Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Columbus, OH

Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Columbus, OH

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Columbus, OH

If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get the compensation you deserve. In many cases, you may need the assistance of experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of filing a workers’ compensation claim and to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to receive. The Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Columbus, OH at Buckeye Law Group are here to help you get the workers’ compensation you deserve.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial compensation to employees who have suffered an injury while on the job. It is designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits so the worker can focus on recovery instead of worrying about their finances.

In Ohio, employers are required by law to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees in case of an accident or illness suffered on the job.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that an employee does not need to prove fault for the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to provide coverage. Your employer or another worker does not need to be negligent in order for you to file a claim. Accidents happen, and some injuries, like repetitive stress injuries from doing the same job and actions years on end, are not necessarily one person’s fault. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve compensation.

What Injuries Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation provides coverage for employees who are injured on the job or experience a work-related illness. In Ohio, employees can receive medical care, rehabilitation services and wage replacement benefits if they become ill or are injured while performing their job duties.

Covered injuries can include physical trauma, such as broken bones or burns, as well as occupational diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss.

To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, your injury must be caused by your job or result from the conditions of your job. It is important to note that not all workplace injuries are covered; you must prove that your injury was the direct result of your work activities to qualify for benefits.

Situations in which you might not be eligible for benefits are those in which your injury was caused by something not directly related to your job. For example, if you were drunk at work and crashed a company vehicle, you likely won’t be eligible for compensation. You must have been injured in the process of fulfilling your job duties and while following the rules prescribed by your employer (like not drinking on the job or goofing around in the office).

You also might not have a legitimate claim if you were injured doing something outside of your job description. For example, If your job is data entry on a computer but you fell off a desk you were standing on to change a light bulb, you might not have a valid claim. You were not performing the job duties for which you were employed when the injury occurred. This doesn’t mean you definitely won’t have a case, but it may be more difficult.

You should consult with a workers’ comp attorney to learn how your unique circumstances may impact the validity of your claim.

How Do I File a Claim for Workers’ Compensation?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated, so it is important to understand the process and know when to seek legal representation.

The first step in filing a claim for workers’ compensation is to notify your employer of your injury or illness. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury occurs, as failure to do so could result in delays or even denial of benefits. After reporting your injury, your employer is required to provide you with a claim form and other necessary documents to complete and submit.

When completing the forms, it is important to provide detailed information about your injury and the circumstances surrounding it. Once you have submitted the forms, you must wait for an approval or denial of benefits from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision, but this process can be lengthy and complex.

If you wish to appeal your claim denial, it may be beneficial to enlist the help of an attorney skilled in workers’ compensation claims.

When Should I Seek Legal Representation for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you have suffered an injury at work, it is important to understand when you should seek legal representation for your workers’ compensation claim.

While some employers are willing to accept and process the claim without any legal involvement, there are scenarios where you may receive significant pushback. This is especially common after serious work injuries that may justify large workers’ comp claims or if there are disputes regarding whether your injury is covered (like where it happened, when it happened or what you were doing when the injury occurred. In those cases, it is usually beneficial to have an experienced attorney on your side who can provide the necessary support and guidance.

When you are filing a claim for workers’ compensation, be aware of the legal deadlines that are applicable. Depending on the severity of your injury, there may be a time limit for when you can file a claim and receive compensation. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the deadline so you can make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner.

Furthermore, if your employer disputes your claim or if your benefits have been denied, it can help to have a legal professional on your side who can leverage Ohio workplace injury law for your benefit. A qualified lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and present a strong argument to demonstrate why you are entitled to workers’ compensation.

For assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, contact the Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Columbus, OH at Buckeye Law Group today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.