Workers’ Compensation Claims Guide

Daily Routine

We all have our routines. We wake up, we brew a cup of coffee and sip it while reading the morning headlines. We shower and shave, kiss our family goodbye and then we head to work. It all sounds so mundane and so safe, doesn’t it? Nobody plans on unexpected injuries to derail them when they’re going through their day-to-day tasks, but the fact is, job site injuries are more common than you may think. If you’ve sustained injuries at a workplace in Cleveland, you need to give me a call. In the interim, I’ve provided you with a workers’ compensation claims guide below.

Workplace Injuries

It’s a common misconception that a work related injury is exclusive to high-risk jobs. While certain jobs are more likely than others to be associated with a workplace accident, even the most benign office job can cause devastating injuries that can leave you out of work, wages lost, and unable to provide for your family. Your personal injury may require medical care, which adds medical expenses, and why the injured need to seek compensation. The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation was established in 1912 to provide for the welfare of injured workers. and to ensure workers’ comp benefits are available to Cleveland workers. I have more than forty years of workers’ comp experience, and I will walk you step by step through the workers’ comp process. No one will work harder on your behalf to ensure you are properly compensated for your work injury. Below are some examples of workplace injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can be caused by repetitive hand movement.

Bursitis

Bursitis involves the inflammation or irritation of the bursae – small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Bursitis can occur when these sacs become inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort in the affected area. Bursitis is most commonly found in the shoulder, elbow, and hip.

Loss of hearing

Hearing loss is a common and a potentially preventable condition that can be caused by exposure to loud noise in the workplace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), work-related hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States, after high blood pressure and arthritis. Exposure to loud noise at work can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. The louder the noise and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of hearing damage.

Loss of vision

Loss of vision in the workplace can have a significant impact on job performance and quality of life. Workers who are exposed to chemical substances, or debris may be at risk for developing eye conditions that can result in vision loss over time. Employers have a responsibility to provide adequate training and protective equipment to minimize the risk of workplace-related vision loss.

Back, neck, or shoulder injuries

Back, neck, and shoulder injuries are very common workplace injuries that often result in lost wages since the pain associated with these injuries prevents a person from working. There are several potential causes for these injuries including: poor ergonomics, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and slips, trips, and falls. If you have been insured, call me so I can help you with your workers compensation claim.

Disc issues

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that can be caused by workplace factors such as repetitive motions and heavy lifting. DDD occurs when the discs between the vertebrae of the spine break down over time, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. Your employer has an obligation to make sure you are protected from potential harm.

Injuries to any part of your body

Injuries to parts of the body can be caused in the workplace due to various factors. Some of the top causes of non-fatal work injury include slips, trips, falls, overexertion, and contact with objects and equipment. Employers should take steps to prevent their workers from being injured on the job. They can do so by implementing safety protocols and providing appropriate job training and safe equipment to their workers.

Burns

Burns can be caused in various ways because of workplace conditions. Some common causes include exposure to hot liquids, hot solids, flames, chemicals, and electrical hazards. In the workplace, burns can occur in industries that handle hot substances, such as food service and manufacturing, as well as those that involve open flames or welding, such as in construction and metalworking. Burns can also occur due to accidental contact with hot surfaces, including electrical equipment and machinery. Your burn may require medical treatment, and you may have a workers’ compensation claim.

Amputations

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), amputations are some of the most serious and debilitating workplace injuries. They are caused by a variety of activities and equipment commonly found in the workplace, such as machinery with rotating parts, presses, conveyors, and heavy equipment. I’ve represented injured workers for over forty years, and I know what it takes to Make Them Pay!® your workers compensation benefits.

Brain injury or paralysis

Brain injury or paralysis can be caused by workplace accidents that involve a forceful blow, jolt, or shaking of the head or body. This can include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, motor vehicle accidents, and machinery or equipment malfunctions. My heart aches for those who have suffered such tragedies, and my experience as a Cleveland workers’ compensation attorney will help you recover your benefits.

Heart attack or stroke

There are several risk factors associated with heart attack and stroke that can be caused by the workplace. These risk factors include stress, exposure to certain hazardous materials or chemicals which may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Automobile injuries

Motor vehicle crashes are a significant concern for employees who drive or ride as part of their job, regardless of the type of company or job. It is the employer’s responsibility to implement a driver safety program to reduce the risk of injuries, and provide research-based guidance to employees to prevent crashes and save lives!. Sometimes catastrophic in nature, these injured Ohio workers deserve maximum compensation.

Inhalation injuries

Inhalation injuries can cause occupational disease when harmful substances, such as gases, chemicals, or particulate matter, come into contact with the respiratory system. Such injuries can be caused in the workplace due to exposure to toxic substances, including gases, fumes, and chemicals.

Chemical poisoning

Chemical poisoning can occur in the workplace when toxic substances or solvents are absorbed by the body, leading to impairment of normal organ function. Exposure to these chemicals can happen through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Some of these situations can cause long-term damage, and you need to call me as soon as possible. As a highly experienced workers comp lawyer, I will help your step by step through the claims process.

