102.66

102.66 Payment of certain barred claims.

102.66(1)

(1) In the event that there is an otherwise meritorious claim for occupational disease, and the claim is barred solely by the statute of limitations under § 102.17 (4), the department may, in lieu of worker’s compensation benefits, direct payment from the work injury supplemental benefit fund under § 102.65 of such compensation and such medical expenses as would otherwise be due, based on the date of injury, to or on behalf of the injured employee. The benefits shall be supplemental, to the extent of compensation liability, to any disability or medical benefits payable from any group insurance policy whose premium is paid in whole or in part by any employer, or under any federal insurance or benefit program providing disability or medical benefits. Death benefits payable under any such group policy do not limit the benefits payable under this section.

102.66(2)

(2) In the case of occupational disease, appropriate benefits may be awarded from the work injury supplemental benefit fund when the status or existence of the employer or its insurance carrier cannot be determined or when there is otherwise no adequate remedy, subject to the limitations contained in sub. (1).