Maximize Your Workers' Compensation Benefits
If you suffered a job site injury, the Ohio workers' compensation system is most likely your only remedy for recovering compensation from your employer. If you suffered an injury in a job accident, or become too sick to work because of exposure to a toxic substance or environment, you are entitled to recover benefits for medical treatment and lost earnings. The system is administered by a state government regulatory agency known as the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).
Before You Start the Workers' Compensation Process, Get the Lawyer You Need
Do I need a workers' comp attorney? YES! It shouldn't have to be this way, but the state's workers' compensation system can become frustrating in a hurry. Having an experienced attorney handling things for you can result in an effective, efficient application that puts money in your pocket sooner. Read more about why you need a workers' comp attorney.
Understand the System and Get to Know the People Involved
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, it's easy to get lost in the workers' compensation system. After you notify your employer that you intend to file a claim, several key processes are set in motion. Know the next steps after you get injured.
Did the BWC Deny your workers comp claim and/or benefits? If the BWC rejects your claim, you may pursue an appeal before the Ohio Industrial Commission. The hearing officer at the Industrial Commission has one responsibility: to resolve disputes over denied claims relating to compensation for workplace injuries. At your appeal hearing, you attorney will present evidence to district hearing officers and staff hearing officers.
At each step of the process, you are likely to be facing a team of attorneys on the other side of your claim, fighting to protect their client's bottom line. It is important to stand up to the system. After all the burden will be on you to prove that your workplace accident resulted in an injury that prevents you from working. Our knowledge and experience gives you the power to fight back. Call us today to schedule a free in person or phone consultation.
Before You Start the Workers' Compensation Process, Get the Lawyer You Need
Do I need a workers' comp attorney? YES! It shouldn't have to be this way, but the state's workers' compensation system can become frustrating in a hurry. Having an experienced attorney handling things for you can result in an effective, efficient application that puts money in your pocket sooner. Read more about why you need a workers' comp attorney.
Understand the System and Get to Know the People Involved
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, it's easy to get lost in the workers' compensation system. After you notify your employer that you intend to file a claim, several key processes are set in motion. Know the next steps after you get injured.
Did the BWC Deny your workers comp claim and/or benefits? If the BWC rejects your claim, you may pursue an appeal before the Ohio Industrial Commission. The hearing officer at the Industrial Commission has one responsibility: to resolve disputes over denied claims relating to compensation for workplace injuries. At your appeal hearing, you attorney will present evidence to district hearing officers and staff hearing officers.
At each step of the process, you are likely to be facing a team of attorneys on the other side of your claim, fighting to protect their client's bottom line. It is important to stand up to the system. After all the burden will be on you to prove that your workplace accident resulted in an injury that prevents you from working. Our knowledge and experience gives you the power to fight back. Call us today to schedule a free in person or phone consultation.
What should I do after I got hurt at work?
NOTIFY YOUR EMPLOYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
After getting injured in an accident at work, it is important to notify your immediate supervisor and employer as soon as possible after the injury and your intent to file a workers' compensation claim. The filing process is complex. When injured workers do not take the proper steps, they can miss opportunities to collect benefits in a timely fashion.
SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT
After an injury, seeking proper medical attention and following the prescribed treatment plan is critical. Every employee injured in the workplace must see a doctor who is certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and an established clinic, set up to accept direct payments through a managed care organization (MCO). Talk to your doctor immediately to ask about certification.
FILE A CLAIM WITH OHIO BWC
Either you or your doctor may initiate the workers' compensation claim. To file a claim online, visit www.bwc.ohio.gov, review this page, and click on Complete FROI.
HIRE AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
No two workers' compensation claims are the same. Even people who have been through the system before are often confused when they receive a rejection or their application is denied. Our lawyers have the experience to represent your best interests. Your lawyer will handle everything, including dealing with your employer — who may or may not be looking out for you.
After getting injured in an accident at work, it is important to notify your immediate supervisor and employer as soon as possible after the injury and your intent to file a workers' compensation claim. The filing process is complex. When injured workers do not take the proper steps, they can miss opportunities to collect benefits in a timely fashion.
SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT
After an injury, seeking proper medical attention and following the prescribed treatment plan is critical. Every employee injured in the workplace must see a doctor who is certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and an established clinic, set up to accept direct payments through a managed care organization (MCO). Talk to your doctor immediately to ask about certification.
FILE A CLAIM WITH OHIO BWC
Either you or your doctor may initiate the workers' compensation claim. To file a claim online, visit www.bwc.ohio.gov, review this page, and click on Complete FROI.
HIRE AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
No two workers' compensation claims are the same. Even people who have been through the system before are often confused when they receive a rejection or their application is denied. Our lawyers have the experience to represent your best interests. Your lawyer will handle everything, including dealing with your employer — who may or may not be looking out for you.
Get to Know the Players in Your Ohio Workers' Comp Claim Process
If you have suffered an injury on the job in Ohio, it pays to get straight answers about your claim. It is also important to know if you don't have an attorney representing your best interests, you could be facing attorneys and representatives from any or all of the following key players:
Your Employer: Every employer in the state is required by law to participate in the state-run workers' compensation plan. Employers who are found to be non-compliant, in the event of an injury or death claim, will be forced by law to pay all employee medical bills, lost earnings and other expenses out of their own pocket. Even if you have a great relationship with your boss, your employer is likely to be the first roadblock you encounter, as you pursue a legitimate claim.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC): The BWC is the administering regulatory agency established by the state legislature to oversee all matters relating to workers' compensation claims, benefits and participation. The Ohio BWC is the key player, with responsibility for reviewing all initial claims (except when your employer is a self insured employer). The investigation reports and medical records must be submitted according to strict criteria for review. The primary reason many initial claims are rejected is because of insufficient information or incomplete records. Your lawyer will know how to prepare your claim correctly and on time.
BWC History: Since 1912, injured workers in Ohio have been covered by a workers' compensation insurance system administered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The fund includes assets of over $22 billion to cover medical costs, lost earnings and other losses that can be directly attributable to an injury or loss of life on the job. In 2009, the Ohio BWC was the second largest provider of workers' compensation insurance benefits in the United States and provides coverage for more than 250,000 employers required to participate in the system.
The Ohio Industrial Commission (OIC): The OIC is responsible for handling all denied claims in a process that can best be described as an appeals hearing. The sole purpose of the hearing is to determine whether you are eligible to receive temporary benefits and in what form of compensation.
Managed Care Organizations (MCO): If your claim is successful, the BWC is responsible to pay monetary awards. However, not all workers' comp benefits are paid in the form of cash payments. The payment of your approved medical treatment will be handled by an MCO servicing your employer. The MCO's function is to authorize and pay medical bills, but only after the allowance is approved by the bureau and or the OIC. Consider the MCO as a medical insurance company. Your employer picks your MCO and is allowed to pick a different MCO every other year.
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