OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An appeals panel says a state representative is entitled to workers' compensation benefits after he was injured in a car accident while driving to the Capitol.

But the panel of three workers' compensation court judges cut Rep. Mike Christian's award from $61,560 to $51,300 for the Feb. 26, 2009, accident.

In July, a workers compensation court judge ruled that Christian was entitled to workers comp - even though most employees are ineligible for injuries suffered while commuting to or from work.

Judge Bob Lake Grove ruled that Christian was covered by an exception in place when an employer pays its employees' travel expenses. The House of Representatives appealed that decision.

Christian's attorney, Richard Bell, tells The Oklahoman that he disagrees with the judges' decision to reduce the award.