Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Discusses 5 Important Facts About Ohio Work Injury Claims

Dealing with a work injury presents a host of challenges. Whether you are unable to work or you simply need treatment, there is a lot you need to know in order to protect your legal rights. In this article, Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer James Malek discusses five important facts about work injury claims in Ohio.

Fact #1: Ohio has a Unique Workers’ Compensation System with Unique Requirements

Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is unique from the benefit systems in most other states. This leads to a lot of confusion for injured workers. To file successful workers’ compensation claims, injured workers need to meet a number of unique requirements, including:

• You must file your claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). While employees in most states file workers’ compensation claims with their employers, employees in Ohio must file their claims with the Ohio BWC.
• You must file your claim within one year (in most cases). Injured workers have up to a year to file their claims with the BWC in most cases. Waiting too long can result in loss of eligibility to receive benefits.
• You must see a certified doctor after your first visit. You can see your own doctor for your first visit; but, after that, you need to see a doctor who has been certified by the BWC in order to preserve your benefits eligibility.

Fact #2: Workers’ Compensation is a “No-Fault” System in Ohio

One aspect of Ohio’s workers’ compensation law that is similar to the laws in other states is that it establishes a “no-fault” system. This means that injured employees do not need to be able to prove fault in order to receive financial compensation.

Fact #3: Most (But Not All) Employees in Ohio Qualify for Workers’ Compensation

In Ohio, most employees qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits when they get injured on the job. If your employer (or anyone else) tells you that you are not eligible, you should consult with a Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer.

Fact #4: There Are Alternatives to Workers’ Compensation if You Don’t Qualify

If you don’t qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits (i.e. if you are an independent contractor), you may have other options. For example, you may qualify for other government benefits, or you may be able to pursue a fault-based claim for financial compensation.

Fact #5: Filing a Successful Work Injury Claim in Ohio is Not Easy

Even though Ohio has a “no-fault” workers’ compensation system and injured workers file their claims with the BWC, filing a successful work injury claim is not easy. As a result, if you’ve suffered a work injury, it is in your best interests to discuss your claim with an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer.  

Talk to a Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free

Do you need to know more about protecting your legal rights after suffering a work injury? If so, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 888-444-7440 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer in confidence.