Slipping on the Job in Ohio: What You Need to Know

In a perfect world, job sites would be free of obstructions blocking walkways, and work zones would be clear of any potential hazards. However, this isn’t always the case, and one slip on a job site could lead to temporary or permanent injuries that require immediate medical attention.

Here’s what you need to know about a workplace slip and fall and how to recover workers’ comp benefits to cover your medical costs and lost wages.

How Do Slip & Fall Accidents Occur at Work? 

Although these accidents are referred to primarily as slip and falls, they also include tripping accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, trips, and slips were Ohio’s third most frequent fatal workplace accident in 2020, resulting in 21 deaths.

These accidents have several causes and often occur because employers fail to follow OSHA’s guidelines to ensure a safe workplace. You might suffer from a slip, trip, or fall accident in the following ways:

  • Slipping Accidents – Spilled water, oil, grease, or other liquids often result in slipping accidents. Harsh Ohio weather could also cause workers to slip on patches of ice while working on a job site.
  • Tripping Accidents – Cluttered work zones or workplaces with cords and hoses in high foot traffic could result in a tripping accident.
  • Falling Accidents – All the factors mentioned in the previous points could cause a worker to lose balance and fall from construction site scaffolding or other platforms to the ground below.

Safety equipment like slip-resistant shoes and proper training could help prevent slip and fall injuries and ensure a hazard-free workplace.

Who’s Eligible for Compensation After a Slip & Fall?

Ohio law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage. So, if you’ve been injured on the job, you’re entitled to receiving workers’ comp to cover the costs associated with your recovery. However, your injury must occur during the course of your employment.

What Benefits Can You Receive from Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. The temporary income you’ll receive ultimately depends on your average weekly wages and the type of benefits you require. For example, you’ll receive 72% of your average weekly wages for up to 12 weeks if you claim temporary total disability benefits. So, this amount could look different for everyone.

If your loved one’s accident resulted in their untimely death, you could collect death benefits to help you if you depended on your loved one for financial support. Additionally, workers’ comp benefits will cover any funeral expenses. Workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages like the pain and suffering you experienced due to the accident.

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits You Might Receive

Depending on your injuries, you could receive the following types of workers’ comp benefits: 

  • Temporary Total Disability benefits are for workers who have become disabled due to their on-the-job injury.
  • Wage Loss Benefits benefits are for workers who have experienced diminished earnings due to the restrictions their work injury has caused.
  • Permanent Total Disability benefits are for those who experience reduced earning capacity due to their work injury and last for the rest of their lives.
  • Permanent Partial Disability benefits are for those who suffered “loss-of-use” injuries, such as an amputation or hearing impairment.

How to Recover Compensation After a Slip & Fall at Work

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) states that you must file with the BWC or the Industrial Commission within one year of your injury.

Be sure to follow these steps to ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to after a workplace accident:

  • Report Your Injury – While employers must provide workers’ comp benefits, you also have a duty to report your injury immediately after the accident. Reporting is crucial to receiving your benefits.
  • Seek Medical Attention – Don’t postpone medical treatment. Your workers’ comp benefits will cover your hospital bills in full.
  • Contact Your Attorney – You shouldn’t file your workers’ comp claim alone. You’ll need legal support to ensure your claim is approved.
  • File Your Workers’ Comp Claim – Your attorney will handle all the paperwork needed to file your claim and ensure you receive your benefits as soon as possible.
  • Collect Your Benefits – If your claim is approved, you’ll receive the benefits you need to recover. If not, you must appeal the decision within 14 days.

Have You Slipped on the Job? Call Us Today

Work injuries could rob you of your ability to provide for your family. Luckily, Ohio requires all employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits to ensure they recover from their injuries. However, this process involves many steps and could get complicated if you’re unfamiliar with how the system works.

Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA can help you navigate the legal nuances of the Ohio workers’ compensation system. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and begin your recovery journey.