Opinion ID: 767146
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Workers' Compensation and the Kentucky Constitution

Text: 27 Thompson next argues that sections 342.610 and 342.690 combine to limit common law tort liability in violation of sections 14 and 54 of the Kentucky Constitution. Section 14 of the Kentucky Constitution provides, All courts shall be open, and every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay.Section 54 provides, The General Assembly shall have no power to limit the amount to be recovered for injuries resulting in death, or for injuries to person or property. 28 In prior cases, Kentucky courts have addressed the constitutionality of its workers' compensation system and found that it meets constitutional muster. In so holding, Kentucky courts have concluded that the General Assembly did not limit the available recovery due an injury; rather, it provided a system by which persons could consent to limit the amount of recovery in exchange for greater certainty of recovery. Any limitations were agreed to and not imposed. See Edwards v. Louisville Ladder, 957 S.W.2d 290, 295 (Ky. Ct. App. 1997) (citing Greene v. Caldwell, 186 S.W. 648, 652 (Ky. 1916)). By initially proceeding through the workers' compensation system, Thompson waived his constitutional rights protected under sections 14 and 54 of the Kentucky Constitution. See Edwards, 957 S.W.2d at 295 (citing M.J. Daly Co. v. Varney, Ky., 695 S.W.2d 400, 403 (Ky. 1985), overruled on other grounds by Technical Minerals, Inc., 934 S.W.2d at 269)). Thompson's constitutional claims are without merit.