Helping Injured Workers Get The Compensation They Deserve
Many industries come with the frustrating reality of getting injured while on the job. Ohio has workers’ compensation laws to provide injured or disabled workers’ compensation and benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that protects employees in the case of injuries or illness due to their employment. Additionally, if you have a spouse or parent who died in a work-related accident or due to a work-related illness, you may be eligible to receive death benefits and compensation for your loss.
With a successful workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and disability payments and benefits for retraining or rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation laws and benefits can be complicated to figure out on your own. Whether you work in manufacturing, trucking or health care, we are here for you. Our attorneys at Curry & Regginello can help you understand your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
From Health Care To Trucking, Injuries Happen In All Industries
Your job doesn’t have to include operating heavy machinery to have an injury that may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Our workers’ compensation lawyers have helped people in different industries obtain fair compensation, from office workers to manufacturers.
Our attorneys have handled workers’ compensation claims involving:
- Construction site accidents
- Repetitive stress and trauma injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Asbestos
- Occupational disease
- Oil and gas drilling accidents
- Commercial driver accidents
Depending on your circumstances, you may pursue different types of workers’ compensation claims in Ohio. Under Ohio law, your employer must provide a safe workplace and abide by all safety regulations. You may be entitled to additional compensation if your employer violates these rules. If your injury results from a negligent person unrelated to your employer, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and may file an additional lawsuit under a third-party claim.
Job-Related Injuries FAQs
Below, we have answered some of the most common questions about workers’ compensation in Ohio.
Who is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio?
In Ohio, companies with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Eligibility for benefits generally requires meeting two of the following criteria:
- You must be an employee, not an independent contractor
- You must have an injury or illness that occurred in the course of and arose out of your employment
This means your work activities must have been a primary cause of your condition.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim after an injury in Ohio?
Ohio law has strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitation, for filing a workers’ compensation claim. You must notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible and you have one year from the date of injury to file a formal claim application with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
For an occupational disease, the one-year deadline begins from the date you were diagnosed and informed that the condition is work-related. Missing this critical deadline can permanently bar you from receiving any benefits, making prompt action essential.
Can I receive workers’ compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Yes, you can likely still receive benefits. The Ohio workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system. This principle means that you do not have to prove your employer was negligent or careless to receive benefits.
In addition, your own carelessness does not automatically disqualify you, as long as the injury still occurred within the scope of your employment. However, if you were injured while intoxicated, participating in horseplay or violating a direct company safety rule, your claim could be denied.
Do I need a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio?
While the BWC allows you to file a claim without an attorney, the process can be complex. A lawyer provides help by:
- Confirming all paperwork is accurately completed and filed on time.
- Gathering and presenting the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.
- Representing you at hearings before the Industrial Commission to appeal a denial.
Having an experienced Ohio workers’ comp attorney is highly recommended, particularly if your claim is denied, your injury is severe or your employer disputes the claim.
Your Ally Through Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
When you are injured at work and unsure what to do next, contact the attorneys at Curry & Regginello in Youngstown to discuss your case. Our compassionate attorneys understand the uncertainty that comes with a workers’ compensation claim and can help guide you through the process. Contact us online or by calling 330-840-3970 to schedule a consultation.
