
Workers face risks every day on the job. When a work-related injury or occupational illness happens, getting fair workers’ compensation benefits is crucial for your health, financial security, and your family’s well-being. At Spears & Marinakis, LLC, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys and dedicated comp attorneys represent injured workers throughout the state, ensuring that you don’t have to face the workers’ compensation system alone.
Understanding Ohio Workers’ Compensation Laws
In Ohio, employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for all employees—full-time, part-time, and temporary. This compensation system is state-managed through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Most businesses pay into the BWC, and the BWC pays approved compensation claims directly to injured workers. Some large employers may self-insure if they meet strict requirements, but most rely on the state fund.
To qualify for workers’ comp benefits, you must:
- Be classified as an employee.
- Suffer an injury or occupational illness that happened in the course of employment.
- File a workers’ compensation claim within the set deadlines.
This coverage includes sudden workplace injuries like falls, machinery accidents, or chemical burns, as well as occupational illnesses that develop over time, such as respiratory conditions from exposure to harmful substances.
Types of Compensation Available
If you are an injured worker, you may be eligible for multiple types of workers’ compensation benefits under Ohio law:
- Medical Treatment & Expenses: Covers hospital bills, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment needed to recover.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are unable to work during recovery, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage until you can return to work.
- Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: For partial recovery, you may receive two-thirds of the difference between pre- and post-injury wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For lasting injuries that limit, but do not eliminate, your ability to work.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and cannot work again, you may qualify for lifetime benefits.
- Wage Loss Compensation: Available if you return to work at reduced pay due to limitations caused by your injury.
- Scheduled Loss Awards: Lump-sum compensation for the permanent loss of use of a body part.
- Survivor Benefits: Dependents of workers who die on the job may receive compensation benefits.
The Claims Process in Ohio
Filing a workers’ compensation claim requires careful steps:
- Notify Your Employer: Report the injury or occupational illness as soon as possible. Workers often face challenges if notice is delayed.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Obtain immediate care and keep all records of your medical expenses.
- File a Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Submit the proper forms to the BWC.
- BWC Investigation: The BWC reviews your medical documentation and consults your employer or insurer.
- Decision Issued: Your claim may be approved, denied, or referred to the Industrial Commission for further review.
If denied, you can appeal through hearings at the Industrial Commission of Ohio, with further appeals possible through local courts. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney significantly improves your chances of receiving benefits by ensuring your claim is complete and accurate.
Challenges Workers Often Face
While the workers’ compensation law aims to protect employees, in practice, insurance companies and employers often attempt to minimize or deny workers’ comp benefits. Common challenges include:
- Claims that your injury or illness was not work-related.
- Delays in approving necessary medical treatment.
- Disputes over the level of disability or your ability to return to work.
- Pressure to settle for less than the compensation you deserve.
Workers often ask, “How much does it cost to hire an attorney?” At Spears & Marinakis, LLC, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case. You pay no upfront fees—our attorneys help on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we help you recover compensation.
Why Having a Workers Compensation Attorney Matters
Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures you:
- File a workers’ compensation claim correctly and on time.
- Gather strong medical and wage documentation.
- Fight denials to get the benefits you deserve.
- Hold your employer for negligence accountable if their unsafe practices caused the accident.
- Understand your full rights and benefits under Ohio law.
Our law firm has experience helping and representing injured workers throughout Ohio. Whether your injury is temporary or permanent, we fight every step of the way to help you achieve the maximum compensation possible.
Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19
Since the onset of COVID-19, many Ohio workers have filed compensation claims for exposure on the job. Whether you are a healthcare worker, first responder, or another essential employee, you may have the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if you contracted COVID-19 due to your work. Our staff and attorneys have the knowledge to help you navigate these unique claims.
Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation
In some cases, you may also be able to file a personal injury claim if a third party—not your employer—was responsible for your injury. While you generally cannot sue your employer, you may pursue claims against negligent contractors, manufacturers, or others whose actions caused the accident. Our lawyer on our team will explain whether you may qualify for additional damages beyond workers’ comp benefits.
Ready to Defend Your Rights? Contact Spears & Marinakis, LLC Today
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. At Spears & Marinakis, LLC, our compensation lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers secure the benefits and compensation they need to heal, support their families, and move forward.
We provide:
- An experienced workers’ compensation attorney to guide you.
- A free consultation to discuss your claim.
- Commitment to achieving the maximum compensation you are entitled to under workers’ compensation law.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced workers compensation attorney fight for the benefits you deserve. Our law firm stands ready to help you receive workers’ compensation benefits and recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Learn how we can help you get the benefits you deserve because your recovery deserves nothing less.
Spears & Marinakis, LLC
122 S 4th St, Ironton, OH 45638
740-532-6913