Ohio Bill Would Allow Employees to Sue Employers For Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines

At the Statehouse this week, legislation was introduced to place more liability on Ohio employers. House Bill 401, offered by Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) along with multiple cosponsors, proposes to exempt from workers’ compensation coverage any injuries resulting from employer-required COVID-19 vaccinations — meaning an employee could sue their employer for damages.

Typically, adverse reactions to an employer-mandated vaccine would be a potential workers’ compensation liability handled through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The OMA is following the bill and will advise members as details become available. 8/26/2021