Worker’s Comp Basics: Claims & Benefits
An on-the-job injury can happen in a second, but its effects can impact you for a lifetime. Worker’s compensation laws are designed to protect you and help you get the money you need to cover lost wages and medical bills. Read on to learn more about filing for worker’s compensation in Ohio.
Getting a Claim Number
In Ohio, an initial claim form must be completed in order to receive worker’s compensation. The form is known as FROI-1. Often, it is filed automatically by a Managed Care Organization certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation when you first seek medical care for your injury. If one wasn’t filed, you can file one yourself. After the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation gets the form, they will send you a claim number and open your case. You will need to save this claim number, as it must be printed on all correspondence that you have with the bureau.
What Are the Types of Worker’s Comp Claims?
There are three main types of claims:
- Injured Worker Claims are for individuals who became hurt due to an accident or on-the-job conditions.
- Occupational Disease Claims are for individuals who developed chronic medical conditions directly as a result of their work.
- Death Claims are filed by the dependents of individuals who were killed on the job.
What Are the Types of Worker’s Comp Benefits?
There are six main types of worker’s compensation benefits which you may or may not be eligible for:
- Medical Benefits is health insurance coverage that is provided to you while you are injured and unable to work.
- Temporary Total Compensation provides 100% of wages while you are recovering from an injury or illness. This compensation can continue until you return to work, until your doctor writes a letter that you can return to work, your job provides you with a new position that you can do despite your injury or you reach a point where your injury will not improve further.
- Permanent Total Compensation provides 100% of wages on an ongoing basis for those who have suffered injuries or illnesses that will forever prevent them from working.
- Wage Loss Compensation provides a portion of your wages if you return to work and must take a pay cut due to your injury or you have to take a new job that pays less due to your injury. The compensation covers all or part of the difference between your previous and new wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability is a payout for a disability that stems from an accident. This benefit may be paid alongside other benefits.
- Violation of a Specific Safety Requirement is a payout that you receive if your employer violated a specific safety requirement and that violation caused your injury. This benefit may be paid alongside other benefits.
If you’ve been injured on the job, a worker’s compensation attorney can help you ensure that you get what the law entitles you to and that you’re not bullied or pressured by your employer, their insurance company or their legal representation. Attorney Robert A. Boyd has been assisting residents of Willoughby, Ohio, and the surrounding areas with Ohio worker’s compensation claims for more than 25 years and will look out for your interests as you navigate the claims process. Contact his office at 440-230-3230 to schedule a worker’s compensation consultation and find out more.