Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation

Ohio is a no-fault insurance state, meaning you are entitled to compensation if you are injured on the job—regardless of who was at fault. While this sounds straightforward, Ohio workers compensation laws are, in fact, very complex. It is in your best interest to work with an experienced Columbus workers compensation attorney who is proficient in obtaining the benefits you need.

Filing Your Claim

If you have been hurt at work, you will want to file a claim as soon as possible by completing a First Report of Injury (FROI) with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). This can be mailed or submitted online. You must file your claim within two years of your injury or you will be unable to collect any benefits. Keep a record of the BWC claim number to ensure that the agency has received your claim.

The most common benefits injured workers are entitled to include:

  • Temporary total compensation
  • Wage loss compensation
  • Permanent partial disability awards for residual impairment
  • Permanent total disability compensation

Claims may involve injuries that were the result of a specific incident, an injury that gradually developed or an occupational disease claim. If an injury or condition existed before your employment, you will have to prove that your work performance aggravated that injury.

Hearings and Appeals

If the BWC denies part or all of your benefits, you will have 14 days to file an appeal if you disagree with the decision. This is a very short time span.

Both employers and the BWC deny benefits to save money and keep premiums low. Any party can appeal a decision, and you will not want to appeal a denied claim on your own. As your employer and the BWC will have legal representation during hearings and appeals, you also need a Columbus workers compensation attorney to represent you.

Our Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help

If you sustained an injury on the job, the Columbus workers compensation attorneys at Cox, Koltak & Gibson, LLP will help strengthen your case and make sure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits. You have nothing to lose by discussing your options with our Columbus workers compensation lawyers. Contact our Ohio workers compensation firm to schedule a free initial consultation.