Bill > SB241

This bill amends Ohio's workers' compensation law to impose a substantial financial penalty on employers who appeal and lose workers' compensation claims related to cancer contracted by firefighters while performing hazardous duties. Specifically, if an employer appeals a cancer-related workers' compensation award for a firefighter and ultimately loses the appeal, the trial judge will be required to assess a $50,000 penalty against the employer, which will be paid directly to the firefighter-claimant. This penalty is in addition to existing legal costs and attorney's fees that may already be awarded in such cases. The bill is designed to discourage employers from frivolously challenging workers' compensation claims filed by firefighters who have developed cancer as a result of their official duties, which are often considered inherently high-risk. The amendment modifies section 4123.512 of the Ohio Revised Code and provides a clear financial disincentive for employers who might seek to contest legitimate cancer-related claims by firefighters.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb241