Every year, the State of Ohio gives money back to employers. The money is in the form of a rebate from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (OBWC). When there is too much money in the state’s account, officials must refund the excess to employers, under the guise that they use it for hiring new employees. The problem is that the money refunded to the employers should be used to compensate workers who are injured on the job. There is something wrong with the way the state has structured the program.
Rate Reduction for Employers
Recently, along with the announced rebate, the OBWC stated that it would reduce the amount each employer must pay for worker’s compensation. The new rate is 20% lower than it has been in years past. While that’s good news for the employer, it’s bad for the workers. Compensation rates on their end have stagnated, with the state enforcing the approval amounts. There’s a reason why the OBWC has so much money left over each year and can afford to give it back and reduce rates – the employees who are hurt on the job aren’t being fairly compensated.
Where the Money Goes
According to Governor Mike DeWine’s office, over $1.5 billion will be refunded to employers. The money comes from workers’ compensation insurance that was paid between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018, the previous fiscal year. Various local governments are going to receive $114 million of that money, while school districts around the state will get $50 million. While some claim that the money is being returned due to good investments made on the behalf of the OBWC and the state, others are quick to point out that the workers’ compensation program has several fatal flaws.
Unfair Compensation Levels
When an employee is hurt on the job, they should be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits and be compensated fairly. Other states have systems in place to provide fair compensation to injured workers for medical bills so that they are able to recover from their injuries without having to deal with additional stress. Instead, Ohio ties their compensation rates to an outdated insurance mandate. As a result, compensation rates are far too low. In order to receive proper compensation, injured workers need to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you are eligible for workers’ compensation. Call me today and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