Death

Death can be caused in the workplace due to various reasons, such as accidents, violence, or illness. Accidents in the workplace can include falls, equipment malfunction, fire, explosions, and transportation incidents. The workers compensation system also includes death benefits.

Filing Workers Compensation Claims

Workers Compensation Process in Cleveland, Ohio

1. Obtain and complete the First Report of Injury (FROI) form.

2. Submit the completed FROI form to the Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC).

3. The BWC will investigate your claim and determine its validity within 28 days.

You have a workers comp claim

Be sure to retain all of your medical records if you plan to file a claim for workers compensation benefits. Even if you believe you were responsible for your work injury, you may still have rights to workers compensation benefits. If your injury was due to a third party liability (such as a manufacturer’s defect in the heavy duty equipment you used) you still have a workers compensation claim.

Another common mistake that employees make is erroneously and innocently believing that their boss is their friend and is looking out for their best interest. For most employers, that could not be further from the truth. Even the friendliest boss can turn sour and hostile the moment an injury occurred, and then try to refuse your benefits.  Even workers compensation attorneys can think your case is open-and-shut, but don’t be surprised if you find resistance and backlash about your work injury. Claims get denied more often than you think, and the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation can be extremely adversarial to employees who file workers’ compensation claims.

Protect Yourself, Hire Tim Misny as your Workers Compensation Lawyer, Today!

Cleveland workers have rights, but you also have a certain set of responsibilities that you must follow after a workplace injury. If you are injured on the job, know that Ohio workers’ compensation benefits are available, and you should file a claim to recover such benefits. Below are the steps you should take immediately following your work injury:

• Immediately seek medical treatment. You want to get your injuries documented by a doctor or medical professional right away to support your case.

• Make sure you comply with all of your doctor’s instructions.

• Do not miss any follow-up medical appointments, either.

• If you need any other type of follow-up appointments, pursue them and keep those appointments, as well.

• Speak with a supervisor right away to document your injury. Make sure your supervisor actually documents it!!

• Begin the claims process and file your Cleveland workers’ compensation claim right away. My law firm staff will guide you through the process and as my client, I will give you my direct mobile number so you can call me with any questions.

• Call me! As your Cleveland workers compensation attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®. I can offer you more than forty years of experience with workers’ compensation cases.

Workers compensation attorneys know, when you file your claim for benefits, be specific with the required information. Be sure the claim’s form is properly filled out with your name, your address, and your employer’s name. The claim will need a detailed description of the workplace injury, and the official diagnosis from your doctor or medical professional. You will need supporting documentation for your workers’ comp claim too. Any details and medical records about your physical disability after the injury are extremely beneficial. Lastly, your workers’ compensation policy number will also be needed.

The state of Ohio does require all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. Even if they are not insured, you still have rights, and they can be penalized for non-compliance. You should also never have to fear backlash after your injury. Any form of retaliation is highly illegal, so any attempts to; fire you, lay you off, blacklist you, deny you benefits, cut your pay, deny overtime, or make threats and intimidate you, should not be tolerated. These behaviors frequently occur , which is why it’s more important to reach out to me right after your injury.

After a workplace injury, your life may be turned upside down. You may find yourself surrounded by a growing pile of medical bills and no way to pay them. You may also have a long and painful recovery process ahead of you, and without work, your future may seem bleak and uncertain. I’m here to help you. I will help you obtain:

• Compensation for any medical bills.

• Disability compensation (including temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, and permanent total disability) to provide compensation for any lost wages while recovering or if you are unable to ever work again.

• Restitution for any wage loss, including future potential earnings.

• Compensation for any facial disfigurement that may prevent you from future employment.

• Access to the Disabled Workers’ Relief Fund, a supplement to permanent disability compensation.

• Death claims (if the injury led to a tragic death of the employee).

Workers Compensation Claims in Cleveland

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you want a workers compensation attorney, and you want me! Call me right now at (800) 556-4769. I take on big cases and deliver big results. Plus, I have nearly forty years of experience serving the greater Cleveland area. I know Ohio law, and you can trust that when you call me, you are getting all of my knowledge and experience to work for you.

I fight for injured workers! When I take on your case, I treat your situation like I would a family member. I will not only fight tirelessly to ensure you receive benefits, but that no one else suffers a similar injury at your workplace.

Changing corrupt workplace policies is a passion of mine, and I will strive to see that necessary changes happen on my watch. You do not need to worry about payment when you call me. When I take your case, you can be confident that I’ll not only file all necessary forms on your behalf, I’ll also pay all associated fees. I work on a contingency basis, which means that if you don’t get paid, then neither do I.

I know your schedule is probably filled with doctor’s appointments and other concerns, so please do not feel like you can only reach out to me from 9-to-5 s. When I take on your case, you will be given my personal cell phone number so you can call me 24/7. I’ll work tirelessly for you, meet you any time, any place that works best for you. With me as your lawyer, you can rest assured you’ll get the compensation that you deserve, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®.