State lawmakers decide their state’s workers’ compensation rules. Whether you work as an employee or an independent contractor, you must understand your state’s rules. These laws provide lost wages and medical expenses for work-related injuries without requiring employees to sue employers. Workers’ compensation laws—including the ability to settle claims—were designed to protect workers and provide a faster resolution to claims.
If you are considering a workers’ compensation settlement in Findlay, consult with one of our experienced workers’ comp attorneys to ensure you receive a fair and full settlement that covers all your medical expenses and lost wages. A settlement can help you avoid a lengthy claims process and provide financial security as you recover.
A major benefit of workers’ compensation laws is their status as “no-fault” laws. This means it does not matter who caused a work-related injury; the injured employee is entitled to full benefits under the law. The following exceptions apply to the no-fault provision:
Claims for work-related injuries require Ohio employees to file a claim with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). When negotiating a settlement, it’s important to understand how your claim is classified. Medical-only claims mean the employee lost seven or fewer days of work. A lost-time claim means the employee lost more than eight days of work. Settlements often depend on the type of claim and the projected long-term impact of the injury. Workers, doctors, or other interested parties must file the claim within one year of the date of injury. The BWC may reject claims filed outside this time frame, making it critical to act quickly.
Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating workers’ comp settlements in Findlay and can help you maximize your settlement offer while ensuring your future medical needs are covered.
You may wonder how workers’ compensation settlements work since employees typically cannot sue their employer for pain and suffering in a workers’ compensation claim. Every employer in Ohio must carry workers’ compensation insurance on even one employee. An exception excludes domestic workers earning less than $160 in a calendar quarter, such as nannies/babysitters, gardeners, and housekeepers. Part-time employees are covered under the law with a special formula designed to reflect the number of hours they work.
A settlement occurs when the employee, employer, and BWC agree to resolve the claim with a lump-sum or structured payout rather than continuing the dispute. Settlements can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and future disability payments. Employees may settle a claim in total or accept a partial settlement. The settlement must include an estimate of the future medical expenses and compensation costs.
In some cases, an injured worker may opt for an indemnity-only settlement, which provides financial compensation while allowing continued medical treatment through the BWC. Our seasoned workers’ comp attorneys in Findlay can help determine the best settlement option for your unique situation.
The law provides stiff penalties for employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance and for those employers who incorrectly categorize employees as independent contractors. If, for example, an employer’s workers’ compensation coverage lapses, an employee who sustains work-related injuries may sue the employer for full damages and expenses, plus pain and suffering. Or, the employee may file a BWC claim. In that case, the law requires the employer to reimburse the BWC for the full cost of the approved claim. Employers who incorrectly categorize employees as independent contractors must also reimburse the full amount of the claim.
Negotiating a fair workers’ compensation settlement in Findlay requires careful legal guidance. Our well-practiced team of attorneys knows how to avoid the many mistakes that can happen before and after filing a workers’ compensation claim. We will evaluate your case, negotiate with the BWC and your employer, and fight to secure a fair settlement that fully covers your injuries.
The best way forward in your case is to contact us and set up a consultation with a qualified lawyer to review the facts of your case.