When Can Office Workers File Workers’ Compensation Claims in Ohio?

When most people think about on-the-job injuries, they think about accidents on construction sites, in industrial factories, and in other high-risk work environments. But working in an office can be dangerous as well. While serious on-the-job accidents in office environments are less common, these accidents do happen, and they can leave injured office workers facing expensive medical bills, loss of income, and other financial and non-financial consequences.

As an office worker in Ohio, when can (and should) you hire a Columbus workers’ compensation attorney to file a claim on your behalf?

Office workers in Ohio can file workers’ compensation claims in various circumstances. In some cases, injured office workers can also file personal injury claims. If you have been injured on the job, it will be important to ensure that you have a clear understanding of your legal rights—and you should take action promptly to help maximize your chances of financial recovery.

When Office Workers Can File Workers’ Compensation Claims for On-the-Job Injuries

When it comes to filing a workers’ compensation claim, office workers are subject to the same rules—and entitled to the same benefits—as everyone else. This means that if you have suffered an on-the-job injury, you should be able to file a claim. Most office workers are covered under the state-run workers’ compensation program managed by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), and those who aren’t should be covered by their employers’ self-insured workers’ compensation policies.

To be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio, office workers must meet three basic requirements:

• Employment Status – As a general rule, employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio, whereas independent contractors are not. However, as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) explains, “issuance of a 1099 . . . does not necessarily mean we will consider [a] worker to be an independent contractor.” If you are unsure of your employment status, an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney will be able to help.
• On-the-Job Injury – Filing a workers’ compensation claim requires proof of an on-the-job injury. But this does not mean you were doing your job when you got injured. For example, tripping on the stairs or slipping on a wet bathroom floor could entitle you to file a claim for benefits.
• Timely Filing – When you have a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio, it is up to you to protect your legal rights. This includes making sure you file your claim on time. Injured employees generally have one year to file a claim with the Ohio BWC (or with their employer), while employees who have been diagnosed with an occupational disease may have up to two years to file.

Even if you still have plenty of time to file your claim, you should take action promptly. Most importantly, you should seek treatment for your on-the-job injury right away. If you wait to seek treatment, this could make it more difficult to prove how and where you got injured—and this could potentially lead to issues during the claims process.

Common On-the-Job Injuries for Office Workers in Ohio

As we mentioned above, while you must suffer your injury on the job in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio, you do not necessarily need to be doing your job when you get injured. This is especially important for office workers, as most traumatic injuries in the office environment are not specifically job-related.

With this in mind, some of the most common examples of on-the-job injuries for office workers in Ohio include:

Injuries from Slip-and-Fall and Trip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents are common causes of on-the-job injuries for office workers. Since you don’t necessarily need to be doing your job when you get injured to file a claim, office workers can file claims related to accidents including:

• Tripping on the stairs
• Tripping on torn carpet
• Tripping on a curb or another change in elevation
• Slipping on a wet bathroom or café floor
• Slipping on ice or snow outside of the building

These are just examples. If you fell at the office and are now dealing with a strain, sprain, tear, fracture, or any other traumatic injury, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you have a claim, you can seek coverage for your medical expenses; and, if you have missed (or will miss) seven or more days from work, you can seek coverage for your lost earnings as well.

Overexertion Injuries

Office workers in Ohio can also file workers’ compensation claims for overexertion injuries. If you strained your back or suffered any other type of overexertion injury while lifting boxes, moving furniture, or doing anything else at work, you may be entitled to benefits in this scenario as well.

Injuries Suffered in Auto Accidents While Running Errands for Work

While commuting generally does not qualify as a job-related activity, if you were injured in an auto accident while running work-related errands, you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if you were involved in a collision while making a run for office supplies, this is a scenario in which your auto accident may be covered.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are common on-the-job injuries for office workers. These include carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back injuries caused by prolonged sitting in an office chair, and other injuries caused by repetitive strain or repetitive stress. If you are dealing with a repetitive strain injury that you believe is related to your employment, you should seek a diagnosis promptly (if you have not done so already).

Other Musculoskeletal Injuries

Along with traumatic injuries and repetitive strain injuries, other musculoskeletal injuries can lead to medical bills and loss of income for office workers as well. These include muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries, as well as bone fractures and dislocations.

These are just examples. From eye strain to respiratory irritation from poor air quality, office workers can suffer from various other injuries as well. Ultimately, if you have suffered any type of injury at the office, it will be worth talking to a Columbus workers’ compensation attorney about your legal rights.

Workers’ Compensation Claims vs. Personal Injury Claims for On-the-Job Accidents

As a general rule, employees who are eligible to file for workers’ compensation are not eligible to file personal injury claims against their employers. However, injured employees may still be able to file personal injury claims in some cases. For example, if the owner of the building failed to address a hazardous property condition, you could have a claim against the building owner under Ohio law.

Why is this important? While workers’ compensation covers eligible employees’ medical expenses and a portion of their lost earnings, it does not cover all of the costs associated with traumatic injuries. If you have a personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim, your attorney will be able to help you seek full compensation for your lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other financial and non-financial losses.

Steps to Take if You Were Injured on the Job as an Office Worker in Ohio

With all of this in mind, if you suffered an injury at the office in Ohio, there are some important steps you should take promptly. To protect your legal rights, you should:

1. Seek a Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have not done so already, you should seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. You have the right to see a doctor of your choosing (or go to the emergency room) for your first visit.

2. Report Your Injury to Your Employer

You should report your on-the-job injury to your employer as soon as possible. You should file a written report if possible and keep a copy for your records.

3. Make Sure You See an Approved Provider for Ongoing Care

After your first visit, you will need to see an approved provider. Following through with your care will be important for your physical recovery and for protecting your claim for benefits.

4. Keep Track of Your Losses

Going forward, you should do your best to keep track of your losses. This includes days you miss from work, any out-of-pocket costs, and any other day-to-day effects of your injuries.

5. Hire an Attorney to Help You Take Action

Finally, you should hire an attorney to help you take appropriate legal action. Hiring an attorney costs nothing out-of-pocket in this scenario, and your attorney will be able to help you seek the maximum compensation available.

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

If you were injured on the job in Ohio, we encourage you to contact us for more information. We represent office workers statewide. To speak with an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible, call 888-444-7440 or request a free consultation online today.