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Workers’ Compensation Rights
What Are My Rights if I Am Injured at Work?
If you suffered work-related injuries or a work-related illness, you may wonder what your workers’ compensation rights in Ohio are. In Ohio, you have certain legal rights. As an employee, you will be generally protected by workers’ compensation laws. Ohio Revised Statute 4123.01 provides that those injured at work can potentially file a workers’ compensation claim and receive certain benefits.
Injured employees should file a workers’ compensation claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as soon as possible. Benefits can include medical bills, lost income, vocational rehabilitation, and other forms of benefits. The types and amounts of any benefits available will typically depend on the severity and permanence of a worker’s injuries as well as on other factors.
Getting hurt at work can come as a shock, especially if the injuries prove serious or permanently disabling. Work injuries can also cause immense financial stress and hardship. If you received an injury at work, you do not have to struggle on your own. Schaffer & Associates, LPA in Toledo can advise you on your legal rights and options for recovering compensation. We have the experience and dedication needed to help those injured at work and their families receive the benefits they deserve under the law.
What is Third-Party Negligence?
In some cases, those hurt at work may have legal options for recovering compensation that can go above and beyond workers’ compensation benefits. If a third party is partly or wholly responsible for your injuries, suffering, and expenses, you could potentially hold them responsible by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Third-party liability can occur, for example, when another contractor’s negligence causes your accident on a job site.
If you are unsure whether a third-party may be to blame for your accident and injuries, you should consider consulting with an injured workers’ lawyer as soon as possible. You could have legal recourse and recover compensation for a variety of damages. While workers’ compensation can help with medical expenses and loss of wages, it does not normally offer compensation for non-economic damages such as physical or emotional suffering, and loss of life quality, among other types of economic and non-economic damages. However, with a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, you may have the option to recover both economic and/or non-economic compensation.
An experienced Toledo injury lawyer knows your individual rights as well as employees’ rights when it comes to workers’ compensation claims and any legal options that could be available to you. Schaffer & Associates, LPA, can determine whether you have a workers’ compensation claim and/or a potential personal injury lawsuit against a third party. Our experienced team will pursue all potential avenues for comprehensive and timely compensation on your behalf.
What Steps Should You Take After a Toledo Workplace Injury?
Knowing the right steps to take after your workplace injury or discovery of work-related illness, can be crucial for protecting your legal rights. The most important actions to take after you get hurt at work can include:
- Seeking medical attention
- Telling your employer about your injury
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Contacting a workers’ compensation attorney for advice and legal protection
Your priority should always be your health and wellbeing. If you received an injury at work, visit a doctor as soon as possible. This is particularly important since some of the most debilitating injuries may not cause any symptoms at first. According to the Mayo Clinic, traumatic brain injury, a common condition with falls and other workplace accidents, may not present with any symptoms for days or even weeks. Therefore, it can be a good idea to see a doctor even if you have few or only minor symptoms after a work accident such as a fall or a car crash. Consider also that for filing a workers’ compensation claim or going after a negligent third party with a lawsuit, having a medical report detailing your injuries will be absolutely necessary.
Your next step should be to tell your employer immediately about your work injury or illness if you have not already done so. Injured individuals may also wish to discuss filing a workers’ compensation claim right away. Potentially, the injured individual, their employer, or a doctor could file a workers’ comp claim. If you are filing your own claim, you can call your local office of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or file online on the BWC website.
One of your best next steps can be contacting a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you can after your injury. Having an experienced injury lawyer by your side can be of immense help, especially if your claim is complicated or contested. If you have pre-existing conditions, for example, or your employer disputes that your injury happened at work, you should consider visiting with an attorney as soon as possible. Even with a straightforward claim, you can rest assured that a dedicated workers’ comp lawyer will help you protect your legal rights fully and help pursue the full benefits that you and your family are entitled to under the law.
Call Our Toledo Work Injury Team for Help
Timely action can be important for protecting your rights and recovering your due after a work injury. However, it can be just as important to have the right workers’ comp attorney by your side, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries and find the whole process overwhelming. We can help with your workers’ compensation claim and fight on your behalf for the medical care and compensation that can help you get back on your feet again and move past this difficult time.
Schaffer & Associates, LPA, can assist you with all aspects of workers’ compensation and third-party personal injury lawsuits. We are committed to working tirelessly for our hardworking clients’ best interests. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to assess your legal rights and options at 419-350-8277.
