Workers’ compensation benefits depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury, whether you’ve suffered any permanent damage, and your average weekly wages. It is challenging to know how much you could get from an Ohio workers’ comp claim without reviewing the specific details of your case.
Your workers’ compensation claim depends on an accurate AWW calculation. If your employer miscalculates your AWW, you could lose out on the benefits you deserve. A workers’ compensation attorney in Ohio can ensure you receive proper compensation either in a lump sum settlement or on an ongoing basis.
Types of Ohio Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers your medical expenses and some of your lost pay for a job-related accident, injury, or illness. There are several types of workers’ compensation benefits.
In general:
- You’re entitled to benefits if you cannot work for seven or more days.
- Your benefits begin at 14 days of missed work.
- Employers can request an independent medical exam if you can’t work for more than three months.
- You have the right to ask an attorney for help.
You might be entitled to one or more of the following types of workers’ compensation benefits.
Temporary Total Disability
If you’re completely disabled and can’t work for a brief time, you could receive temporary total disability. A TTD payout is two-thirds of your AWW that lasts for a limited time.
Permanent Total Disability
If a medical professional deems you are totally and permanently disabled, you might receive this benefit. Permanent total disability is two-thirds of your AWW for the rest of your life.
Temporary Partial Disability
Temporary partial disability might be available to you if you are partially disabled for a brief time. If you’re injured and can’t perform your everyday work duties, you receive a percentage of your AWW.
Permanent Partial Disability
If you’ve suffered a permanent disability but can still work, you could get permanent partial disability. Your compensation depends on whether you are entitled to a percentage loss or a scheduled loss.
Percentage Loss
Injured workers who suffer permanent damage – called residual damage – without losing the full use of a body part can receive a percentage of PPD benefits. Residual damage can be physical or psychiatric, but you can only receive compensation if the psychiatric condition has an accompanying medical condition.
Percentage loss benefits are two-thirds of your AWW for up to 26 weeks.
Scheduled Loss
A scheduled loss is compensation for specific disabilities determined by the state. Depending on the residual damage, you might be entitled to compensation. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation schedule determines how long you can receive payment based on your disability.
You’re entitled to a payment every other week equal to 100% of the state’s AWW – not your personal AWW. As of 2021, the statewide AWW is $1,019.
Approved schedule loss benefits are for:
- Amputations
- Loss of use of a body part or function
- Loss of vision
- Loss of hearing
- Ankylosis
Facial Disfigurement
The facial disfigurement benefit is for individuals who suffer extreme, visible damage – such as scarring – to their face or head. This type of disfigurement may prevent someone from finding or keeping a job. There is a one-time facial disfigurement award of up to $10,000.
Wage Loss
You could receive wage loss payments if you suffered:
- A decrease or loss of wages
- Wage loss from restrictions caused by the allowed conditions in your claim
If you can return to work but a different job, whether it’s with the same or a new employer, you can receive WWL benefits.
Suppose you’re allowed to go back to work but can’t find a suitable position based on your restrictions. In that situation, you qualify for non-working wage loss benefits.
The BWC calculates your wage loss benefits based on your AWW at the time of your injury or disability compared to your current income. If you’re currently working, you’ll submit proof of your present wages. You can receive up to two-thirds of the difference between your past and current pay.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
Many workers’ compensation benefits have a cap or limit. Depending on your salary, you might not receive two-thirds of your AWW if you earn too much. That means you might not receive all two-thirds of your AWW if you make too much.
The WC 2010-2021 compensation chart can help you understand how much compensation you might receive.
Discover What Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Worth
Workers’ compensation is complex. Some employers fail to uphold their obligation and make it difficult for you to get the benefits you deserve. A certified Ohio workers’ compensation attorney helps you understand what you are entitled to receive and helps make sure you get it.
Attorneys Adrienne Hines and Victor Kademenos are certified workers’ compensation specialists in Ohio who can offer an objective and knowledgeable assessment of your situation.
Call Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA at (419) 625-7770 or use our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.