Our Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Explain How Long You Have to File a Claim for an Injury or Illness

When you get injured or sick on the job, the clock starts ticking immediately. You only have a certain amount of time to file a claim for workers’ compensation; and, if you wait too long to file your claim, you will lose your right to benefits. In this article, our Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers explain how long you have to file a claim, and we provide some important tips for employees who need to assert their legal rights.

Ohio’s Statutes of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Claims

In Ohio, the amount of time you have to file for workers’ compensation depends on whether you are suffering from an injury or an occupational disease. The law establishes a different statute of limitations for each type of claim:

• Deadline to File a Claim for a Job-Related Injury – The statute of limitations for job-related injury claims is one year. If you were injured in an accident, you have one year from the date of the accident. If you have a repetitive stress injury, determining when the statute of limitations expires can be a bit more challenging.
• Deadline to File a Claim for an Occupational Disease – The statute of limitations for occupational disease claims is two years. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the earliest of: (i) the date you received your diagnosis, (ii) the date you first received treatment, or (iii) the date you stopped working due to your disease.

Do NOT Delay Your Workers’ Compensation Claim for These Reasons

Many employees put off filing for workers’ compensation benefits—and they often suffer as a result. If you have a claim for benefits, you should get started on your claim right away. While the following are all common excuses, they are not reasons to delay your claim for benefits:

1. Fear of Retaliation

By law, employers in Ohio are prohibited from retaliating against employees who assert their legal right to workers’ compensation. Your employer shouldn’t retaliate; and, if it does, this may entitle you to additional compensation.

2. Waiting to See if You Get Better

You are entitled to medical benefits regardless of the severity of your job-related injury or illness. But, if you put off seeking treatment to see if you get better on your own, this could create problems for your health and your workers’ compensation claim.

3. Not Wanting to Deal with the Process

No one wants to deal with filing a workers’ compensation claim, but asserting your legal rights is extremely important if you have been injured or gotten sick on the job. You can hire a Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer to handle the process for you, and your lawyer can help make sure you seek the maximum benefits to which you are legally entitled.

Talk to a Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Confidence

Do you still have time to file for workers’ compensation benefits? If so, we can help you, and we encourage you to get in touch today. To speak with an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer in confidence, call 888-444-7440 or tell us about your claim online now.