Workers Compensation in Toledo, 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 Toledo, OH workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Toledo, Ohio?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Ohio’s rate of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses was lower than the national rate. This could be traced to a significant decrease in Ohio’s manufacturing injury rate. However, Ohio also experienced a significant increase in its education and health services injury rate. In fact, this high-risk sector experienced over 25% of all Ohio workplace incidents. Once known for manufacturing, Toledo now employs more people in education and health services. This could lead to higher injury rates in Toledo than previously seen.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Toledo, 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. 

Under Ohio law, every employer with one or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. Consequently, almost all Toledo employees are covered, starting on the first day of employment. Exceptions include domestics who earn less than $160 per quarter. When it comes to workplace injuries, an employee may be compensated for medical care, temporary total disability, and vocational rehabilitation. However, PTSD is only compensable for first responders.

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 Toledo, 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 suffering an injury or feeling ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Toledo, 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 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.

In Ohio, the employee can file the First Report of Injury with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Immediately after receiving the Report, the Bureau begins investigating the claim. A decision will be made to allow or deny the claim within 28 days. Be aware that in Ohio, the statute of limitations to file a claim is one year from the date of injury. For residents of Toledo, a Regional Claims Office is conveniently located at 1 Government Center.

Timeline and Other Information

Compensation for the first 12 weeks of missed work should equal 72% of your average weekly wage. After 12 weeks, the payment rate may be reduced to about 66 ⅔%. However, you are not entitled to temporary total compensation for the first 7 days of disability. But if 14 or more days of work are missed, you should be paid retroactively for all days missed. You can check on the status of your payment on the BWC website.

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 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 Toledo, Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Toledo, Ohio, in others it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may ask 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 Toledo workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Toledo, Ohio

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Toledo, 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!

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