Every year, thousands of Ohio workers experience work-related injuries. Workers across industries face occupational hazards, most commonly due to overexertion, exposure to harmful environments, and slips, trips, and falls. Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, Ohio workers are entitled to workers’ compensation after experiencing an injury on-the-job. To secure this compensation, seeking assistance from Fostoria workers’ compensation attorneys is valuable.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, our team is dedicated to advocating for the rights of Fostoria workers. As skilled negotiators and fearless litigators, we have the experience necessary to secure full and fair settlements for our clients. Experiencing a workplace injury is extremely stressful and financially trying, but you do not need to endure the burden alone. Consider scheduling a free consultation with our Toledo office today at (419) 350-8277.
How Do We Serve Fostoria Workers?
We understand that the needs of working men and women in Fostoria vary greatly. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the injuries sustained, and any relevant diagnoses, the amount of compensation adjusts accordingly. Moreover, there are situations in which litigation must be pursued to secure a fair compensation package.
Acknowledging the wide array of challenges faced by workers’ in compensation cases, we offer services to match. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, our team of knowledgeable Fostoria workers’ compensation attorneys have spent years handling the following matters for Ohio workers:
- Completing and submitting workers’ compensation claims
- Negotiating settlements
- Navigating the claims process through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
- Handling negligent third party liability claims
- Managing work-related car accidents
- Obtaining compensation from non-compliant employers
While these are the most common legal matters that we encounter in our practice, this list is far from comprehensive. Workers’ compensation issues can be complex and sensitive. As such, we tailor our services to meet the needs of Fostoria workers.
Workers’ Compensation in Ohio
While all states have some form of workers’ compensation rules and regulations, Ohio’s system is unique in some aspects. Section 4123.35 of the Ohio Revised Code provides for two forms of workers’ compensation coverage, namely:
- State-fund coverage
- Self-insurance
If employers opt for state-fund coverage, they will pay premiums to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (OBWC). The OBWC is one of the largest state-operated providers of workers’ compensation insurance in the United States, with approximately $28 billion in assets. They also provide a fund for workers with non-compliant employers. If employers opt for self-insurance, they are responsible for obtaining their own workers’ compensation coverage.
It is also important to note that Ohio enforces a statute of limitations of one year on most workers’ compensation cases. With this in mind, it is essential to act quickly following a work-related injury. For more information about Ohio workers’ compensation laws, consider speaking with a Fostoria workers’ compensation attorney. Navigating these legal matters without the help of an experienced attorney can result in missteps and errors in the claims process.
If I Get Injured at Work, Will I Still Get Paid While My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is in Process?
After experiencing an injury and filing a workers’ compensation claim, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (OBWC) has 28 days to make a decision. During this time, the injured employee may be unable to attend work. In these situations, the worker may be eligible for lost time benefits if they miss more than seven days of work. The first seven days, however, are not payable until the worker misses 14 consecutive days of work.
If the injured employee is unable to work for more than three months, a medical examination may be necessary to establish temporary total disability. In most cases, an injured worker will receive compensation for the entire period that they miss work. A Fostoria workers’ compensation attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA can help you better understand how lost wages compensation works in the state of Ohio.
How Are Lost Wages Calculated for Workers’ Compensation?
According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the exact compensation rates depend on the worker’s earnings prior to the injury. When calculating workers’ compensation, there are minimum and maximum rates that will be used to determine the amount of compensation.
Typically, lost wage benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s wages at the time of injury. For example, a worker who earns $600 per week may receive $400 in weekly workers’ compensation benefits. This is a simplified answer, however, as workers’ compensation packages can include many factors aside from merely lost wages.
Contact a Knowledgeable Fostoria Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA Today
Navigating the workers’ compensation process in Ohio can be stressful, especially when you are managing an injury. Between lost wages and medical costs, responsibilities can pile up and become unmanageable. Under this light, it is unsurprisingly why so many Ohio workers seek guidance from experienced Fostoria workers’ compensation attorneys.
At Schaffer & Associates LPA, we prioritize workers’ rights and work diligently to obtain the greatest compensation packages for our clients. Given our years of experience and record of success, we remain the workers’ compensation law firm of choice for Fostoria residents. For more information on how we can help, contact our Toledo office at (419) 350-8277 today.
