Being injured on the job is, unfortunately, a 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.
A Sandusky workers’ compensation lawyer at Schaffer & Associates LPA is dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal counsel for working men and women. We leverage our combined decades of experience and extensive knowledge of Ohio workers’ compensation law to obtain the maximum possible workers’ compensation benefits. Do not leave any money on the table. To speak with an experienced attorney today, do not hesitate to contact our office.
As a leading personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm, 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 clients.
After years of providing legal counsel to workers across Ohio, we have identified the most pressing needs of prospective clients. These needs include, but are not limited to, the following:
It is important to note that there is a one-year statute of limitations, meaning Ohio workers have a limited time frame in which to submit a workers’ compensation claim. As such, identifying legal counsel promptly is essential. While navigating the workers’ compensation claims process is far from easy, our Sandusky workers’ compensation attorneys at Schaffer & Associates LPA are here to help. With our guidance, it is possible to obtain compensation and regain control of your life following a debilitating accident.
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.
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:
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.
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 lawyer, it is possible to secure a full and fair compensation package. At Schaffer & Associates LPA, this is what we do every day. Our attorneys 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 office today.