Workers' Compensation Benefits in Ohio, Explained

Common types of workers' compensation benefits in Ohio

For those who experience workplace injuries, the consequences can include missed work, lost wages, diminished future earnings, medical expenses, and physical pain. It can be difficult to know what workers compensation you qualify for, as well as the proper documentation to submit with your application for benefits. The WC attorneys at Lelli Law Office can assist you in obtaining the benefits you qualify for under Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. Here are some examples of workers' compensation benefits you could be eligible for.

Temporary total disability (TTD)

TTD benefits are available to an injured worker who is unable to return to work for a specific period of time, due to the work injury.

Permanent partial disability (PPD)

PPD benefits are intended to compensate an injured worker for any permanent impairments that resulted from the work injury. PPD is calculated by taking one-third of the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW) for up to 200 weeks dependent upon the award.

Permanent total disability (PTD)

PTD benefits compensate an employee who is never able to return to work due to the severity of the injury and resulting impairments. PTD is calculated the same as TTD, and benefits last for the employee’s lifetime.

Disabled workers relief fund (DWRF)

DWRF benefits are paid to those injured workers who are receiving permanent total disability (PTD) benefits below the cost of living. The cost of living is determined annually by the BWC.

Living maintenance (LM)

LM benefit payments last up to six (6) months and are intended to help an employee, who is undergoing vocational rehabilitation, to offset lost wages.

Living maintenance working wage loss (LMWL)

LMWL benefits are paid to injured workers who have completed rehabilitation and returned to work, but experience a loss of earnings (less income) compared to their earnings prior to the injury.

BWC Wage Loss (WL)

Wage loss benefits are paid to injured workers who have returned to work in a different position of employment/role/occupation than they held prior to the injury, and experience a loss of earnings (less income). WL can also be paid to injured workers who have not returned to work because they cannot find employment within their work restrictions resulting from the injury. This benefit can be paid to an injured worker for up to 52 weeks while they attempt to locate a job.

Death benefits

Death benefits are paid to an injured workers’ surviving family members that qualify (spouse and dependent(s)), when the workplace accident or injury results in the death of the worker.

Scheduled Loss (SL)

SL benefits are paid for an amputation, loss of use, or ankylosis (i.e., “frozen shoulder”) of a specific body part, as well as for loss of vision or hearing.

Facial disfigurement

Facial disfigurement benefits paid for a disfigurement to the face or head that can affect an injured workers’ ability to find and retain work.