What Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Available in Ohio?

For most employees in Ohio, recovering their losses after getting hurt on the job involves filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. But, there are several different types of benefits available under Ohio law, and understanding which benefits you are eligible to receive can be challenging. With this in mind, here is an overview of the benefits you might be able to collect with the help of a Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer:

Medical Benefits in Ohio

Medical benefits cover the costs of diagnosing and treating your job-related injury. Ohio’s workers’ compensation law allows employees to see doctors of their own choosing, as long as their doctors are certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC). But, if you need to be transported to the hospital for emergency treatment, you can see a non-certified doctor and still remain eligible for benefits.

Medical benefits cover all costs associated with diagnosis and treatment of job-related injuries, including:

• Hospital stays and doctor visits
• Tests, screenings and scans
• Surgery
• Medications, medical devices and medical supplies
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Travel expenses related to obtaining medical care

Disability (Wage Replacement) Benefits

The second major category of workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio are those that provide compensation for injured employees’ lost wages. These are commonly known as “disability benefits,” and there are three main types available:

• Temporary Total Disability – If you need to take time off from work to recover, a Columbus workers compensation lawyer can help you file for temporary total disability benefits.
• Permanent Partial Disability – If your injury leaves you permanently disabled but you are still able to work in some capacity, then you can file for permanent partial disability benefits.
• Permanent Total Disability – If your injury leaves you permanently disabled and unable to work in any capacity, then you can file for permanent total disability benefits.

Loss of Function or Disfigurement

In Ohio, injured employees are eligible to seek additional compensation if their injuries result in loss of function or permanent disfigurement. The available benefits include:

• Scheduled Losses – Certain losses, such as loss of vision or hearing, loss of use of a specific body part, and amputation are awarded set (or “scheduled”) benefit amounts under Ohio law.
• Percentage Losses – Percentage loss benefits are available in cases in which employees experience less than total loss of function as a result of their injuries.
• Facial Disfigurement – Ohio’s workers’ compensation law allows employees to recover up to $10,000 in additional benefits for injuries that result in facial disfigurement.

Ohio Death Benefits

If you have lost a loved one due to a job-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for death benefits under Ohio law. These benefits are available to spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children who either (i) are under age 25 and enrolled in school, or (ii) have been diagnosed with mental or physical incapacity.

Talk to a Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About Your Claim

If you would like to find out what benefits you can recover under Ohio’s workers’ compensation law, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Malek & Malek. To speak with an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer in confidence, call 888-444-7440 or tell us how we can help online now.