Workers Compensation in Ohio
A workplace injury can turn your life upside down. One minute, you’re focused on your job, and the next, you’re facing medical treatments, missed paychecks, and the uncertainty of when—or if—you’ll be able to return to work. How will you manage your expenses? What if your injury prevents you from earning a living for months or even years?
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured employees. These can be a financial lifeline, helping you cover medical bills and lost wages while you recover.
However, getting the benefits you deserve isn’t always straightforward. Employers and insurance providers may delay or deny claims, dispute the severity of your injury, or push for a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your needs. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps early on can make all the difference.
This guide explains how Ohio’s workers’ compensation system works, what steps to take after an injury, and how a skilled attorney can help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Ohio?
Workplace injuries remain a serious issue for employees across Ohio. In 2023, private-sector employers reported approximately 97,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incidence rate of 2.5 cases per 100 full-time employees, just below the national average.
Certain industries in Ohio report higher rates of workplace injuries:
- Manufacturing: With an injury rate of 3.4 per 100 workers, this industry sees frequent injuries from machinery accidents, repetitive strain, and hazardous material exposure.
- Construction: An inherently dangerous industry with a high rate of falls, electrocutions, and heavy machinery accidents.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: With an injury rate of 4.2 per 100 employees, common injuries include lifting-related strains, exposure to infectious diseases, and workplace violence.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Ohio?
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. To qualify, the injury must have occurred during work-related duties.
Ohio operates a state-run workers’ compensation system through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Unlike most states that allow private insurance providers, Ohio requires employers to obtain coverage through the BWC.
The benefits available to injured workers include:
- •Medical Treatment: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and necessary rehabilitation.
- •Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working, you can receive 72% of your average weekly wage for the first 12 weeks, then 66 2/3% thereafter, subject to state-mandated limits.
- •Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you return to work in a limited capacity, TPD benefits provide partial wage replacement.
- •Permanent Partial or Total Disability (PPD/PTD): Compensation for long-term impairments that affect your ability to work.
- •Vocational Rehabilitation: Covers job retraining if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job.
- •Death Benefits: Provides financial assistance to dependents and covers funeral expenses if a workplace injury results in death.
Ohio requires any business with one or more employees to have workers’ compensation insurance. Unless they have the authorization to self-insure for occupational injuries or illnesses. Some types of workers are exempt from this, including but not limited to the following: sole proprietors, family farm corporate officers, and partners in an LLC.
Get Medical Attention
After a workplace injury, getting medical treatment should be your first priority. Not only does this protect your health, but it also creates a medical record that connects your injury to your job—an essential piece of evidence in your workers’ compensation claim.
In Ohio, your employer’s managed care organization (MCO) will direct your initial treatment. However, you have the right to switch providers as long as your new doctor is BWC-certified.
Even if your injury appears minor, don’t delay treatment. Conditions such as repetitive motion injuries, soft tissue damage, or internal injuries may worsen over time and make it harder to prove they were work-related.
Keep detailed records of all medical visits and treatment plans. These documents will be crucial if your claim is disputed or if you require additional benefits.
File a First Report of Injury
Once you’ve received medical treatment, the next step is reporting the injury to your employer. Ohio law requires employees to file a workers’ compensation claim within one year of the injury, but reporting the incident as soon as possible helps avoid unnecessary delays.
The BWC will review your claim and determine eligibility for benefits. If your injury is disputed, you may be required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to assess its severity.
The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation provides further details about how you may have up to ten years to file a claim with the state.
Ohio has a seven-day waiting period before you can receive payments for workers’ compensation. If your disability lasts longer than two weeks, you can recover the money from that time as a back payment.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured employees, insurance adjusters often try to limit benefits or deny claims. If you experience delays, disputes, or an unfair settlement, a lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t question how workers comp works and risk losing your claim. Hire a Ohio workers’ comp lawyer and ensure you have an advocate to fight for your rights.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Ohio
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Ohio state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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