At Schaffer & Associates, we believe you should never have to face an injury on the job, a disability, or a personal injury caused by a negligent party on your own. We want to be your advocate—the firm you can count on to fight for your rights and your future. The systems can be complex and difficult to navigate on your own. A simple mistake can completely derail your benefits, setting you back months and delaying the financial assistance you desperately need.
The Schaffer & Associates Toledo workers’ compensation attorneys have extensive experience helping injured workers and those living with disabilities in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. We can help you file your claim, remaining accessible to you throughout the life of your claim. We know how significant these benefits are for you and your family, and we will never forget that fact as we fight for you to get the benefits you need.
learn moreWorkplace accidents happen. Despite careful attention to detail and observance of safety regulations, numerous Ohio workers are injured every year. Fortunately, the program is often available to protect employees.
Facing health problems is a daunting and overwhelming experience, especially for dedicated and diligent Ohio workers. If you are unable to work due to an illness or injury, you may be entitled to benefits.
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When the negligent or careless behavior of another person causes an injury, they can be held responsible for the victim’s damages.
READ MORE Each state sets workers’ compensation laws, so you must understand the workers’ compensation laws in your state as an employee or independent contractor. Workers’ compensation insurance can help protect you in the event you are injured while on the job. Workers’ compensation is meant to prevent workers from having to be in the awkward position of suing their boss to recover medical expenses and lost wages. Under workers’ compensation laws, your workplace injury is considered no-fault. This means your workers’ comp benefits are not dependent on proving who was at fault for causing the injury; rather, as long as the injury occurred due to workplace activity, the injury is considered a fully compensable claim. This “no-fault system” means even if the employee is partially responsible for the accident, they are still entitled to benefits. Our Toledo workers’ compensation attorneys at Schaffer & Associates, LPA are here to help you with this process.
Five Essential Steps to Take After Your Ohio Work InjuryThe Ohio workers’ compensation system helps injured workers cope with workplace injuries by providing lost wages and medical benefits to those injured on the job or those who contract an occupational disease. When a workplace accident results in an employee’s death, weekly death benefits are also payable to the employee’s survivors. The benefits are paid by either the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation or the self-insured employer.
While workers’ compensation is no-fault, it typically will not cover injury if purposely self-inflicted, due to the employee being intoxicated in the workplace, an injury received in a fight started by the employee, or any emotional injuries not directly related to physical workplace trauma.
How Can a Lawyer Help Your Case?In Ohio, any business that employs even one person must carry workers’ compensation insurance. The exception to that rule is domestic workers (nannies, babysitters, housekeepers, or gardeners) who earn less than $160 per calendar quarter. Volunteers are not required to be covered under Ohio workers’ compensation unless they work for a public employer. As far as part-time employees, they are covered under Ohio workers’ compensation. However, any benefits would be calculated according to a specific formula that considers the number of hours worked.
Sole proprietors or members of a partnership are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for any employees; however, they have the option of carrying coverage for themselves.
Employers who fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance or have misclassified their workers as independent contractors rather than employees could face severe penalties. If a workplace accident occurs and the workers’ comp policy has lapsed or the employer does not have proper workers compensation coverage, the employer can be sued by the injured worker or workers for all damages and expenses, including an award for pain and suffering. Alternatively, the injured workers can file a workers’ compensation claim and if allowed the claim is fully compensable and the BWC would require reimbursement of the entire cost of the claim from the employer. Employers who have misclassified their employees as independent contractors are also liable for the full cost of the claim.
Learn more about common workers’ compensation topics:
The law firm of Schaffer & Associates believes deeply in helping those who have been injured on the job, are disabled and desperately need Social Security Disability benefits or those who have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent party. At Schaffer & Associates, LPA, our Toledo workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help. Our extensive experience—and many successes—handling lets you know we are serious about getting you the help you need.
If you are trying to navigate the Ohio BWC, the Social Security Disability or SSI claims process, or you’ve otherwise been the victim of a personal injury, you have questions. View our Frequently Asked Questions for specific answers as well as links to additional resources. Visit our blog for attorneys’ insights on issues ranging from COVID-19’s impact on SS claims to workers’ compensation settlements to personal injury case law. The lawyers at Schaffer & Associates, LPA, understand the difficulty of your situation, and we will meet your needs with empathy while vigorously defending your rights.
We work hard for every client that walks through our doors. We are compassionate allies and formidable advocates. We are strong, experienced negotiators and aggressive litigators when warranted. We have empathy and compassion for those who are injured or disabled. In short, we are professional, compassionate, and dedicated to you in every way for every case.
Our Toledo workers’ compensation lawyers have compassion for your current situation and will work hard to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to receive, helping to get your life back on track. Remember—you do not have to face your legal issue alone. Call today to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our highly-skilled, knowledgeable, experienced attorneys. You can also contact us online.
Our practice was established to provide compassionate guidance to individuals who are injured or disabled. Through our approach, we tailor our legal strategy to fit the unique needs of our clients. Above all, we are your trusted advisor and formidable advocate. We value transparency and integrity in every aspect of our practice and will represent you with the utmost care and respect.
