A recent court ruling has upheld a significant workers’ compensation claim that could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. On December 11, 2025, the Court of Appeals of Ohio’s Eighth Appellate District affirmed a decision by the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, allowing Rhonda Schmidt to participate in the Ohio Workers’ Compensation Fund. The case involves her former employer, Lincoln Electric Company, which contested Schmidt’s entitlement to compensation for additional medical conditions related to her employment.
The case traces back to 2016 when Schmidt initially filed a claim with the Ohio Industrial Commission for respiratory illnesses attributed to chemical exposure at Lincoln Electric. This claim was approved for occupational asthma and other related conditions. In June 2023, Schmidt sought further allowances for spinal stenosis and osteoporosis linked to her previous workplace injury. Although initially denied by a district hearing officer and later partially disallowed by a staff hearing officer, Schmidt appealed these decisions under R.C. 4123.512 to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
During the bench trial, expert testimonies played a crucial role. Dr. James Edward Lockey supported Schmidt’s claims, arguing that her long-term use of high-dose steroids for treating work-related asthma significantly contributed to her spinal conditions. He emphasized that steroid use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and subsequent spinal stenosis due to degenerative changes in the spine. Conversely, Lincoln Electric’s expert, Dr. Dean Erickson, contended that Schmidt’s spinal issues were due to natural degeneration rather than steroid use.
The trial court found Dr. Lockey’s testimony more compelling and concluded that Schmidt had met her burden of proof by demonstrating a causal link between her steroid treatment and spinal conditions. The appellate court upheld this decision despite Lincoln Electric’s argument that Dr. Lockey’s conclusions were not adequately supported by scientific literature.
Schmidt seeks financial relief through participation in the Ohio Workers’ Compensation Fund for her additional medical conditions caused or aggravated by her employment at Lincoln Electric. The judgment affirms her right to such compensation based on substantial evidence presented during the trial.
Representing Rhonda Schmidt is Robert P. Sweeney from Robert P. Sweeney Co., LLP, while Lincoln Electric Company is represented by Kirk Henrikson and Alan Senderovitch from Matty, Henrikson & Greve law firm. The case was presided over by Eileen T. Gallagher as Presiding Judge with Judges Michael John Ryan and William A. Klatt concurring (Case No: CV-23-988921).
Source: 2025Ohio5523_Schmidt_v_Lincoln_Electric_Company_Opinion_Ohio_Court_of_Appeals.pdf