Ohio House Advances Legislation Strengthening Worker's Compensation Law

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 207, sponsored by State Representatives Mike Henne (R-Clayton) and Robert McColley (R-Napoleon). HB 207 addresses issues of workers’ compensation claims that involve motor vehicle accidents caused by a third party.

Under current law, the Administrator of Worker’s Compensation charges claims based on a motor vehicle accident to the employer’s experience. This often leads to the removal of employers from group rating programs and drastic increases in their insurance premiums.

“Current law regarding third party car accidents can result in employers being unreasonably penalized for incidents their employees did not cause,” said Rep. Henne. “This legislation benefits employers while still maintaining the best care and treatment for Ohio’s workers.”

The legislation addresses this issue in regards to accidents involving an employee for which a third party is at fault by charging such claims to the Surplus Fund Account instead.

“Our first priority with this bill was to ensure everyday workers receive treatment and compensation when involved in motor vehicle accidents,” said Rep. McColley. “With that in mind, we were able to mend a loophole in Ohio’s worker’s compensation law that further protects employers from increasing insurance premiums.”

House Bill 207 will now await consideration in the Ohio Senate.