Ohio Workers Comp Claims: Eligibility, Filing and Appeals

Ohio workers compensation protection is a right given to any employee working with an insured business within the state. The program runs through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Employees injured on the job or while performing work related tasks may qualify for compensation for their injuries under this program. The program has funding in part through state and federal grants, but mostly through insurance premiums; employers are required to pay to the bureau.

Common Covered Work Related Injuries

According to Ohio workers compensation laws, any injury or illness that occurs on the premise of work, during working hours (while the employee is working for the business) may be eligible for workers compensation. In addition, employees not on the business property but working on behalf of the business, during paid employment time, may also be eligible for coverage. Virtually all injuries and illnesses sustained due to an employer's negligence or through simple accidents may be covered.

Filing a Workers Compensation Claim

To file an Ohio workers compensation claim, a First Report of an Injury, Occupational Disease or Death form must be complete. Submission of this form must be by the employee, the employer or by a medical worker on behalf of an injured employee. The bureau allows submission of this form online, over the phone or by visiting a local office. Employers and medical providers may have an established online account to access to submit claims directly.

Workers Compensation Claim Denials

Most workers compensation claims do not receive a denial. If they are, it is either due to the suspicion of fraud, lack of complete information or inaccurate data provided. Claims may receive rejection if there was no seeking of medical treatment. Even if medical treatment occurred, but there were pre-existing conditions that lead to the injury or illness, it may go into denial. Lack of significant medical documentation is the leading reason for denials.

Appealing an Ohio Workers Compensation Denial

In most situations, a letter of denial arrives with instructions about how to reapply, after correctly any previous mistakes. If this is not successful, it may be best to work with an attorney to fight the claim on your behalf.

Collecting Ohio Workers Compensation Benefits

All approved medical costs, as prescribed by a physician will receive coverage by the bureau. Temporary total disability in which an individual is unable to work for a set amount of time provides 100 percent wage reimbursement for time lost. In situations of permanent disability, the schedule of injuries goes into account. Payment occurs on the state's average weekly wage for a portion of 200 weeks. In many cases, a settlement will happen.

In situations if permanent disability or denials of coverage, it is essential to work with an Ohio workers compensation lawyer. These professionals are able to provide aid in fighting cases in court and may advise some individuals not to file workers compensation claims at all, especially in situations of severe, long term or permanent disability.

Ohio Workers Compensation Office Locations

Columbus Office
30 W. Spring St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2256

Canton Office
400 3^rd St SE Suite 2
Canton, Ohio 44702-1102