Cleveland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were injured or contracted an occupational disease at work in Ohio, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. A Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer from our personal injury law firm can help. Call us for a free consultation today.

What Is Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation System?

Ohio law provides benefits to 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 Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) coverage.

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

• The Ohio 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, rehabilitation, and wage replacement for employees injured on the job. Here are a few workers’ comp benefits it offers:

1. Medical benefits: necessary medical costs for work-related injuries
2. Income benefits: two-thirds of the average weekly pay if you’re unable to perform your job duties
3. Rehabilitation benefits: to help injured workers return to work
4. Permanent Total Disability (PTD): lifelong wage replacement payments if a permanent injury prevents you from performing any type of sustained, gainful employment
5. Death claim benefits: 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 reporting, injuries not related to work, preexisting conditions, lacking a clear medical diagnosis from a doctor, or missing deadlines.

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

Do I Need a Cleveland Workers’ Comp Attorney?

If you’ve been injured at work, our attorneys will protect your rights to fair benefits. We ensure your medical bills are covered and payments continue. When disputes arise, or a third party was involved, our Cleveland lawyers will handle the claims process while you focus on recovery.

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

If your on-the-job injury was caused by a third party, you may be able to file a separate third-party liability claim to recover additional compensation, like pain and suffering, that isn’t usually covered by workers’ comp. By state law, the comparative negligence rule means you can still recover 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 personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Most Common Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can range from repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome to more severe conditions such as back, neck, or spinal cord injuries.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Cleveland, 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 BWC.
2. Notify your employer as soon as possible (the BWC must be notified within one year).
3. Get medical care from a BWC-certified medical provider.
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 bills 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 to help you with a successful workers’ compensation claim or settlement offer.

Contact Our Experienced Cleveland Attorneys Today

If your injury occurs in Ohio and you have questions about your workers’ comp or social security disability benefits, a highly rated workers’ compensation lawyer in Cleveland can help. We know Ohio workers’ compensation law, how to navigate the legal system, and how to negotiate with insurance companies for full compensation. Let us provide legal representation while you seek medical treatment.

Our Law Firm Offers Free Case Evaluations

After you receive medical attention, call our law office 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 work on a contingency fee basis, so our clients don’t pay upfront fees.