Ohio Workers Compensation Questions

• When Ohioans are injured on the job, the type of compensation they receive is determined by a highly-regulated process administered by the state's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Ohio requires businesses with full- or part-time employees to carry workman's compensation insurance for job-related injuries. Otherwise, employers can be held responsible for the total cost of such claims. Except for 14 or fewer days, most employees will be compensated for their entire time away from work.

Who Is Covered?

• Under Ohio law, any business with employees must have an active workers' compensation policy that provides coverage for job-related injuries. This standard applies, even for short periods of employment, according to the bureau. There is an exception for people who own their own businesses, however. Sole proprietors -- and partners who form a partnership or limited liability company -- are not considered employees, leaving them the choice to buy coverage for themselves.

How Is a Claim Filed?

• Injured workers must fill out a First Report of Injury after the incident. This task can be done manually, or through the bureau's website. However, the bureau advises workers to see if the employer's managed care organization filed a claim on their behalf. A worker's authorized representatives or designates may do likewise. Once a claim is filed, the bureau begins investigating the claim. A ruling to approve or deny the claim follows in 28 days.

When Should Claims Be Filed?

• To protect their rights, workers are advised to notify employers immediately after an accident. Workers have the right to choose their own medical provider, but it must be a doctor who is bureau-certified and willing to take payment through the system. Delaying the claim may cause the bureau to question if a job-related accident caused the injury, and open the possibility of reduced compensation. Workers also need time to gather medical reports and witness testimony.

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

• Benefits depend on the worker's situation and disability. Temporary Total Compensation is the initial award paid out, and usually goes to workers disabled for short periods. Scheduled Loss awards are reserved for amputations and loss of hearing and vision, based on what happened to the worker prior to treatment. Workers are also eligible for partial or permanent disability awards, depending on the nature of their injury, according to the bureau.

Are Workers Paid For Their Entire Time Off?

• Workers are eligible for lost time benefits after seven or more days off the job. Those first seven days are not payable until the worker loses 14 straight days, however. Otherwise, most injured workers are paid for their whole time off. Compensation is based on minimum and maximum rates set down by the bureau. If the disability persists for 90 days or longer, the bureau may order an independent medical examination to determine if benefits should continue.