Proof of a workplace injury is not required to state a prima facie claim of retaliatory discharge under Ohio’s workers’ compensation statute, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled, resolving a split among the Ohio Courts of Appeal. Onderko v. Sierra Lobo, Inc., Slip Opinion No. 2016-Ohio-5027 (July 21, 2016)
Articles Discussing Ohio Workers' Compensation Claims.
Ohio High Court Eases Employee Requirement to Notify Employer of Workers’ Comp Retaliatory Discharge Claim
The Ohio Supreme Court has recognized a limited exception to the state’s general rule that a discharged employee must notify his former employer within 90 days of termination of the employee’s intent to file a retaliatory discharge lawsuit under Ohio’s workers’ compensation act (R.C. 4123.90). Resolving a conflict among the state’s appellate courts, it held that courts may delay the running of the 90-day notification period if the employee did not know that he had been discharged “within a reasonable time” after the employment action. Lawrence v. Youngstown, Slip Opinion No. 2012-Ohio-4247 (Sept. 20, 2012). The case now returns to the lower court for further proceedings.
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