Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation System: An Overview

Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Ohio provides coverage for work-related injuries and illness. These benefits are provided for injuries from job-related accidents and occupational diseases regardless of who was at fault.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation  (BWC) oversees the working of this insurance system. Employers in Ohio are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance purchased through a state agency. Even businesses with a single employee are under a legal obligation to be covered under the system. Employers are also required to post a notice of the coverage at their workplace.

To make a successful Workers’ Compensation Claim, it must be shown that the injury occurred in the course of employment in an employer-employee relationship and that the injury happened accidentally.

 What Benefits Are Provided Under the Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Ohio?

Generally, workers’ compensation claims can be made for:

  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Loss of wage
  • Permanent partial disability
  • Permanent total disability
  • Temporary total disability
  • Death benefits, paid to the dependants of the deceased worker

Time-Limits Applicable Under the Workers’ Compensation System in Ohio

Employers and Claimants should keep in mind the following time-limits when filing a workers’ compensation claim:

  • Employee must report the injury to the employer as soon as possible in writing.
  • A claim should be filed within one year of the injury.
  • The claim is to be adjudged by the BWC within 28 days.
  • The decision of the BWC can be appealed within 14 days.

After suffering a work-related injury or developing an occupational disease, the employee should seek medical treatment and report the injury to the employer. A First Report of an Injury must also be filed with the BWC. These benefits are separate from personal injury claims. An employee may also be eligible to make a personal injury claim if the injury was caused due to someone’s negligence.

If you suffered injuries from a work-related accident or developed an illness from your job-related duties, contact Mark Ziccarelli Law today to know more about your legal rights.