Injuries on the job can happen in an instant. Unfortunately, your recovery can take much longer. Depending on your injury, you may even be unable to work and earn a living. This financial uncertainty will only get worse as your day-to-day expenses and medical cost continue to rise.
Luckily, workers’ compensation may bring you some relief. Under Ohio workers’ compensation laws, you may receive financial compensation if:
- You are an employee, not an independent contractor or other classification of worker
- Your injury was accidental
- Your injury occurred within the scope of your work
Workers’ compensation is a notoriously complex area of the law, and you should discuss your case with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer.
In Ohio, Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA is the right call for anyone who needs help dealing with a work injury. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your claim. To schedule a free consultation with Victor Kademenos or Adrienne Hines – who are Ohio State Bar Association Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation – call (419) 625-7770, or reach out online today.
Things to Know about Ohio Workers’ Compensation
In a perfect world, it would take no more than filling out a form to get help with your injury. But filing a successful workers’ compensation claim takes more than that.
Here are five things to consider during a workers’ comp case:
1. Get Medical Treatment ASAP
If you’re injured at work, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is not only the best course of action for your physical well-being. It also ensures that your injury is documented.
If you wait days or weeks to visit a doctor, your employer may claim that your injury happened outside of work. For the same reason, it is also important to report your injury to your employer right away.
2. Find a Doctor Familiar With Ohio Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation requires proper documentation. If you’re treated by a doctor unfamiliar with workers’ comp cases, you run the risk of losing out on compensation.
Your doctor may document your injury inaccurately or use different terminology. Whatever the case, making sure your medical provider is familiar with Ohio workers’ comp is the best way to avoid leaving money on the table.
3. Ohio Workers’ Comp is Administered by the BWC
Ohio workers’ compensation coverage is handled by the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC). Employers pay the BWC for workers’ comp coverage. This makes the BWC similar to an insurance provider.
This is significant because insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible. Ohio recognizes a no-fault standard when it comes to workers’ compensation. This means you can recover even if the injury occurred as a result of your actions or negligence.
4. You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File a Claim
Until recently, the statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim was two years. A change in the Ohio legislation, however, reduced this to one year. This means that to receive compensation, you must file your workers’ comp claim no more than one year after the date the injury occurred.
5. Third-Party Administrators are Not on Your Side
Third-party administrators work for independent companies. They will sometimes be hired by employers to adjust and examine workers’ compensation claims. These individuals may seem helpful, but anything you say to them can be used against you.
Still Have Questions About Ohio Workers’ Comp? Call Us Today
Accidents happen, and the workers’ comp lawyers at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA will help make sure you don’t foot the bill. When you’re injured at work, you need an attorney knowledgeable about Ohio’s laws regarding work injuries fighting for you to obtain compensation.
Contact Victor Kademenos or Adrienne Hines to talk about your Ohio workers’ comp claim. Both are uniquely qualified by the Ohio State Bar Association as Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation, and they are prepared to help get everything you are entitled to.
Schedule your free consultation online, or call us today at (419) 625-7770.