Ohio Business Lacked Workers’ Comp Coverage, Owes Over $200,000

Ralph Gearhart, owner of Ohio State Roofing, Inc., who operated his business for more than a decade without proper workers’ compensation insurance was sentenced recently.

According to authorities, he was found guilty of failing to comply with the law, having ignored multiple reminders from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) about his past due premium and penalties; all while his employees continued to file claims against the lapsed policy.

BWC’s Special Investigations Department forwarded the case for prosecution after confirming Gearhart’s coverage had lapsed in 1995, resulting in more than $205,000 in unpaid premium and penalties.

According to authorities, Gearhart entered a plea of no contest on Oct. 25 to a charge of operating without coverage. He was found guilty and sentenced to 90 days in jail, two years probation, and required to make restitution to BWC for all past due premiums.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation