If your injury or illness resulted from a workplace mishap, you are entitled to benefits that cover the related costs. The Cincinnati attorneys at the law firm of Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, L.P.A., Co. are skilled in workers’ compensation and will handle your claim efficiently and accurately.
Steps to Take Right After a Workplace Incident
Time matters considerably when you’ve been hurt on the job. Acting quickly works in your favor. There are a few steps that you must take immediately after you either suffered your workplace injury or learned that your illness was work-related, and they include
- Notify your employer immediately.
- Visit a physician if you have not been rushed to a hospital emergency room.
- Keep all paperwork you receive from a hospital or physician’s office.
- Gather and store in a safe place any evidence related to your injury or illness.
- Take photos if possible; ask a co-worker to help you if you are unable to do it.
- Obtain contact information of possible witnesses.
- Fill out workers’ compensation claim forms, which your employer should have available for you.
- Provide your employer with medical documentation of your injury or illness; save copies for your records.
Another essential step is to consult with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. The claims process can be daunting and confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with it.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Cincinnati Can Help
Your work accident lawyer at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, L.P.A., Co. will review the specifics of your claim and advise you on the evidence and documents you will need. They will also assess the strength of your claim and let you know whether it is likely to be approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier or by your employer if they are self-insured.
You are not obligated to hire a lawyer to file your workers’ comp claim, but going through the process alone can make it more challenging to receive the benefits you deserve. For instance, without legal representation, you may miss an important filing deadline or not submit the correct paperwork, which could cause delays or even lead to a denied claim.
Another benefit of hiring a lawyer is that they will be available even after you have filed your claim. Once your workers’ comp claim is approved, your attorney will ensure your weekly benefit checks will go directly to you. Occasionally, system glitches cause your checks to stop before the claim period ends. In such cases, your experienced attorney will work with the insurance carrier to resolve the issue.
If Your Claim is Denied
Being denied your benefits after all the effort you have put into gathering evidence and filing the necessary paperwork can be frustrating and stressful. However, an initial denial of your claim does not have to be the end of your story. In Ohio, you have the right to appeal this decision. Your workplace injury has resulted in considerable losses, and you deserve to be heard.
There are several reasons the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) might deny compensation. It could be that your provider is not BWC-certified, or there is an error in your paperwork. Other reasons include a condition or injury that the BWC does not cover, or an injury attributed to a pre-existing condition you report.
Regardless of the reason, you can still appeal the denial, and an experienced work injury lawyer can help you through the process. In fact, you are more likely to have your denial overturned if you have legal representation. Your attorney can determine whether the reason for the denial is legitimate and find ways to strengthen your case.
They will also walk you through the appeal process, which includes submitting a Notice of Appeal form to the Ohio Industrial Commission, either in person or online. Your lawyer will also discuss the district-level hearing, where your appeal will be considered. They can even prepare you for a Commission-level hearing if your denial is upheld at the district level.
The Next Step Toward Protecting Your Rights
The workers’ compensation attorneys at the Cincinnati law firm of Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, L.P.A., Co. are dedicated to protecting your legal rights and will work tirelessly on your behalf if you have been injured on the job.
Call us today at 513.721.6500 to schedule your initial consultation, or complete our quick online contact form.
We welcome the opportunity to apply our skills and dedication to work for you.