Workers Compensation in Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Columbus, Ohio?
The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation reports that the industries with the most work-related injuries are healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction. These injuries are most often sprains, strains, and tears. The most common causes for these injuries are overexertion, contact with objects, and falls. In addition, approximately half of all reported job injuries result in missing more than one day of work, job restriction, or transfer.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Columbus, 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.
All employers in Ohio are required to have state-funded workers compensation insurance. However, exceptions are made for domestic workers who earn less than $160 per quarter, such as babysitters. According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, all reasonable and necessary medical treatment will be covered. If you are unable to work for at least 7 days, you can also receive loss of wages benefits. In the event of a fatal injury, dependents are eligible for death benefits as well as funeral expenses.
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 Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH 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. 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.
From the date or discovery of your injury, you have 2 years to file your claim. Once you file, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation must approve or deny your claim within 28 days. If your claim is denied, you have 14 days to file an appeal.
Timeline and Other Information
If you are unable to work or can only work in a limited capacity, you may be eligible for disability compensation. Regardless of your wages amount, all loss of wage compensation is capped at $1019 per week. Temporary disability benefits are available until you are able to return to work, up to a maximum of 200 weeks. After 200 weeks, or if your doctor determines that your condition will not improve, permanent disability compensation may apply. For partial disabilities, the duration is dependent on the type and severity of injury. If you are unable to work at all, you may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits for the rest of your life.
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 Columbus, Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Columbus, 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 Columbus workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Columbus, Ohio
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Columbus, OH 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!
