Length of a Toledo Workers’ Compensation Claim

After a workplace accident, you promptly file your workers’ compensation claim and wait for processing. However, you continue to go to the doctor or therapist and have other medical needs related to your injuries. After filing a claim, you may wonder when it will expire, and you have to go back to work.

Our seasoned workers’ comp attorneys can answer your questions about the length of a Toledo workers’ compensation claim. Some of the process depends on the nature of your injuries and how long the doctors feel you need for treatment. At Schaffer & Associates, we can help you understand what is happening with your workers’ compensation claim.

How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Stay Open?

Your workers’ compensation claim opens when you file for benefits. However, there are deadlines for how long the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has to deny or accept your claim, and the amount of time you have to file an appeal.

Assuming the bureau accepts your claim, Ohio Revised Code § 4123.52 gives them continuing jurisdiction over your case until they deny it or close it for another reason. Our Toledo attorneys will stay with your workers’ compensation claim for the entire time that it remains in processing.

How Are Workers’ Comp Claims Closed?

Claims remain open as long as a doctor instructs you not to work, and you continue sending medical documentation and requests for benefits.

The bureau will close workers’ compensation claims in Toledo in one of three ways, and the duration will depend on how that happens:

• If the state denies the claim, it ends on the date of denial. You can then decide to withdraw the claim, and the case will not proceed. You can also appeal, which lengthens the duration of the claim.
• If your condition resolves and you no longer need treatment, a final settlement will be reached, and the case will close after insurance makes all payments.
• Under Ohio law, the bureau closes a case if a worker does not submit any additional claims for an open case for five years. This statute of limitations applies to all workplace injuries and illnesses after August 2006.

If your injury or illness requires you to stay on a prolonged medical leave, our attorneys can advise you about filing for disability coverage.

Contact Us To Discuss the Length of Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Toledo

The length of a Toledo workers’ compensation claim depends on the nature of your injury and whether you filed the proper documentation. If the claim initially receives a denial, that is not the end of your case. Our attorneys at Schaffer & Associates can explain the appeals process and help get your claim back on schedule.

If you need assistance with any part of the workers’ compensation claims process, we can help by reviewing your paperwork and providing our best legal advice. We are Ohio-based and understand the specific requirements of state law. Contact us today to get the best possible settlement.