State ex rel. Maynard v. Industrial Commission

Per Curiam. ¶ 1 Decedent Donald E. Maynard’s 1996 workers’ compensation claim was allowed for “malignant neoplasm and mesothelioma.” In 1997, he filed for permanent total disability compensation (“PTD”) but died from his industrial condition before the application was adjudicated. ¶ 2 Relator Marjorie Maynard, widow-claimant herein, successfully moved respondent Industrial Commission of Ohio for accrued PTD pursuant to R.C. 4123.60. She followed with an application for death benefits under R.C. 4123.59. ¶ 3 That application was also granted, and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation fixed the rate of weekly benefits at $458.32 — 66 2/3rds percent of decedent’s average weekly wage. Widow-claimant sought to have the rate 264 increased to the statutory maximum of 100 percent of the statewide average weekly wage, which for the applicable date was $521. That motion was denied. Mark Aalyson, for relator. Betty D. Montgomery, Attorney General, and Dennis L. Hufstader, Assistant Attorney General, for respondent. ¶ 4 This cause is now before this court as an original action in mandamus. ¶ 5 Widow-claimant asserts that R.C. 4123.59(B) requires that her weekly benefit be increased to the statutory maximum. We disagree. ¶ 6 Pursuant to our decisions in Zupp v. Youngstown Fire Dept. (1988), 37 Ohio St.3d 202, 525 N.E.2d 9, and State ex rel. Pickrel v. Indus. Comm. (1989), 43 Ohio St.3d 128, 539 N.E.2d 623, a writ of mandamus is hereby denied. Writ denied. Moyer, C.J., Douglas, Pfeifer, Cook and Lundberg Stratton, JJ., concur. Resnick, J., dissents. F.E. Sweeney, J., dissents and would grant the writ.