Nobody wants to think about getting hurt on the job or what steps must be taken after a serious workplace accident. Yet various kinds of accidents can happen at work, and it is critical to understand how the Ohio workers’ compensation claims process works. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) manages workers’ compensation claims, and I want to go through some of the basics of the BWC claims process with you.
Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
To file a workers’ compensation claim, you must have an injury that arises out of your employment, and you must complete a First Report of Injury (FROI) form and submit it to the BWC. You can do it through the mail or online. You must also report the injury to your employer, and you must seek medical attention for the injury you have sustained.
You Must Supply Information for Your Claim to be Processed
In order for your claim to be processed, you will need to supply the BWC with specific information, and it is important to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Ohio to ensure that you supply all required information. Generally speaking, however, you will need to provide your name and address, your employer’s name and address, your employer’s workers’ compensation policy number, a detailed description of the accident that resulted in your injury, and your medical diagnosis and supporting medical records.
Timeline for Your Workers’ Compensation Decision
Once the First Report of Injury form is received, the BWC will begin the process of investigating your claim and determining your eligibility for benefits. The BWC will make a decision about your claim—whether to allow or to deny your claim—within 28 days.
You Can Appeal a Denied Workers’ Comp Claim
If your claim is denied, the BWC is supposed to provide you with a specific reason for denying your claim. In many cases, the injured worker simply did not supply enough information with the claim initially. Whether your claim was denied because you were missing documentation or information, or your claim was denied for another reason, you need to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer on your appeal.
To be clear, you can appeal a denial, but you will need to act quickly. Once you receive the denial in the BWC order, you must file your appeal within 14 days.
Contact Me for Assistance with Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Claim
The Ohio workers’ compensation process can be complex, and it is important to have assistance with your claim. Even a minor error can result in your workers’ compensation claim being denied and you losing out on the compensation that you should be eligible to receive. Whether you are just starting the process of filing for workers’ compensation benefits or you require assistance with an appeal after your claim was denied, I want to help ensure that you get the financial compensation you need after your workplace injury. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 to learn more about how I can help with your claim.
