Cleveland Workers Compensation Lawyers

Workplace Injury Attorney

When you go to work, you do not expect to end up at the emergency room or admitted to the hospital. However, millions of people sustain job-related injuries or illnesses each year in the United States. Ohio law sets out requirements for employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, which is intended to provide coverage for employees injured at work. While workers' compensation benefits can be critical following an injury, obtaining the benefits you deserve can be challenging.

At the law firm of Garson Johnson LLC, our Cleveland workers' compensation attorneys are dedicated to standing up for the rights of injured or ill workers. We can advise you on how to best protect your rights and help throughout every step of the claim process. If you need help with a complex workers' compensation claim, or you need to appeal a denied claim, do not wait to contact our legal team for a free consultation.

Workers' Compensation Benefits in Ohio

Ohio has some of the strictest workers' compensation laws in the United States, as the law requires companies with even one employee to carry workers' compensation insurance. There are only a few exceptions, such as in-home employees (such as nannies or housekeepers) who earn below a certain threshold, self-employed individuals, and volunteer workers. These laws are enforced by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), which provides substantial information about compensation requirements for both workers and employers.

Who Is Eligible for Workers Compensation Benefits?

Workers' compensation coverage should apply when an employee suffers an injury or illness in the course and scope of their employment. The injury does not have to be the result of an accident, as it can be due to repetitive strain on the job, an illness due to toxic exposure, or other conditions. The injury or illness must be a direct result of a worker's job and must have been sustained while the worker was performing their job duties.

What Does Workers Compensation Benefits Cover?

If the above requirements are met, you should be entitled to benefits that cover:

  • All the costs of your medical treatment for the life of your injury
  • Partial wage replacement for missed work due to your injuries
  • Disability benefits for longer periods out of work

What Should You Do After a Workplace Injury?

You should always:

  • Report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as you can and get a copy of the report
  • Get the medical attention you need and follow the treatment plan by a doctor who is certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC)
  • Consult with an attorney right away who can help with the next steps of the claim process

. You cannot trust that your employer or the BWC will be on your side, as they both will try to limit liability whenever they can. They will not remind you of important deadlines or advise you of steps to take or requirements you must meet. Instead, you can receive this type of guidance from a dedicated Cleveland workers' compensation attorney.

Possible Third-Party Liability

You have the right to no-fault workers' compensation benefits in exchange for releasing your right to sue your employer for negligence. However, in some situations, a third party's negligence might have contributed to your injuries. This might be an independent contractor, another driver on the road, the manufacturer of defective equipment, and more. Our attorneys can evaluate whether you have the right to file a third-party injury claim in addition to your workers' compensation claim, which will help to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Questions Do Workers Comp Attorneys Address?

There are many other issues that our Cleveland workers' compensation lawyers can address, including the following:

  • What do I do if I get hurt at work? There are many steps you can take to protect your rights and things to avoid jeopardizing your benefits.
  • Workers' compensation injuries. People receive benefits for a wide range of medical conditions.
  • Occupational diseases. Some claims do not involve traumatic injuries, but instead, can involve illnesses, diseases, and other conditions contracted due to workplace exposure.
  • Workers' compensation benefits. We can advise you of what type of benefits you might expect based on your specific situation and injuries.
  • Do I need a lawyer to handle my workers' comp claim? If your claim has foreseeable complications or you received a denial, it is time to call an attorney for help.
  • When should I file a worker's compensation claim? We can advise you whether you have the right to benefits and the timeline to file a claim, though it is always wise to act quickly.
  • Do I need to see the company doctor? Although the injured worker does have the right to chose their own doctor, there are certain instances in which you might need to see a doctor chosen by your employer or the insurer, and we can review your options.
  • How do I protect my workers' compensation rights? The most important step is to speak to a lawyer who can assess the best way to protect your rights in your situation.
  • Should I settle my workers' comp claim? You should never agree to a settlement before having a workers' compensation attorney review whether the offer is adequate.
  • One accident leads to multiple claims. We can determine whether you have a third-party injury claim in addition to a workers' compensation claim.
  • Older workers' comp cases have value. We can work to settle older claims even if you are no longer receiving benefits.
  • Denied workers' compensation claims. If your claim is denied, we can begin the appeal process right away.
  • Industrial Commission of Ohio hearings. We represent clients at these hearings to fight for the benefits they deserve.
  • Self-insured employers. We can handle the claim process even if your employer has insured themselves.

Contact Our Experienced Cleveland Workers' Compensation Lawyers

It can be difficult to know how to proceed following a work-related injury or illness, and the guidance of a Cleveland workers' compensation attorney can improve your chances of a successful claim for maximum benefits. You should never hesitate to contact the legal team of Garson Johnson LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at 216-696-9330 or contact us online to learn how our attorneys can help with your claim.

 

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Thanks to the hard working men and women of Ohio for allowing us to serve you. The workers comp system is very challenging. By no choice of their own, workers find themselves injured, off work, and desperate for answers and treatment. We are honored to focus on our clients not just their legal case. The best complement we receive is a referral from existing clients. The second best is their words of thanks and appreciation.

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