What Types of Injuries and Illnesses Does Workers’ Comp Cover in Ohio?

If you have been injured or gotten sick on the job, you probably have questions about workers’ compensation. One of your first questions is probably, “Is my injury or illness covered?” As Columbus work compensation attorney Ed Malek explains below, the answer is almost certainly, “Yes.”

Ohio Workers’ Compensation Covers All Types of Injuries and Illnesses

In Ohio, workers’ compensation covers almost all types of injuries and illnesses. This includes traumatic injuries (i.e., injuries from accidents), repetitive stress injuries, illnesses from toxic exposure, and other occupational diseases. In some (but not all) circumstances, infectious diseases are covered as well.

Some examples of the most-common injuries covered by workers’ compensation in Ohio include:

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Knee and ankle injuries
• Lower back injuries
• Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries (i.e., sprains, strains and tears)
• Shoulder injuries
• Wrist injuries

Examples of common illnesses and diseases covered by workers’ compensation include:

• Cancers
• Coronary artery disease
• Dermatitis
• Infections
• Lung diseases
• Neurological disorders
• Respiratory diseases

Again, these are just examples. Many more types of injuries and illnesses are eligible for workers’ compensation coverage under Ohio law. If you have questions about whether your medical condition is covered, you should promptly consult with a Columbus work compensation attorney.

What Factors Determine Your Workers’ Compensation Eligibility:

Since the vast majority of work-related injuries and illnesses are covered, what factors are relevant to determining your workers’ compensation eligibility? Three of the most important questions are:

• Are you an “employee”? To file for workers’ compensation in Ohio, you must be classified as an “employee” (as opposed to an “independent contractor”). Most workers are employees. If you are unsure of your employment status—or if your employer tries to deny your claim by saying that you are an independent contractor—you should consult with an attorney.
• Were you injured (or did you get sick) on the job? Workers’ compensation only covers employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. Even if you are unable to work, if you were injured at home on personal time, your injury or illness isn’t covered. However, you do not necessarily need to be performing your job duties when you get injured or sick to be eligible, and, again, if you have questions, you should consult with an attorney right away.
• Is your employer in compliance with Ohio law? Ohio law requires employers with one or more employees to provide workers’ compensation coverage (although workers’ compensation claims are processed by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)). If your employer doesn’t have coverage, you may not be able to file for workers’ compensation—but you may be able to file a different type of claim against your employer.

Talk to a Columbus Work Compensation Attorney for Free

Would you like to find out if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits? If so, our Columbus work compensation attorney would be happy to help. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible, please call 888-444-7440 or tell us about your situation online now.