Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim After an Accident in the Field in Ohio

If you work in the field, you could face a variety of injury risks on a daily basis. From vehicle collisions to slips, trips, and falls, and from electrocutions to incidents involving hazardous substances, all types of field workers can suffer serious injuries due to numerous factors that are beyond their control. When these injuries occur, filing a successful workers’ compensation claim can be critical to minimizing the financial consequences.

From social services to the trades, workers in a wide range of occupations often spend the majority of their work days in the field. Unfortunately, while working in the field can be enjoyable, it can also be dangerous. On-the-job injuries in non-traditional work environments are common, and many field workers will at some point find themselves in need of an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney.

If you find yourself in need of an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney, you should schedule a free consultation promptly. While employees who have been injured working in the field will be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in many cases, collecting the benefits you deserve can be challenging. An experienced attorney will be able to help you assert your legal rights effectively while ensuring that you do not unknowingly leave any benefits on the table.

Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim if I was Injured in the Field?

In Ohio, workers’ compensation covers eligible employees regardless of where they get injured. This means that if you are an eligible employee, you can file a claim if you got injured in the field.

While there are limited exceptions (i.e., employees typically can’t file for benefits if they were intoxicated or injured themselves on purpose), employees who work in the field will be covered in most cases. An experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney can confirm your eligibility; and, if you are eligible, your attorney can get to work on your claim right away.

If I Work in the Field, How Do I Prove that I was Injured on the Job?

While most employees are generally eligible to file for benefits in Ohio, workers’ compensation only covers work-related injuries. As a result, if you were injured in the field, it will be important to make sure you can prove that you suffered your injury on the job. Some steps you can take to prove your eligibility for benefits in this scenario include:

• Report Your Injury to Your Employer Promptly – Any time you get injured on the job, you should report your injury to your employer promptly. If your employer asks you to fill out an incident report form, you should include as much detail as possible, and you should keep a copy for your records.
• Seek Medical Treatment Promptly – Along with reporting your injury to your employer, seeking medical treatment promptly should also be among your top priorities. You have the right to see any doctor of your choosing for your first visit (or go to the emergency room if necessary), and you should be sure to tell your doctor exactly how, when, and where you were injured.
• Take Notes and Take Photos with Your Phone – As soon as you are able to do so, you should take detailed notes about your on-the-job accident. This will help you avoid overlooking any key details in the future. You should take photos with your phone as well, as they will help document the time and location of your injury.

If your employer disputes your claim that you were injured in the field, your attorney will be able to assist with proving your legal rights. Your attorney can conduct an investigation to gather relevant evidence if necessary, and your attorney can also communicate with your employer on your behalf. If you need to file your claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), your attorney can communicate with the BWC on your behalf as well.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available to Employees Who Work in the Field?

Employees who work in the field are generally entitled to the same types of workers’ compensation benefits as all other employees in Ohio. Broadly, these benefits fall into three categories:

• Medical Benefits – Your medical benefits should cover the full cost of treating the injury you suffered in the field. To remain eligible for these benefits, you must see an approved healthcare provider after your first visit.
• Disability Benefits – Disability benefits are available to eligible employees who miss more than seven days from work. These benefits cover a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work or only able to work in a limited capacity.
• Additional Benefits – Injured employees will be entitled to additional benefits in some cases. These can include vocational benefits, scheduled loss benefits, and, in appropriate cases, benefits for violations of specific safety requirements (VSSRs).

Understanding the types of benefits you are eligible to receive can be challenging, and calculating your benefit payments can be even more so. If you hire an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney to represent you, your attorney will assist with making sure you are seeking the full benefits you deserve.

Can I Also File a Personal Injury Claim Against the Party that is Responsible for Causing My Injury?

When deciding what to do after an accident in the field, it is also important to assess whether you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Even with the various types of benefits available, workers’ compensation does not cover all the costs associated with job-related injuries.

But, if you have a workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to recover full compensation for all of your injury-related losses. Along with full coverage for your medical expenses and lost earnings, this includes additional damages for your pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Determining if you have a personal injury claim requires an investigation; and, if you think you may have a claim, you will want to hire an attorney to investigate right away. At Malek & Malek Law Firm, our attorneys handle workers’ compensation cases and personal injury cases, and we can take all of the steps that are necessary to fully protect your legal rights.

FAQs: Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim When You Were Injured in the Field

What should I do if I was injured in the field?

If you were injured while working in the field in Ohio, the most important step you should take is to see a doctor promptly. This will be important for protecting your health and your legal rights. You should also promptly report your injury to your employer, and you should talk to a workers’ compensation attorney about filing a claim as soon as possible.

Do I need to file a workers’ compensation claim with my employer or the Ohio BWC?

Whether you need to file your workers’ compensation claim with your employer or the Ohio BWC depends on whether your employer is “self-insured” for workers’ compensation claims. If your employer is self-insured, you will need to file your claim with your employer. If it isn’t, you will need to file your claim with the Ohio BWC. While some large employers are self-insured, most employers participate in Ohio’s state-run workers’ compensation program.

Is it worth hiring a workers’ compensation attorney if I was injured in the field?

Yes, if you were injured working in the field, it will be well worth hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to help you. There are several important ways an experienced attorney will be able to help you in this scenario, and you should not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for your legal representation.

How Malek & Malek Law Firm Can Help

At Malek & Malek Law Firm, we are committed to helping injured workers recover the financial compensation they deserve. If you were injured in the field, our attorneys can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes, and we can take all necessary steps to assert your legal rights effectively. Among other things, this includes:

• Assessing your eligibility to file for workers’ compensation benefits
• Investigating the accident to determine if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim
• Calculating the total compensation you are entitled to recover
• Pursuing your claim (or claims) on your behalf while you focus on your recovery
• Securing a favorable lump-sum settlement if possible and fighting for just compensation if necessary

We handle all cases at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. To learn more in a free and confidential consultation, contact us today.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Columbus Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Were you injured on the job in Ohio? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information. Call us at 888-444-7440 or tell us how we can reach you online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney at Malek & Malek Law Firm.