Bill Proposes $50K Penalty for Failed Challenge to Firefighter Cancer Claims

An Ohio lawmaker introduced legislation that would create a $50,000 penalty payable to firefighters whose employer loses an appeal of a benefit award on a presumptive cancer claim. State law presumes that cancer arose out of employment for firefighters after six years of hazardous duty if the firefighter was exposed to chemicals proven or strongly suspected to be carcinogenic to humans. The presumption can be rebutted with evidence that a firefighter used tobacco, was not exposed to a relevant carcinogen, developed cancer before his service or is at least 70. SB 241, by Sen. Thomas...