Being injured while on-the-job is an unfortunately common experience for many Ohio workers. Work-related accidents can leave a person unable to earn income while simultaneously dealing with steep medical expenses. These financial burdens can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, there is relief available to Ohio workers in the form of workers’ compensation.
The team of Sandusky workers’ compensation attorneys at Schaffer & Associates LPA are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal counsel for working men and women. We leverage our combined decades of experience and vast knowledge of Ohio legislation to obtain the greatest possible amount of workers’ compensation. Do not leave any money on the table. To speak with an experienced Sandusky workers’ compensation attorney today, do not hesitate to contact our office at (419) 350-8277.
How Can We Help?
As a leading personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm based in Toledo, we help Ohio workers through all steps of the claims process. What sets our firm apart is our individualized practice. We believe that there is no one-size-fits-all representation. For this reason, we tailor our services to better meet the unique needs of our client.
After spending years providing legal counsel for workers across the state of Ohio, we have identified the most pressing needs of prospective clients. These needs include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- Filing workers’ compensation claims with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
- Obtaining and negotiating compensation packages
- Managing negligent third-party liability claims
- Handling work-related automobile accidents
- Litigating unjust compensation amounts
- Completing necessary documentation for workers’ compensation claims
- Securing compensation from non-compliant employers
- Filing personal injury lawsuits
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations of one year, meaning Ohio workers have a limited time-frame in which they can submit a workers’ compensation claim. As such, identifying legal counsel as quickly as possible is essential. While navigating the workers’ compensation claims process is far from easy, Schaffer & Associates LPA Sandusky workers’ compensation attorneys are here to help. With our guidance, it is possible to obtain compensation and regain control of your life following a debilitating accident.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect both workers and employers. By providing a fund to financially compensate injured employees, workers are protected from lost income and outrageous medical expenses. On the other hand, workers’ compensation coverage safeguards employers from being sued by injured employees. With this in mind, understanding whether it is possible to file a personal injury lawsuit while simultaneously receiving workers’ compensation benefits is more complicated.
Ohio workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning employers are typically protected from personal injury lawsuits (Section 4123.74 of the Ohio Revised Code). In limited cases, however, it is possible to recover damages by suing a negligent employer or third party. The primary exception to the no-fault system is the intentional tort. If a worker can prove that their employer deliberately intended to cause injury or death to the employee, they may be able to recover damages. Proving this is difficult, however, and a Sandusky workers’ compensation attorney at Schaffer & Associates LPA can help you determine if it is possible to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Are There Scenarios Where Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Intersect?
There are scenarios in which personal injury and workers’ compensation intersect, but these scenarios are quite limited. The legal barriers that work to protect employers from lawsuits do not apply when a third-party is involved. A third-party refers to any person, company, or organization that is not related to your employer.
If an injury occurs due to a third-party, they can be held liable through a personal injury lawsuit. It is important to note that third-party lawsuits do not impact the amount of compensation available to the worker. Some examples of common third-party accidents include:
- Another motorist is at fault for a car accident with an on-the-clock worker
- Faulty machinery or equipment causes injury to an employee
- A worker is hurt due to a defective product
- Unsafe conditions or hazards on another person’s property causes a slip and fall injury
- An employee is assaulted by a third party
Workers’ compensation, by design, does not intend to make the employee “whole” following an injury. Rather, compensation is intended to assist the worker and ensure that they are able to maintain financial stability after an accident. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a valuable way to bridge the gap and secure greater amounts of compensation. Understanding where personal injury and workers’ compensation intersect can help employees obtain the compensation necessary to regain normalcy in their lives.
Contact Schaffer & Associates LPA Sandusky Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
Experiencing an accident while on the job can have a devastating impact on an individual’s financial wellbeing and personal life. Medical bills can pile up and the loss of income can compound the stress of the situation. Workers’ compensation laws have been put in place to protect Ohio workers and ensure that workplace accidents do not compromise a person’s livelihood.
With the help of a Sandusky workers’ compensation attorney, it is possible to secure a full and fair compensation package. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, this is what we do every day. We represent working Ohio men and women to obtain all forms of compensation and benefits following an accident. For more information on how we can help, contact our Toledo office at (419) 350-8277 today.