Ohio Revised Code 4213.542 does not permit the filing of a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio if a claimant or the dependents involved in a workers’ compensation claim have been granted an allowed claim in another state. In
Smiley v. Professional Staff Mgt. Inc., 2013-Ohio-139, the claimant was involved in a motor vehicle accident while in the performance of her job duties. The claimant worked for a property management company as a regional manager. The claimant was responsible for overseeing and managing properties in both Ohio and Indiana. The claimant’s employer was located in Indiana. The claimant resided in Ohio. The employer filed a claim for the claimant in Indiana. This claim was allowed and both medical bills and compensation were paid in this claim.
Later, the claimant filed a claim in Ohio. This claim was denied by the Industrial Commission of Ohio pursuant to ORC 4123.542. The claimant appealed the denial of this claim to Common Pleas Court who ruled that this denial was proper. The claimant then appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals who upheld this decision. It did not agree that this statute was unconstitutional as argued by the claimant and upheld the decision of the lower court.
To date, all challenges to ORC 4123.542 have been struck down. This case provides the precedence that this statute also applies even when the claimant does not file the claim in another state and this filing results in an allowed claim in that state.
Tags: Code 4213.542, Employment Law