Ohio Workmans Comp Summary And Assistance

Ohio workmans comp is administered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation(BWC). They provide numerous local offices at locations throughout the state. If you feel you are not being treated correctly by a BWC office, there is also an Ombuds office which serves as another source of aid for injured workers.

No one wants to be hurt on the job, but unfortunately this does happen. One can suffer from a work related injury, illness, disease or death at any time. If you have been a victim, there is somewhere to turn. Ohio workmans' comp is guaranteed so you can pay your bills and get the medical attention you need.

Ohio employers are required by law to have workers comp coverage. They are either state-fund or self-insured. You can ask your employer which type of coverage they provide. Employers that are state-fund pay premiums to the BWC and the BWC pays workers comp benefits directly to employees. Employers that are self-insured pay benefits directly to their employees.

When something happens on the job, your first focus will most likely be on
getting appropriate medical care. The next step is to report the accident to your employer. He or she will help you file the claim with the appropriate parties. If you see the doctor before reporting to your employer, be sure to inform him that this will be an Ohio workmans comp claim. He or she will then report the claim. Your responsibility will be to report it to your employer and let him or her know that the medical professional may be filing the claim.

Once the claim has been filed with the appropriate parties, you will receive an informational packet. This packet will include a BWC idenfication card which will have your name, claim number and phone number of a BWC claims services specialist. This card will also have your managed care organization's name and phone number. This information will be provided to your employer and treating physician. If additional information is needed, this will be sent to you.

Within 28 days, the BWC will either accept or deny your claim. If the claim is denied, you may file an appeal within 14 days. There are three levels for hearings for disputed claims: the district level, the staff level and the commission level. More detailed information about the appeals process can be obtained frm the BWC.

If you claim is accepted, you will likely receive total temporary compensation. This is based on your weekly wages at the time you were injured. It cannot be more than the average of the statewide weekly wage for the current year for all employees in Ohio. During the first twelve weeks, this will be 72% of your full weekly wage. For the thirteenth and each additional week, this will drop to 66.67%. Other types of compensation are awarded for death, partial disability. Be sure to ask any questions if you are unsure of what you should be receiving and why.

Employees in Ohio have the right to represent themselves during the workers comp process. However, workers comp law in Ohio can be relatively complex and it may be wise to obtain the expect advise from an attorney.