Thousands of workers in Ohio are injured on the job every year. These injuries can be devastating and life-changing. Injured employees are eligible for various workers’ comp benefits to help cover expenses and lost wages after a workplace injury. And if you are permanently and totally disabled because of a work injury, you may be entitled to permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.
After an injury on the job, contact the Ohio State Bar Association certified workers’ compensation specialists Victor Kademenos and Adrienne Hines at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA.
We have decades of experience getting hard-working people in Ohio all the compensation they deserve and are happy to help you too. Call our Ohio workers’ compensation attorneys today at (419) 625-7770 for a free, no-risk consultation.
Ohio Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation defines “permanent total disability” as the inability to perform sustained employment due to allowed conditions in the claim. The term permanent does not mean that the disability must be life-long. It only requires that it will continue for an indefinite period without any indication of when recovery will take place.
Pursing permanent total disability benefits is very complicated. Anyone applying for PTD benefits, must attend an Industrial Commission of Ohio exam and hearing to assess whether he or she satisfies the eligibility criteria.
The hearing officer will typically consider factors like age, education, and work experience, along with medical evidence, to determine whether an applicant qualifies for permanent total disability benefits.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Compensation
PTD benefits compensate the injured employee for their reduced earning capacity. This means that the award depends on the employee’s average weekly wage. Ohio Revised Code §4123.58 describes how PTD benefits are calculated, including the maximum and minimum rates.
Generally, disability benefits are set at two-thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly wage at the time of injury. However, rates could be more or less. Once benefits are awarded, they are paid for the remainder of the worker’s life.
Work with an Ohio Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Permanent total disability claims tend to be more complicated because the injuries are so severe and the likelihood of a hearing. All applications must include medical evidence about your inability to work.
Injured workers may also submit vocational evidence, but there is a strict timeline for doing so.
If you are considering a PTD claim, it is best to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Working with a skilled and knowledgeable attorney improves the odds of getting your claim approved.
A certified workers’ compensation attorney can prepare your application, collect the necessary medical evidence, and ensure your case for permanent total disability benefits is presented in the best possible light. In addition, a workers’ comp lawyer can guide you through the process. this can be crucial when discussing medical and vocational evidence, appealing a wrongful denial, or negotiating a suitable settlement.
Contact Us for Help with Your Claim
At Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA, we have decades of experience handling workers’ compensation claims for permanently disabled Ohio workers. Let us answer your questions and help you navigate the complicated claims process.
We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, compassionate representation, and aggressively fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (419) 625-7770 for a free consultation today.