Workers Compensation in Cincinnati, 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 is required to carry is governed by 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 sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Cincinnati, Ohio workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Cincinnati, Ohio?
While according to The Cincinnati Enquirer, labor and construction fatalities are on the rise in Cincinnati, the most common work-related injuries are repetitive stress injuries. These types of injuries happen when too much stress or strain is put on a certain part of the body. Usually when you repeat the same task over and over. These injuries can cause swelling, pain, tissue damage, and nerve damage. Office work, assembly lines, and construction can all be hotbeds of repetitive stress injuries.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Cincinnati, 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 are injured during a work-related activity in Cincinnati, you may be entitled to 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 regarding mental health in Cincinnati if you can provide evidence that the mental health claim is directly tied 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 Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, 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 occurred 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. All before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. 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 of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide 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 if you have been 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 in a timely manner. 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 obtain 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 Cincinnati, your employer must report your accident to their insurance provider. A decision will be made to honor or deny the claim within 28 days. After your claim is approved you can receive benefits equal to about 72% of your pre-injury salary for up to 12 weeks. Once this window has passed 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. Typically about the incident and to any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Cincinnati, Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Cincinnati, Ohio, in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer might question if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Cincinnati workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Cincinnati, Ohio
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Cincinnati, 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!
