If your employer carries workers' compensation insurance and you are hurt on the job, you should receive compensation to make up for lost wages while you recover from your injury.
However, if your workers' compensation claim does not proceed as it should, a Cincinnati workers' comp attorney may be able to obtain the compensation that you are entitled to.
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us any legal fees unless we obtain a verdict or settlement.
Contact our experienced Cincinnati workers’ comp lawyers to set up a free consultation to review your claim.
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Cincinnati Workers’ Compensation Guide
- Why Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
- Why Hire O'Connor, Acciani & Levy to Handle My Case?
- Steps After a Workplace Injury in Cincinnati
- Reasons Why a Workers' Compensation Claim is Denied
- Compensation for an Ohio Workers' Compensation Claim
- Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
- Retain the Services of a Cincinnati Workers' Compensation Attorney
Why Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
If a workplace injury or illness has left you struggling, you're not alone. The financial burden can be overwhelming, from immediate medical costs to ongoing treatment and lost wages. For severe injuries or chronic conditions, the impact can be even more devastating.
Workers' compensation benefits can provide support during these difficult times.
However, taking on the claims process can be challenging. A skilled workers' comp attorney can help you:
- Secure essential medical treatment: From initial care to ongoing rehabilitation.
- Facilitate a smooth return to work: Assisting with job placement and accommodations.
- Obtain fair wage replacement benefits: Compensating for lost income.
- Claim survivors' benefits: Protecting your family's financial future.
Don't let hurdles delay your recovery or compromise your financial stability. A dedicated attorney can fight for the benefits you deserve.
Why Hire O'Connor, Acciani & Levy to Handle My Case?
Workplace injuries can be devastating. Not only do they impact your physical health, but they can also have a significant financial toll. Lost wages, medical bills, and the stress of the workers' compensation system are overwhelming.
That's where we come in.
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, LLC, we understand the challenges you face. Our experienced Cincinnati workers’ comp attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers in Ohio obtain the compensation they deserve. When you work with our legal team, you gain access to:
- Experience: Our team has a deep understanding of workers' compensation laws and regulations.
- Compassion: We treat each client with empathy and respect.
- Results: We have a track record of securing outstanding verdicts and settlements.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You pay no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
Let Us Handle the Legal Process
The workers' compensation system is daunting. Our attorneys will:
- Review Your Case: We'll assess the strength of your claim and discuss your legal options.
- Gather Evidence: We'll collect medical records, witness statements, and other relevant documents.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We'll fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Represent You in Court: If necessary, we'll litigate your case to protect your rights.
Steps After a Workplace Injury in Cincinnati
After being injured on the job in Cincinnati, you need to take action to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve. Here are the essential steps to follow:
1. Report the Injury:
- Notify Your Employer: Inform your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible, regardless of how minor it may seem.
- Document the Incident: Write down details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses.
2. Go to the Doctor
- Prioritize Your Health: Visit a doctor or urgent care center promptly to receive necessary medical treatment.
- Choose an Authorized Provider: Select a healthcare provider approved by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).
3. File a Workers' Compensation Claim:
- Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, bills, and any other relevant paperwork.
- Submit the Claim: File your claim with the BWC as soon as possible. You can do this online, by mail, or with the help of your employer.
4. Follow Medical Advice:
- Adhere to Treatment Plans: Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and rehabilitation.
- Attend Medical Evaluations: Cooperate with any required medical examinations.
5. Consult with a Cincinnati Workers' Compensation Attorney
- Legal Help: An experienced attorney can handle the workers' compensation system.
- Protect Your Rights: A lawyer can get you the benefits you deserve and fight for fair compensation.
Examples of On-the-Job Injuries
There are a wide variety of injuries that give rise to workers' compensation claims, including:
- Fractured bones
- Head trauma
- Burns
- Amputations
- Respiratory problems
- Facial injuries
- Ligament damage
- Loss of hearing
There are certain industries where workers are at higher risk of suffering these kinds of injuries, like when workers are very physically active or are required to operate heavy equipment, such as:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Truck driving
- Electrical contracting
- Commercial fishing
- Steel work
- Farming
- Health Care
If you work in any of these industries and have been injured, you may have a valid workers' compensation claim.
