Workers Compensation in Akron, OH
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer carries depends on Ohio state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker suffers qualifies, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden. Learn some of the principles of Akron, Ohio workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works below.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Akron, Ohio?
Common workplace injuries for Akron residents include:
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Slip and fall injuries
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Falls from heights
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Overexertion due to lifting
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Pulling, or carrying heavy objects
The City Government of Akron has provided an online guide for residents who have sustained injuries.
This guide includes the portal to access and file worker-related injuries. It also describes medical options and care, and the city’s involvement in the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Akron, Ohio?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation mandates that all businesses, even those with single employees, must carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you get injured during a work-related activity in Akron, you may apply for benefits such as medical treatment. As well as disability benefits to compensate for lost time and wages, rehabilitation and vocational retraining, and death benefits. You may only receive benefits for mental health in Akron if you have evidence that the claim relates to the physical injury you sustained.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Akron, Ohio are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Akron, Ohio healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events. In this report, you will share your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
The Ohio Workers’ Compensation Packet informs you that the key element is whether you got injured in a work-related accident is time. If you sustain an injury while working it is imperative to inform your employer as soon as possible. You also need to seek medical treatment on time. Taking quick, decisive action in these areas will allow you to navigate any future disputes, should they arise. Once you have received medical treatment it is always good to get 2 copies of the doctor’s assessment. 1 copy for your employer, and 1 copy for you.
Timeline and Other Information
After you file in Akron, your employer must report your accident to their insurance provider. A decision to honor or deny the claim will arrive within 28 days. After your claim receives approval, you can receive benefits equal to about 72% of your pre-injury salary for up to 12 weeks. Once this window passes, you can receive benefits amounting to about 67% of your previous weekly working wage.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any witnesses. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation continues.
Why You Should Hire a Akron, Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Akron, Ohio, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you got hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Akronworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Akron, Ohio
If you get hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Akron, Ohio you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
