Applying to Ohio workplace injury compensation represents the best option for receiving compensation after suffering an on-the-job injury or developing an illness after a workplace exposure to harmful substances. Other options do exist, and a knowledgeable Columbus Ohio employment discrimination lawyer will explore each of those on a client’s behalf.
How do I apply for workplace injury compensation?
Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) offers a range of programs for directly compensating people who get hurt or fall ill while engaging in employment-related activities. Such compensation can come in the form of lump-sum payments for things like losing an eye or having a limb amputated. Other programs provide monthly payments for wage replacement and coverage of medical expenses related to the on-the-job injury or occupational illness.
Qualifying for workplace injury comp requires submitting medical records, undergoing an examination and assessment from a health care provider named by the BWC, and, usually, participating in a rehabilitation program. While no employer can legally block an employee from filing a workplace injury comp claim, the employer can contest the claim — and often does so. Enlisting the help of an experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorney will help ensure that all necessary paperwork gets completed and filed correctly, as well as that objections raised by the employer or a BWC case reviewer can be met with additional evidence.
Can I sue my employer?
Almost definitely not. A combination of state statutes and court decisions make it nearly impossible for an employee or a deceased employee’s family to succeed with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Showing that the employer acted recklessly or with intent to harm would be required to win a court award in lawsuit over a work-related injury or illness.
Can I sue an equipment maker or other company?
Maybe. Filing for and receiving workers’ comp benefits leaves a person free to seek compensation from a third party who made a dangerous or defective product. For instance, a faulty tool can entitle a laborer to a workers’ comp settlement and a court award from the toolmaker. A dedicated workers’ comp attorney in Columbus will look at all the circumstances surrounding an on-the-job injury or occupational illness and try to identify negligent third parties.
Can I file insurance claims?
Workers who become too injured or ill to work can file health care and disability claims against their own insurance policies. This becomes especially relevant when a person carries wage-replacement coverage through a plan like AFLAC or Unum and when a person has separate short- or long-term disability coverage.
Could an on-the-job injury qualify me for long-term disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance or equivalent disability benefits through a government retirement plan can be available to people who get hurt or fall ill at work. Receiving workplace injury comp and insurance money does not automatically disqualify a person from other disability programs, but consulting with a Columbus workplace injury compensation attorney will help ensure conflicts do not arise.
The workplace injury comp attorneys in the Columbus, Ohio, offices of the Calig Law Firm welcome opportunities to advise and represent injured and ill employees. Free consultations are available by calling (614) 252-2300 or completing this online contact form.