In Ohio (as well as other states), any injury or illness that occurs to a worker during the course and/or scope of employment shall be covered by workers’ compensation. This right and the benefits accrued are the same in the case of women in the workplace but often due to exploitation by employers, women workers aren’t given their due right.

Benefits of Workers’ Compensation Include

This right must be awarded despite non-negligence on part of employer (although there’re exceptions), if a worker was disabled or injured while on the job. The compensatory benefits provided by the employers to the affected worker are;

ü  Compensation of lost wages

ü  Medical treatment

ü  Compensation for permanent impairments (disability)

Reporting a Worker’s Compensation Claim

Personal injury attorneys specializing in workers’ benefits claims recommend individuals who have valid cases should report their illness or injury to their employer as soon as possible. Then only should the next step be taken, i.e. filing the workers’ benefits claim.

Your employer will provide a form known as the FROI or “First Report of an Injury, Occupational Disease, or Death” which will be filled and submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. The form can also be found online, where you’ll need to provide a detailed account and description of the accident, the medical diagnosis (if made) and other pertinent information. Your employer and/or doctor may also assist in completing the form.

Deadline for Completing First Report of Injury

Stocker Pitts, an Ohio based law firm that specializes in personal injury cases and workers benefits claims suggest individuals should report any work related injury or disease within two years after;

ü  Date of disability, i.e. when you became unable to work

ü  6 months of getting medically diagnosed from your doctor

ü  Death due to industrially occupational related disease (in this case, family members reserve the right to file a claim)

Appealing an Ohio Workers Compensation Denial

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation will accept or deny the claim within 28 days on submitting the form, in a written notification. Instructions on how to appeal the decision (if denied) will be included in the notification as well.

If individuals choose to appeal the decision, they must do so within the time that’s highlighted in the written letter and in front of the Ohio Industrial Commission. The highest party that’s addressed within the IC is the commission itself but individuals must try to get a decision in their favor from the District level if possible.

Due to the complexities involved, workers’ compensation cases should be discussed and handled by a professional personal injury lawyer who specializes in workers’ benefits claims. Stocker Pitts is one such law firm based in Ohio that’ll help present your best case as well as comply with legal requirements of the hearing process that takes place in all stages of such cases. Get a free initial consultation today!