MO SB956

Increases workers' compensation penalties for employer safety violations from 15% to 25-50% of benefits, and increases benefit reductions for employee safety rule violations to 25-50%

Raises maximum burial expense coverage for deceased employees from $5,000 to $15,000

Increases sovereign immunity liability caps for the state and political subdivisions from $2 million to $4 million per occurrence and from $300,000 to $500,000 per person

Allows punitive damages against public entities when plaintiffs prove by clear and convincing evidence that the entity violated OSHA standards, safety regulations, or lawful court orders

Exempts causes of action brought on behalf of an unborn child from the workers' compensation exclusivity provision when workplace injury or death causes the death of the unborn child