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On March 5, 2026, Ohio lawmakers introduced a new workers compensation bill aimed at providing better protection for injured workers in the state. The legislation, known as the "Employee Protection Act," aims to address issues such as delays in receiving compensation, unfair denial of claims, and inadequate benefits for injured workers.One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a time frame for processing workers compensation claims. Under the new legislation, insurance companies are required to make a decision on a claim within 30 days of receiving all necessary documentation. If a decision is not made within this time frame, the injured worker will automatically receive benefits until a decision is reached.In addition, the Employee Protection Act also aims to address the issue of denied claims. The bill mandates that insurance companies provide a detailed explanation for denying a claim, and gives injured workers the right to appeal the decision. This provision is intended to ensure that injured workers are not unfairly denied the benefits they are entitled to.Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to increase the maximum benefit amounts for injured workers. Under the new legislation, injured workers will be eligible to receive up to 75% of their average weekly wages, up from the current maximum of 66%. This increase in benefits aims to provide injured workers with greater financial security while they recover from their injuries.Overall, the Employee Protection Act seeks to improve the workers compensation system in Ohio and provide better support for injured workers. Lawmakers hope that the new legislation will help to reduce delays in receiving benefits, prevent unfair denials of claims, and ensure that injured workers are able to receive the support they need to recover and return to work. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Ohio State Legislature, and is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks.