What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation benefits
Workers’ compensation claims process
Do I need an attorney? Common situations
How is a WC settlement determined?
Other topics
There are common situations that call for a workers’ compensation (WC) attorney, as the approval of your workers’ compensation claim and/or benefits is at stake.
1. Your Employer Denies Your Claim.
If the employer denies you were injured on the job. An employer and/or the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) can pursue the denial of a WC claim if there is evidence that the injury did not occur at work, or within the course and scope of the employee’s work duties.
2. Insurance Carrier Denied Your Benefits or Treatment.
If the private insurance carrier has denied your benefits, is not timely providing benefit payment, or you cannot obtain the medical treatment you need.
3. You Are Not Being Paid for Time Off Work.
If you aren’t getting paid by your employer or the BWC. If you are off work, per the instructions of a medical provider and in accordance with the injury and conditions allowed in your claim, you are entitled to compensation. However, there are numerous grounds that an Employer can use to deny you this benefit. For instance, any evidence that the injured worker is capable of returning the his/her job duties performed prior to the injury, or that the injured worker can perform a light duty job with medical restrictions (again produced by your physician), negates an employee’s eligibility to receive this compensation.
4. Another Party's Lawyer Contacts You.
If you are involved in a lawsuit against a third party, or are confronted by a legal representative regarding your work injury, workers’ compensation benefits, or potential WC claim.
In some cases, the employer and the injured worker will agree upon the benefits and treatment that should be covered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). However, the BWC itself can, and often will, fight your workers' compensation benefits or treatment on its own, even if your employer agrees.
Many injuries can create burdens on an injured worker and their family. Medical treatment costs and an employee’s lost earnings can add up quickly. Also, Ohio’s workers compensation laws are complicated and confusing. Your employer and the BWC are not necessarily interested in providing you the maximum benefits or treatment that you could receive.
Need Help? Call us.
We can review your WC claim to ensure that your paperwork accurately reflects the amount of compensation you deserve. The help of an attorney can ensure that you obtain all benefits to which you are entitled. The attorneys at Lelli Law Office specialize in Ohio workers' compensation cases and understand workers’ rights.
