Workers Compensation in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, Ohio workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Cleveland, Ohio?
The Eastside Medical Group of Cleveland found that repetitive stress injuries are the top reason for workforce injuries. As well as the top claim for workers’ compensation. Most think of stress injuries as only related to office environments. But, the fact is that many construction and manufacturing workers incur repetitive stress injuries. Typically via their constant lifting and carrying of heavy objects. There are protections that you can take to minimize the risk of these injuries, such as ergonomic workstations and protective back braces for lifting. But if you suffer a work-related injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Cleveland, 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 requires all businesses, even single employee businesses, to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’ve been injured or incurred a workplace accident in Cleveland, you may be entitled to benefits such as medical treatment. In addition to 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 Cleveland if the mental health claim is a direct result of the physical injury sustained during the work activity.
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 Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, 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 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 suggests that time is your greatest ally when filing a first injury report, and throughout the entire workers’ compensation process. If you have sustained a work-related injury you should inform your employer as soon as possible. This will allow you to establish the fact that you sustained the injury at work. Or while performing your job or on the company grounds. You should also seek medical treatment for the injury promptly. This will be beneficial for your health as well as save money and recovery time.
Timeline and Other Information
After you file in Cleveland, your employer must report your accident to their insurance provider. By law, your employer cannot stop or attempt to dissuade you from filing an injury report. A decision will be made within 28 days to honor the claim or to deny it. If the claim is denied you may need to seek out an attorney. Once the claim is approved, you can receive benefits equal to 72% of your pre-injury salary. But only 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 Cleveland, Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Cleveland, Ohio, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were 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 Cleveland workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Cleveland, Ohio
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Cleveland, 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!
