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Workers’ Compensation: What is it?

Medical and wage benefits are provided by workers’ compensation insurance to those injured or sick at work. It is a contractual arrangement between management and workers, under which they acknowledge their risk of job-related accidents in exchange for the payment of the premiums.

These policies are purchased by corporations and underwritten by insurance companies. If you’re injured on the job, you can claim benefits for medical care, lost wages, and disability. Contact a Cincinnati work injury lawyer if you have any questions.

For the year 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics accounts for 86,300 reports of nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in Ohio, which results in an incident rate of 2.4 for every 100 full-time equivalent workers.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Employees who are injured or become ill at work may be compensated by the workers’ compensation insurance program. This pays medical bills and lost wages during their absence from work.

Injury or loss of a limb, infections caused by the workplace (such as emphysema), repetitive motion injuries, permanent impairments, medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages are generally covered under workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation insurance can protect businesses from lawsuits, no matter who is at fault – employee, employer, co-worker, or even customer. Even though it may appear like another expense, workers’ compensation insurance can provide considerable peace of mind.

Who Is Required to Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Businesses that employ workers are generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. In some states, businesses must have it when they hire their first employee. Some states, however, do not require workers’ compensation coverage until a business hires its second, third, or fourth employee. Texas and South Dakota are the only states that waive workers’ compensation insurance for employers.

Ohio requires all businesses with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Companies that don’t comply can face penalties and must pay the entire cost of a claim if an accident occurs.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available?

Employees and employers benefit from workers’ compensation. Employers are protected from the costs associated with treating employees who are ill or injured at work. Workers’ comp protects employees by providing financial assistance in the event of unexpected medical expenses following a workplace accident or occupational illness.

Ohio workers’ compensation benefits for employees include:

  • Medical benefits
  • Temporary total disability benefits
  • Scheduled loss awards
  • Permanent total disability benefits
  • Change of occupation awards
  • Death benefits

How Do You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio?

You should immediately report a work injury to your supervisor. After receiving medical attention, it’s time to file a claim.

In Ohio, workers generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If the claim is for work-related illness, the employee must file within one year of becoming ill or within six months of formal diagnosis by a doctor.

Once you have submitted your claim for benefits, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will conduct an investigation and decide whether to approve or deny benefits. If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, you have the right to appeal.

How to Reduce Work Injuries

To prevent workplace injuries, companies should follow these steps.

Review the safety of equipment in the workplace. Find out if this equipment needs to be repaired or replaced altogether. Provide safety equipment if it is needed. Provide ergonomic office equipment.

Educate and guide all employees with information and guidance on workplace safety, and communicate updates and guidelines.

Employers can reduce the number of employees injured on the job by initiating employee wellness programs, which encourage healthy lifestyles and physical fitness

Benefits of Workers Comp Coverage:

Both businesses and workers are protected by workers’ comp coverage.

  • Worker’s Compensation Is an Advantage for Small and Medium Businesses:

Small businesses are protected when an employee is hurt or becomes ill on the job through workers’ compensation coverage. It pays for medical expenses and part of lost wages for injured employees, costs that the employer would otherwise have to pay out of pocket. A worker’s compensation policy also usually covers the expenses of funerals for workers who suffer fatal injuries at work.

  • Workers’ Comp Protects Employees:

Workers’ compensation ensures employees are covered if they are unable to work due to injury or illness on the job. An injury or illness might result in wage loss for an employee, especially if it means an extended absence.

The coverage will cover medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident as well as the portion of the employee’s missed wages. Additionally, employees don’t have to prove the employer was responsible for the accident to get benefits.

Call a Cincinnati Work Injury Lawyer:

The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing. There are many factors and case-specific facts to consider. In order to get the benefits you deserve, contact a workers’ compensation attorney for help.

Our Cincinnati personal injury attorneys can guide you through the process. We can also help you appeal if your claim was unfairly denied. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Jay A. Bolotin is a partner at the injury law firm of Young, Reverman & Bolotin. Serving the people of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Jay dedicates his career to helping clients in the tri-state area obtain financial compensation after suffering serious injuries. He focuses his practice on cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, and other types of personal injury incidents.

Years of Experience: More than 25 years
Registration Status:: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Cincinati Bar Association