As you might know, the Ohio workers’ compensation system is designed to provide compensation to employees who get injured in the course of doing their jobs. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) oversees workers’ compensation claims in Cleveland and throughout the state, and will determine whether you are eligible to receive benefits.
For most injured workers who are eligible, those benefits consist of medical treatment costs and wage replacement benefits. However, depending upon your specific situation, you could be eligible to receive additional benefits.
It can be difficult to know if you have a valid workers’ compensation claim, depending upon how your accident happened. For many workers, injuries occur tangentially to their jobs, and they are not sure if they are eligible to seek benefits through the workers’ comp system in Ohio.
The following are some questions you can ask yourself to get started, and then you should get in touch with me to learn more about your options.
Were You on the Clock When the Accident Happened?
If you were injured at work, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether you were actually on the clock when the accident happened. Generally speaking, you need to be on the clock in some capacity for your injury to be covered by the Ohio workers’ compensation system.
For example, if you pulled into the parking lot at your workplace and another employee accidentally collided with your vehicle, this accident is unlikely to be treated as a workplace injury for workers’ compensation purposes. You certainly may have other options for seeking compensation, but you might not be eligible for workers’ comp.
Similarly, you should know that optional workplace activities that result in injuries are generally not compensable. For example, if you got hurt in a workplace kickball game after hours, or if you attended a cocktail hour and fell and got hurt, these kinds of injuries are not typically eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
Do You Have Medical Evidence to Support Your Claim?
If you have an injury that could have occurred in another situation, it will be extremely important to have medical evidence to support your claim. As soon as you get hurt at work, it is critical to get a medical evaluation. A healthcare provider can assess your injury, and can begin building a medical record that will help to prove that you sustained the injury the way you say you did.
Call Me for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio can be complicated, and the situation can become even more complex if you are unsure whether your injury qualifies you for workers’ comp benefits. I am here to assess your case and to help you determine whether you have a workers’ comp claim and a compensable injury.
If your injury should be compensated under the Ohio workers’ compensation system, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Whether you need assistance with an initial claim or you need my help appealing a denial of benefits, I want to make sure we do everything possible so that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Call me today at 877.944.4373 to discuss your case.
