Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Process in Ohio

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a legal framework designed to provide financial assistance and medical care to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses as a direct result of their employment. Many states require employers to purchase their own workers’ compensation insurance, but Ohio law does not. Instead, workers’ comp is administered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). This no-fault system differs from those in other states by its exclusive state-funded model, eliminating the need for private insurance carriers for workers’ compensation.

The Ohio workers’ compensation system is designed to streamline the process for handling claims. An eligible injured employee can receive various forms of support, including coverage for medical costs and wage loss benefits, to aid in their recovery and compensate for earnings lost due to work-related injuries.

Qualifying injuries range from slip and fall injuries to crushing injuries, knee injuries, vision loss, and more, reflecting the broad spectrum of risks Ohio workers may face in their employment.

Types of Ohio Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ comp benefits are designed to support injured employees by covering their healthcare costs and partially replacing lost wages, both aiding in their recovery and facilitating a smoother transition back to work or post-injury life. Below are the most common types of workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio:

• Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD): Compensation for wage loss when an injured employee is completely unable to work for a temporary period due to their injury.
• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD): Compensation for residual impairments that remain after the injured employee has reached maximum medical improvement.
• Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD): Long-term benefits for employees who are unable to return to any form of employment due to their injuries.
• Wage Loss Benefits: Compensation for the difference in earnings if an injured worker can return to work but at a lower-paying job or reduced hours due to their injury.
• Living Maintenance Benefits: Support for injured workers participating in approved vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Scheduled Loss Award: Provided to workers who suffer specific losses, such as the loss of a limb, vision, or hearing, as a direct result of a workplace injury.
• Death Benefits: Financial assistance provided to the dependents of a worker who dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, covering funeral expenses and providing support comparable to the deceased worker’s lost income.

Steps to Take After an Injury at Work in Ohio

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury in Ohio, taking the right steps afterward is crucial for protecting your health and ensuring your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process effectively, starting from the moment the injury occurs.

Immediate Actions Post-Injury

Following a workplace injury in Ohio, it’s important that you seek medical treatment promptly, even if the injury seems minor, to ensure proper evaluation and treatment. You should also report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. This not only establishes a record of the incident but also initiates the workers’ compensation claims process.

Throughout this process, it’s important that you maintain detailed records of the injury, including medical bills, diagnoses, treatments received, and any communication with your employer. These records serve as crucial evidence to support your Ohio workers’ compensation claim and ensure you receive the appropriate benefits for your workplace injury.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Once you report your injury to your employer, they will need to provide you with the necessary forms to initiate the claims process. Complete these forms accurately, providing detailed information about the nature of your injury, how it occurred, and any medical treatment you’ve received. Be sure to submit your claim to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within the designated timeframe, typically within one year of the injury or diagnosis of a work-related illness.

When you submit a workers’ compensation claim, a representative of the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation will contact you and the employer to investigate the claim. The Ohio BWC will also request medical records from the medical providers who treated you for your injury. The BWC must issue claim decisions within 28 days and will mail you a copy of the written decision.

If Your Claim is Approved

If your claim is approved, you can expect your initial medical bills to be covered, ensuring you receive the necessary medical treatment without financial burden. Additionally, you may receive compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. However, it’s important to note that despite the initial approval, future medical treatments and ongoing compensation may still face denial or challenges.

This is where the help of someone like Mark L. Newman becomes invaluable. As a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney, Mark Newman specializes in guiding injured workers through the complexities of the Ohio workers’ compensation system, identifying the full scope of workers’ comp benefits they are entitled to, and ensuring that they receive the necessary medical care and financial support they deserve.

If Your Claim is Denied

If your claim is denied, you only have 14 days to file an appeal to request a hearing. It is important to contact an attorney to file an appeal in a timely manner and obtain the necessary medical information to present at the hearing before the Industrial Commission of Ohio.

An Industrial Commission hearing is informal and takes place before either a District Hearing Officer or a Staff Hearing Officer. A hearing is typically scheduled for 15 minutes but can last for up to 60 minutes, depending on the issue. At the hearing, the injured worker will have an opportunity to testify about how the injury occurred. In addition, the worker will discuss his/her symptoms and present information about medical treatment for the injury.

A top Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorney like Mark L. Newman can help you prepare to testify at your hearing. He will also obtain the necessary medical information to support your claim. Most importantly, he advocates for you before the Industrial Commission.

Appealing a Denied Workers’ Comp Claim

There are a number of reasons your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. However, even if the Industrial Commission denies your work injury claim, this is not the end. You may still file an appeal into the court system to contest the Industrial Commission’s decision. However, when cases go to court, the process becomes more complex. In these situations, you will certainly need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Mark L. Newman will help you file the Notice of Appeal and navigate the court system. Mark has a high success rate in representing successful claims before the Ohio Industrial Commission.

How Can Mark L. Newman Help?

Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyer Mark L. Newman is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to injured workers in the area, ensuring their rights are protected and their benefits are maximized under Ohio law. With a deep understanding of the workers’ compensation system, Mark assists clients in navigating the complex claims process with confidence.

In cases of claim denial, Mark guides clients through the appeals process, leveraging his extensive experience to effectively represent them in hearings and legal proceedings. He can also help with avoiding common workers’ comp mistakes such as missing deadlines, underreporting injuries, and failing to seek appropriate medical care. By proactively addressing these potential pitfalls, Mark ensures that his clients’ claims are handled diligently and that they receive the full range of benefits they are entitled to under the law.

Attorney Mark L. Newman Can Answer Your Questions. Call Today!

Navigating Ohio workers’ compensation claims can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Mark L. Newman, a trusted Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyer, is here to provide guidance and advocacy tailored to your unique situation. With his in-depth knowledge of Ohio workers’ compensation law and unwavering commitment to client success, Mark will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the wage loss and medical benefits you deserve.

Don’t delay—reach out to Mark L. Newman today at (513) 533-2009 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation and support you need.