The injury could have been the result of one accident or repetitive actions that cause an injury over time. You may also be able to pursue compensation if work activities aggravated a preexisting health problem.
Our Cincinnati work injury lawyers will carefully review your claim to see if you are entitled to workers' compensation. If you have a valid claim, we will guide you through every step in the process.
Reasons Why a Workers' Compensation Claim is Denied
If you are injured at work, you might think you are entitled to workers' compensation. However, your claim could be fully or partially denied by the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (BWC) for various reasons:
- The doctor who treats you could decide that you do not have a significant injury, even though you have significant pain.
- After being treated for a period of time, the doctor could decide that you are recovered and medically clear you to return to work.
- The doctor could decide that you are not responding to treatment like you should and you are exaggerating the injury.
- Your claim is successful but your employer appeals it because they think your injury did not take place at work. They could say that you suffered the injury somewhere else and are reporting it as a work injury.
If the BWC denies your claim for these or other reasons, you have 14 days from the date of the BWC Order to appeal the decision to the Industrial Commission of Ohio. You can complete an online form through the Industrial Commission Online Network or by filling out the written form, Notice of Appeal – IC-12.
The Industrial Commission will set up a District Level Hearing within 45 days of your appeal request. An Officer of the Commission will review written witness affidavits and deposition transcripts. Also, you and your employer, or its insurance company, can call witnesses to testify.
After the officer makes a decision, you or your employer can appeal it at the staff level. If either party is unhappy with the decision at this level, they can appeal to the commission level. However, the commission could decide not to hear the appeal.
If your workers' compensation claim is denied and you want to appeal, you should strongly consider having legal representation from a skilled lawyer in Cincinnati.
A workmen compensation lawyer at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy will thoroughly investigate your claim to make sure you present a strong case at each of your appeal hearings.
We have extensive knowledge of workers' compensation laws in Ohio and are prepared for the strategies employed by employers and insurance companies to deny fair compensation.
Compensation for an Ohio Workers' Compensation Claim
In Ohio, some of the most common workers' compensation benefits for injured workers include:
- Temporary total compensation is for workers who become temporarily 100 percent disabled because of their injury or occupational disease.
- Wage loss compensation is for workers who are restricted from performing all of their job functions because of their injury, causing a reduction in earnings.
- Permanent partial disability is where a worker receives a percentage of permanent partial disability because of ongoing impairment from an injury.
- Lump sum settlement is for injured workers who have agreed to settle their workers' compensation claim with their employer.
Unfortunately, you may have to fight with your employer to receive all of the benefits you are entitled. That is why you need tough legal representation from a Cincinnati workers' compensation attorney to have the best chance at receiving fair compensation.
At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, our Cincinnati personal injury attorneys put our clients' best interests at the forefront of everything we do. A lawyer in your area could help you obtain the financial help you need to move forward after your workplace injury.
Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance? If your employer is not carrying workers' compensation insurance, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them to recover damages for your injuries.
- How long does a workers' compensation claim take to settle? The timeline for a workers' compensation claim can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the cooperation of your employer and their insurance company. Simple cases may settle relatively quickly, while more complex cases can take longer.
- What if my workers' compensation claim is denied? If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. An attorney can help you understand the appeals process and represent you in hearings.
- How much will it cost to hire a workers' compensation lawyer? At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay any upfront legal fees.
Retain the Services of a Cincinnati Workers' Compensation Attorney
Employers and their insurance companies do not always have their employees' best interests in mind, particularly when it comes to paying out workers' compensation.
That is why you need the help of a Cincinnati workers' compensation lawyer to fight for your rights. If we take on your case, our goal is to obtain compensation for you.
Contact us today by calling (513) 224-5461 to learn more about your legal options. Your initial consultation is free and we do not charge legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
