News

Oklahoma Senate Bill 1946, which took immediate effect on May 21, 2020, provides civil-liability immunity to businesses and individuals for claims relating to one’s alleged exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Melissa McDuffey discusses… more Continue reading New Law Provides Immunity from Certain COVID-19 Civil Liability Claims

As businesses reopen, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to increase in-person inspections of workplaces and prioritizing cases of COVID-19. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Allen L. Hutson discusses how initial health and safety assessments can keep… more Continue reading Doing Business During a Pandemic: Workplace Rules Continue to Evolve

The COVID-19 Product Protection Act, signed into law on May 21, 2020, by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, establishes liability relief for businesses and individuals engaged in manufacturing, distributing or donating materials needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Product Liability Practice… more Continue reading Coronavirus in Oklahoma: COVID-19 Product Protection Act Provides Tort Immunity for PPE Providers, Others

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided many small businesses with access to capital at favorable interest rates and loan forgiveness as long as 75% of the proceeds were spent on payroll costs. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Evan Way… more Continue reading SBA Releases PPP Loan Forgiveness Application

Employers face many new challenges as they prepare safe working environments for returning employees. Labor & Employment Practice Group Co-chair Randall J. Snapp discusses the need for employers to tailor workplace safety policies to their specific circumstances. more Continue reading COVID-19 Could Prove to be Legal Tightrope for Employers, Lawyers Warn

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, business owners in Oklahoma have been dealing with fraudulent unemployment claims. Labor & Employment Practice Group Co-chair Adam W. Childers discusses the many factors that have attributed to the widespread fraud and the… more Continue reading Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Unemployment Fraud Wreaks Havoc

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in McGirt vs. Oklahoma, a case that could impact the future of criminal prosecutions in eastern Oklahoma. Mike McBride III, chair of the firm’s Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group, discusses the… more Continue reading U.S. Supreme Court Considers Okla. Reservation Status

On Monday, May 11, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in McGirt vs. Oklahoma, a case that could have significant ramifications for Oklahoma and potentially undo thousands of past convictions. Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group Chair Mike… more Continue reading SCOTUS Hears Case that Could Impact Tribal Land Crimes in Oklahoma

On May 6, the Oklahoma Legislature enacted the new COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Limited Liability Act, extending medical tort immunity for the duration of the health emergency—scheduled to end on May 31, 2020. Healthcare Practice Group member Maggie K. Martin… more Continue reading Tort Immunity for Health Care Providers Amid Pandemic

While government authorities are relaxing stay-at-home orders and businesses are beginning to reopen, employers are advised to use caution when allowing employees to return to the workplace. Labor & Employment Practice Group member Mary P. Snyder provides guidelines for employers… more Continue reading Gavel to Gavel: Reopening Not a Return to Business as Usual