You might not think about the Ohio workers’ comp process until you get hurt. But it is vital that you do everything correctly, or you run the risk of your claim will be denied or delayed. This can leave you with medical bills and other expenses that keep piling up.
The best way to ensure your finances are taken care of after an on-the-job injury is to hire a board-certified Ohio workers’ compensation specialist, such as Adrienne M. Hines and Victor Kademenos of Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA.
To set up a free consultation with a dedicated Ohio workers’ comp lawyer, please call us at (419) 625-7770, or reach out through our online form.
What You Must Do After an Injury
Before you incur an injury, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) encourages you to know your employer’s coverage. Are they state-funded, or self-insured? What specific procedures does your employer have in place in the event of a workplace accident? If your employer is state-funded, they have a managed care organization (MCO) assigned to handle the Ohio workers’ comp process. Know your MCO.
Following an injury at work, you must:
- Tell your employer about the injury. Your employer can begin the internal paperwork and investigate what happened.
- Seek medical attention. You can go to the doctor of your choice right after the accident. Give your MCO’s name to the emergency room staff or your doctor. For ongoing medical treatment, you will need to see a BWC-certified physician.
- File a claim with the MCO. You, your doctor, or your employer can file a worker’s comp claim online. If you file it yourself, notify your employer. If your employer is self-insured, file a claim with them. Please note that you will need your doctor to provide proof of your injuries. You will receive an initial notification letter, a brochure, and a BWC identification card with your claim number.
- Provide information to the BWC. If the BWC claims service specialist calls you to request anything, send it as swiftly as possible.
- Abide by your treatment plan. If your treating physician says you cannot lift heavy objects, or moves you to different job duties, listen to them. Failing to do so can be grounds to deny a claim or discontinue your benefits.
- Let your pharmacist know your prescriptions are for a workers’ comp claim. Provide your Social Security number, the date of your injury, and your claim number. That way, your pharmacist can submit bills to the MCO for reimbursement.
- Keep your employer informed throughout the Ohio worker’s comp process. Your employer must coordinate with the MCO and BWC to investigate the accident, certify your claim, and participate in strategies to return you to work.
Ideally, you should provide all the necessary information about your injury in the initial paperwork filed for your claim. An Ohio workers’ comp attorney can help you do this and work to get your claim approved during the BWC’s initial 28-day review. That way, you get the benefits you need as soon as possible.
What Kinds of Compensation are Available in Ohio?
If you are completely disabled by an on-the-job accident, you can file for temporary total compensation (TT). These benefits will pay for your medical bills as well as a portion of your wages for the time you are out. You must be unable to work for more than seven days to be eligible for TT benefits.
If the accident left you with permanent damage, you could apply for a scheduled loss award. The BWC will award you a set value for the loss of a body part, loss of use of a limb, vision damage, or hearing damage.
If the injury results in some residual damage to your body or your mind, you may be eligible for a permanent partial award. This is paid if you no longer have the full abilities you had before the injury.
Permanent total disability applies if the accident or occupational illness left you unable to return to the job you had and make the money you used to before the injury.
If you suffered facial disfigurement as a result of the workplace injury, you could receive a one-time payment. This award will depend on the severity of the disfigurement, and whether the BWC believes it will keep you from getting another job.
Do You Have Questions About the Ohio Workers’ Comp Process? Contact Us Today
Victor Kademenos and Adrienne M. Hines of Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA have decades of combined experience handling workers’ comp claims in Ohio. For the best insight on getting your claim approved and getting you the compensation you need to get your life back on track, contact us at (419) 625-7770 today to schedule a free case consultation.