HB 1255 Summary

• Amends the Workers' Compensation Code by modifying definitions, noncompensable injuries, and compensation procedures for injured workers and their dependents

• Reduces workers' compensation benefits up to 50% if employee's failure to obey state or federal safety laws contributed to the injury or death

• Modifies notice requirements for occupational diseases and cumulative trauma injuries from 90 days to 30 days, and establishes maximum mediator fees at $500 per session

• Limits permanent partial impairment compensation to 520 weeks total for all awards to any employee and caps weekly payments at 50% of state average weekly wage beginning August 27, 2015

• Limits survivor death benefits for spouses to 520 weeks maximum while remaining unmarried, and modifies subrogation and lien procedures for third-party recovery actions