanent total disability, the established rate is 70%. This standard helps ensure that injured workers receive sufficient support while also maintaining a clear framework for compensation that employers can understand and budget for.