Workers Compensation Attorney in Columbus, OH

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Columbus, OH

No matter how safe your job is, there’s always a chance that you’ll suffer an injury while working. Whether that injury is a fall on a construction site or wrist inflammation from typing, the combination of medical costs and the impact on your ability to work can cause considerable financial stress.

That’s where the workers’ compensation system comes in. If you’re hurt at work, this system helps to pay for your medical costs and replace the wages you’ve lost due to your injury.

Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation system isn’t perfect like any system. If your claim is denied, you’re having trouble finding the medical care you need, or you aren’t being properly reimbursed for lost earnings, it may be time to call in a Columbus, OH, workers’ compensation attorney.

Oliver Law Office is a women-led law firm dedicated to helping injured workers in Columbus and surrounding areas get the medical and financial support they’re entitled to.

If you’re experiencing issues with your workers’ comp claim, call us or fill out our online contact form to book a consultation with an Ohio workers’ comp attorney.

How Workers’ Compensation Works in Ohio

Under state law, Ohio employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for all their employees. Claims are overseen by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. A workers’ compensation policy pays benefits in three different scenarios:

You are injured while on the clock
You contract an occupational disease (like carpal tunnel syndrome if your job involves a lot of typing)
You are killed on the job (in this case, a death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries)

Each state can decide for itself how workers’ comp benefits are paid. Ohio’s system is more complex than most. That’s generally good, but it makes workers’ compensation claims challenging to understand if you have no legal background.

Columbus workers’ compensation attorneys can help you better understand your case. Still, in general, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) can pay you for several kinds of losses and your medical care.

Who Might Be Liable in an Ohio Defective Product Claim?

Depending on the type of defect the product displays, the product’s manufacturers and designers can be deemed liable. These parties have a duty to make safe products that meet all applicable safety standards.

Other parties along the supply chain can also be held accountable, including retailers, wholesalers, and distributors.

Imagine that you bought an electronic device at a store in Easton Town Center. If the seller knew the product had a defect and still made it available for purchase, they could be responsible for any injuries resulting from the product’s use.

Temporary Total (TT)

If you are temporarily unable to work because of your injury, you can be paid a portion (usually around two-thirds) of your typical weekly wage.

Wage Loss (WL)

Sometimes, you can work once you heal, but only in lower-wage positions. Wage loss benefits compensate you for the difference in pay.

Scheduled Loss (SL)

If you temporarily or permanently cannot use a part of your body, you may be able to collect weekly payments. How much a scheduled loss pays depends on the usefulness of a body part. For example, if you lose a thumb in a workplace accident, your SL payments will be greater than if you lose a pinky finger.

Permanent Partial (PP)

If you have a permanent but partial disability due to your injury, you may be paid a certain amount per week. These payments aren’t usually very high, but they can at least help ease the stresses of losing some of your earning capacity.

Permanent Total (PT)

If your injury has left you completely and permanently unable to work, these payments can be a long-term income replacement.

Living Maintenance (LM)

This benefit type will pay you a specific weekly wage if you have participated in a rehabilitation program and have been able to return to work while earning less than before.

Survivor Benefits

In some cases, if you are a dependent of someone killed in a workplace accident, you may be able to receive weekly benefit payments. The benefit amount depends on how much your loved one was making before their death.

When Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Columbus?

The largest private employers in the Columbus region are JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, and Honda. Although auto manufacturing can be risky, you might not think employees of banks and insurance companies would need to field many workers’ compensation claims.

However, even if you work an average office job, there’s still a potential for injury — you might develop tendon issues from working at a computer or even hurt your knee, tripping over a box.

Any time you file a workers’ comp claim, there’s a chance you may run into problems. These are some of the most common reasons you may need to call a workers’ compensation attorney in Ohio:

Your employer agrees that you were hurt on the job, but your insurer has denied you benefits
Your employer is arguing that you were not injured while working
A lawyer for the insurance carrier is requesting a deposition
Your insurance adjuster has promised you will receive medical care, benefits, or both, but you haven’t received any
You aren’t receiving pay for missed work

You’re unable to get the medical treatment you need for an injury
This is not an exhaustive list. Even if you have questions about your claim and what to do next, contacting a Columbus workers’ comp attorney is often wise for guidance.

Does Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Mean You Can’t File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

The workers’ compensation system was put in place so injured workers could receive much-needed benefits without filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. In most cases, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit and a workers’ comp claim.

However, there is a notable case where this does not apply: if your employer’s negligence caused your injury.

For example, suppose that you work for a plumbing company. While you’re driving a company vehicle on I-70, you suddenly lose control of the car, crash, and suffer a severe injury. An investigation reveals that because your employer did not properly maintain the vehicle, a major mechanical failure caused the accident.

In a case like this, you could likely file a personal injury lawsuit along with your workers’ comp claim — your employer was negligent in its failure to maintain its vehicles, and that negligence directly caused your injury.

Workplace injuries can often be complex events with many contributing factors. An Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer can look at the details of your case with you and help you determine whether you should file a personal injury lawsuit.

Columbus Workers’ Comp Lawyers Who Stand Up for Your Rights

Ohio’s workers’ comp program was implemented to protect injured workers like you. And naturally, if you have a good relationship with your employer, you might assume you’ll have no problems with your claim.

However, because workers’ compensation is an insurance policy, many people experiencing workers’ comp issues aren’t having problems with their employer — the insurance company is causing problems. Even if your employer genuinely cares about your well-being, insurance companies aim to pay out as little as possible.

An insurer’s bottom line shouldn’t interfere with your recovery from a life-altering injury. If you have any issues with your claim, please contact the Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers at Oliver Law Office today.

Call us or get in touch through our online contact form.

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JAMI S. OLIVER

When Jami Oliver launched her own firm in 2000, she did so with one simple idea in mind: to seek justice for those who have been hurt, injured, or wronged due to the negligence of others. While she’s won numerous awards and accolades in the years since, her philosophy hasn’t changed. If you need an attorney who can advocate for you after an accident, product recall, or other tragedy, the Oliver Law Office should be your first choice.

I required Jami's services to negotiate terms in a separation agreement. Jamie provided recommendations based on her experiences and potential outcomes. Personally, this was difficult, and having Jami providing legal

-Vincent Magrini

Jami Oliver guided me through the most difficult experience of my life and showed me compassion and professionalism throughout the whole episode. I highly recommend Ms. Oliver as the best

-Aaron Thompson

My experience with the Oliver Law Office, from start to finish, was excellent. Ms. Oliver's counsel was invaluable, prompt, and easily explained. She is also gifted in her ability to

-Richard Tovar

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Columbus, OH

How Workers’ Compensation Works in Ohio