In a surprising decision that could turn Oklahoma workers’ compensation law upside down, a Pottawatomie County district judge ruled Friday that an injured tire worker can sue his employer for negligence because the injury was “foreseeable.”

State Supreme Court appeals are expected.

“Neither side is pleased,” said Oklahoma City attorney Bryan N.B. King, who represented the Hibdon Tire Plus business where the injury occurred. “This result, if this order stands, creates a bad outcome for both employees and employers.”

Workers’ compensation attorney Bob Burke, who is representing injured tire worker Darrell Duck, said Pottawatomie County District Judge John. G. Canavan Jr. has issued a monumental ruling that challenges the foundation of Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system.