Many workers injured on the job do not initially think they will need an attorney’s help in filing a workers’ compensation claim. And, all too often, employers may even discourage workers from hiring legal representation because they simply want you to go into this alone.
It may not be until after your claim was denied by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation that you realize an attorney is necessary. What happens next? Does this mean a denied claim is simply a denied claim and nothing more can be done?
If you find yourself asking these questions, it may be time to call an experienced work injury lawyer.
You received a letter in the mail that your worker’s compensation claim has been denied by the bureau but you are not ready to call it quits. What happens next in this process?
An injured worker may file an appeal if the claim has been denied.
An employee has 14 days from the denial to file an appeal in writing or online. You or your attorney can file the appeal with the Ohio Industrial Commission online here.
Make sure to include all of the necessary information on your filed appeal.
This includes: Contact/mailing information, employer, workers’ compensation policy number, incident details, medical diagnosis, any medical documentation supporting your diagnosis, and any information regarding your disability.
Once the appeal is filed, there are three appeal levels with the OIC.
These 3 levels include the District Hearing, the Staff Hearing, and the Commission Hearing. Each of these levels requires a hearing with the Ohio Industrial Commission. It is highly recommended that the injured worker finds legal representation for this portion.
I cannot stress enough how important it is that anyone filing a workers’ compensation claim or appeal seeks an experienced attorney to represent them.
An attorney will be the best source to defend your rights as a worker and gain you fair compensation for your workplace injury or illness.
All too often I see employers taking advantage of their employees and leaving them high and dry. When this happens, it will not only affect the injured worker but will affect the families depending on them as well.
Do yourself and your family a favor by calling me today if you’ve suffered a work-related injury. As your Ohio workplace accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 855.800.0384.