What exactly can you expect to be covered by workers comp laws in Cincinnati? If your claim is accepted, you can expect your medical bills to be completely paid for, either by an MCO if your employer is state funded or by your employer if he or she is self-insured. Prescriptions for any medical issues related to your injury are also covered. If your claim is allowed, all prescriptions related to the injury should be paid with no upfront cost to you. However, any prescriptions filed before the claim has been accepted may require an initial payment, though you may be reimbursed if your claim is determined to be valid.
Under Ohio’s work accident laws, compensation for lost wages are paid if you are off work for 8 days or longer due to a work-related injury that has been determined to be valid. If you are off work for 14 or more days, the entire time you are off work will be compensated. If you miss less than 14 days, the first 7 days are not compensated.
The Importance of Working with an Attorney
You will receive no compensation, of course, if it is determined your injury is not related to your job. There are several loopholes to watch out for, such as if you are an independent contractor or there were no witnesses to your injury, which can best be handled by working with a workers comp attorney. Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, L.P.A., Co. have provided counsel for workers compensation cases for over 25 years and have received recognition by U.S. News & World Report in the top tier of Best Lawyers.
Other Reimbursable Expenses Under Workers Compensation Law
While State work accident laws can vary, workers comp programs typically pay for all medical expenses incurred as a direct result of your workplace injury. Workers are also eligible for wage reimbursement as well as the cost of medical treatment relating to their injury. Some injured individuals often ask if payments are made for pain & suffering as well. The answer to this is usually no, however, as with any work injury claim, there are a complex set of circumstances that must be reviewed first. In general, workers comp is not able to pay for suffering. However, monetary awards are available in the form of Permanent Partial Disability which may help compensate you for pain and suffering, albeit indirectly.
The Challenges in Receiving Compensation
There are many ways in which a Workers Comp claim can be denied. There is a myriad of fine-print legal language that can slow down the processing of claims, or cause them to be discarded outright. With 25 years of workers compensation cases in our history as a firm, we have seen a large number of cases, and have a firm grasp on what we might expect to see in these filings.
Having an experienced team of advocates on your side can help you avoid some of the pitfalls we have seen other applicants fall into. We will look into every aspect of your claim, and make sure that it is as safe from challenges as possible.
Call for a consultation, and we can discuss the details of your claim. We can look at what additional documentation you may need. “Crossing the t’s and dotting the I’s” is a game of inches, and we have worked on enough of these cases to know what causes a rejection.
Some of the most common reasons for rejections:
- There is insufficient proof that the injury is related to the job. Here is where you need to provide evidence. Many employers will say that an injury was actually caused by activity that happened outside the workplace. Be ready to provide witness testimony, and to have a medical examination that connects the injury specifically to your work.
- Deadlines were missed on filing paperwork. Different states have different timelines for filing workers comp claims, but generally it is wise to move quickly, both with your employer and with the insurance company.
- The condition does not meet the guidelines the state has established. States have restrictions on certain conditions, including ones related to emotional stress or post-traumatic stress disorder.
A Worker’s Compensation Attorney Who Will Advocate for Your Side
Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, L.P.A. will advocate for your rights. We will be sure you are getting everything to which you are entitled. If your claim is contested, we have the legal resources to build the best case. We are a family law firm that believes in personal advocacy for our clients. We represent the average worker, not multi-billion dollar clients, and we fight to get them what they deserve. We will walk you through every step of the process so you have a complete understanding of your case. We believe in a small staff. In most cases, your worker’s compensation lawyer will be your primary source of contact. Feel free to call us anytime.