Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Ohio

Employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a work-related injury are eligible for Temporary Total Disability benefits, also known as TTD. During the initial 12 weeks after sustaining an injury, Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is compensated based on the injured worker's full weekly wage. If the employee remains unable to work beyond the 12-week period from the injury date, the TTD compensation then shifts to be calculated based on the employee's average weekly wage rate.

In the event of an on-the-job injury leading to persistent issues such as pain, loss of range of motion, decreased strength, or other long-lasting symptoms, you may be entitled to Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits in Ohio. This is reserved for work-related injuries that result in lasting impairments that impact an employee’s ability to function as they did prior but do not completely debilitate them.

Permanent Total Disability benefits, commonly referred to as PTD benefits, are available in Ohio for workers who have sustained serious injuries resulting in severe and permanent impairments. These benefits are specifically designed for individuals who are considered totally disabled, meaning their injuries prevent them from returning to any form of employment. When assessing eligibility for PTD benefits in Ohio, factors such as the injured worker's age, educational background, and work history are taken into account to ensure that the benefits are appropriately allocated to those whose injuries have not only caused significant physical limitations but have also impacted their overall earning capacity.

If you find yourself working in a different job due to restrictions imposed by your work-related injury and consequently suffer a loss of earnings, or if you are unable to secure employment within the scope of your restrictions, you may be eligible for wage loss compensation in Ohio. Wage loss benefits are designed to bridge the financial gap caused by a decrease in earnings, ensuring that injured workers receive support as they navigate the challenges of working with injury-imposed limitations or while seeking appropriate employment within their capabilities.

A scheduled loss award in Ohio is for injured workers who have suffered specific types of injuries in the workplace, such as amputation, ankylosis (stiffness or fixation of a joint), loss of use of a body part, or loss of vision or hearing. The calculation of this award is based on a statutory schedule, which takes into account the particular body part that has been injured, as well as the date of the injury. This ensures that the compensation aligns with the severity and type of injury sustained for workers who have experienced significant physical losses due to a workplace injury.

An injured worker and their employer have the option to reach a mutual agreement for a full and final workers’ comp settlement. This arrangement typically involves the injured worker receiving a one-time, lump-sum payment. In exchange for this payment, the worker agrees to conclusively close their claim, effectively relinquishing their rights to any past and future compensation and medical benefits related to the injury.

In Ohio, if an individual tragically loses their life due to a workplace accident, their dependents may be eligible to receive death benefits through a workers’ compensation death claim. Benefits for a work-related death claim aim to provide financial support to the dependents of the deceased, acknowledging the economic impact of the loss and ensuring that they are not left without support.