When you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Ohio, workers’ compensation benefits provide essential support for things like medical care and compensation for lost wages. Understanding the duration of these benefits is crucial for managing expectations and planning for the future.
In this blog post, Mark L. Newman, an experienced Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorney, covers the factors that influence the duration of a workers’ comp claim in Ohio, offering invaluable insights for those seeking to navigate their recovery with confidence. Whether you’re dealing with immediate medical needs or long-term financial planning, understanding the scope of workers’ compensation is the first step towards securing your rights and benefits.
How Many Weeks Can You Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits in Ohio?
The duration of workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio depends on several factors, including the nature of the injury or occupational disease, the recovery process, and the type of benefits you are entitled to.
The Ohio workers’ compensation system provides various benefits to injured workers including medical treatment, compensation for lost wages. The specific number of weeks you can receive workers’ comp benefits can vary based on the type of benefit you are eligible for.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Their Timelines
The Ohio workers’ compensation system provides several types of workers’ compensation benefits, each with its own set of rules regarding duration. This includes Temporary Total Disability, Permanent Partial Disability, and Permanent Total Disability as well as Wage Loss Compensation, Vocational Rehabilitation and Living Maintenance, and Scheduled Loss Awards.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Temporary Total Disability is compensation paid to injured workers who are temporarily unable to return to work due to their injury. This may include things like severe sprains, fractures, or any medical condition that prevents an injured worker from performing the job they had on the date of injury. TTD benefits are also applicable for recovery from surgical procedures resulting from a work-related injury, ensuring workers have the financial support needed during their healing process.
An injured worker may receive temporary total compensation until:
- They return to work;
- Their attending physician releases them to their former position of employment;
- The employer offers them work within their restrictions;
- They reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), which occurs when the condition has stabilized and further functional improvement is unlikely, despite continued medical treatment.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
A Permanent Partial Disability award is for injured workers who have sustained a permanent disability but can still work in some capacity. If you sustained a low back or neck sprain, fracture, rotator cuff tear, meniscus tear, or any other type of injury, you will likely be entitled to a permanent partial disability award. The duration and the amount of a permanent partial disability award depend on the extent of the impairment as determined by a medical evaluation.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
An injured worker is entitled to Permanent Total Disability benefits if they are unable to perform any gainful employment as a result of the allowed medical conditions in the claim. Age, education, and work history are also considered when evaluating whether an injured worker is entitled to PTD. This type of compensation is generally for individuals who have sustained catastrophic work injuries, including severe brain injuries, lower back injuries, cervical injuries, or any other condition that permanently prevents the worker from engaging in work-related activities.
Wage Loss Compensation
If an injured worker is under restrictions that prevent them from returning to the job they performed at the time of the injury and they return to a job within their restrictions at a lesser pay rate, they might be entitled to Wage Loss Benefits for up to 200 weeks. Wage loss compensation is paid at two-thirds of the difference between the average weekly wage in the claim and the injured worker’s current pay rate.
Living Maintenance
An injured worker may receive Living Maintenance Benefits for the period they are enrolled in an approved vocational rehabilitation program, which is designed to assist them in returning to work. These benefits can last for the duration of the rehabilitation program, typically several months, but can be extended based on the worker’s specific needs and progress. Injuries that might qualify for these benefits include those that require retraining or significant physical therapy to return the worker to employment, such as severe musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that prevent the continuation of previous job functions.
Scheduled Loss Awards
A Scheduled Loss Award is payable for a specific number of weeks and is determined by the type of injury, as outlined in the state’s schedule. These benefits are awarded for permanent impairments such as the loss of an arm, leg, finger, or vision, and the duration varies based on the body part affected. The maximum number of weeks of compensation in Ohio is as follows:
- Vision – 125 weeks
- Hearing – 125 weeks
- Foot – 150 weeks
- Hand – 175 weeks
- Leg – 200 weeks
- Arm – 225 weeks
How Long After Workers’ Comp Settlement Do I Get Paid?
Once a workers’ compensation settlement has been agreed upon and approved, there is a 30-day waiting period before the settlement proceeds are paid. During the 30-day waiting period, any party may withdraw from the settlement by providing written notice of their intent to withdraw.
The purpose of the 30-day waiting period is to protect unrepresented injured workers from being taken advantage of by employers during settlement negotiations.
Call Cincinnati Workers’ Comp Lawyer Mark L. Newman Today
Navigating workers’ comp claims in Ohio can be an overwhelming process for those recovering from a work-related injury. From filing the initial claim to ensuring that all medical bills are covered, the journey to securing workers’ comp benefits is filled with challenges. This is where a seasoned Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer like Mark L. Newman becomes invaluable.
Attorney Newman stands ready to assist injured workers through all stages of their Ohio workers’ compensation claim process. With a deep understanding of the Ohio workers’ compensation system, Mark is dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring that you receive the full spectrum of workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to.
Don’t let the burden of medical bills and the uncertainty of your claim’s outcome weigh you down. Call Ohio workers’ comp lawyer Mark L. Newman at (513) 533-2009 or reach out online to get started today.
