Akron Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured at work in Ohio, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical expenses, lasting impairments, lost wages, and more. An Akron workers’ compensation lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help. Call us for a free case consultation today.

What Is Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation System?

Ohio law provides benefits to injured employees with serious injuries or illnesses caused by a workplace accident, regardless of who was at fault. 1099 independent contractors are considered self-employed and are not eligible for an employer’s coverage.

The state’s system is uniquely split between two different agencies:

• The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) oversees the administration of the system, processes initial applications, collects premiums, and pays out approved medical and wage benefits.
• The Ohio Industrial Commission (IC) is an independent agency that handles all disputes, hearings, and appeals when an injured worker or an employer disagrees with a BWC decision.

What Coverage Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Provide?

Ohio’s workers’ compensation benefits provide medical care, rehabilitation, and wage replacement for employees injured on the job. Here are a few workers’ comp benefits it offers:

1. Medical benefits: necessary medical care costs for work-related injuries
2. Income benefits: two-thirds of the average weekly pay if you’re unable to work
3. Rehabilitation benefits: to help injured workers return to work
4. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) provides lifelong wage replacement payments if a severe injury prevents you from performing any type of sustained, gainful employment
5. Death benefits: funeral and burial costs and support to dependents if a worker dies due to a job-related injury

Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?

The Ohio BWC or a self-insured employer may deny (disallow) your claim for late injury reporting, injuries not related to work, preexisting conditions, lacking a clear medical diagnosis from a doctor, or missed deadlines.

If denied, you have a strict 14-day window to appeal the decision to the Industrial Commission. An Akron workers’ compensation attorney can file your IC-12 Appeal and represent you at your Ohio Industrial Commission dispute hearings to fight for your medical and wage benefits.

Do I Need an Akron Workers’ Comp Attorney?

If you’ve been injured at work due to exposure to toxic chemicals or other reason, our attorneys will protect your rights. We ensure your medical bills are covered and payments continue. When disputes arise, or a third party was involved, our Akron lawyers will handle the claims process while you focus on recovery. On top of gathering evidence like medical records, we’ll make sure the settlement actually reflects the impact of the injury.

What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

If your workplace injury was caused by a third party, you may be able to file a separate lawsuit to recover damages like pain and suffering, which aren’t usually covered by workers’ comp. Ohio’s comparative negligence rule means you can still get compensation even if you are partially at fault, as long as it’s 50% or less.

For example, you might have a personal injury claim if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident by a negligent driver while on the job. An attorney can help you seek financial recovery by filing a third-party lawsuit on your behalf.

Most Common Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can range from repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome to slip and fall accident injuries. Back injuries, shoulder injuries, and spinal cord injuries are prevalent in manual labor jobs. Catastrophic injuries can include traumatic brain injuries and amputations. Call a lawyer to discuss your legal options, so you can focus on making a full recovery.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Akron, OH

If you suffer a work injury, follow these steps:

1. File a First Report of Injury (FROI) form to start your workers’ compensation claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
2. Notify your employer as soon as possible (the BWC must be notified within one year).
3. Seek medical attention from a BWC-certified doctor.
4. Document everything. Take photos of the scene and your injuries, get witness information, and keep all medical records.
5. Understand your rights. Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault, meaning medical bill and some lost wages are covered even if you caused the accident.
6. Consider a third-party claim if someone besides your employer was responsible.
7. Speak with a lawyer for help with handling an insurance company or seeking additional compensation.

Contact Our Experienced Akron, Ohio, Attorneys Today

If your injury occurs in Northeast Ohio and you have questions about your benefits, consulting a workers compensation lawyer Akron residents trust can make all the difference.

Let us provide legal representation while you seek medical treatment.

Our Law Firm Offers Free Consultation Today

Call our law office today for a free initial consultation; our Ohio lawyers will outline the legal process, look over medical evidence, and discuss whether you have a valid claim. We have a deep understanding of Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and Industrial Commission regulations. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so our clients don’t pay unless we win fair compensation for you.