Question 1

What should I do after suffering an injury at work?

Accepted Answer

If you suffer an injury at work, the first step is to immediately tell your employer about the injury. It's key that your employer is immediately informed as soon as it happens. Next, you will need to complete a written work injury report. This report should be extremely detailed, describing the situation and the cause of the injury. In this report, be sure to list ALL affected parts of the body, no matter how minor the injury may seem at the time.

Question 2

When should I seek medical attention after an injury at work?

Accepted Answer

You should seek medical attention immediately after the work injury. Be sure to thoroughly describe the injury to your medical provider and make sure that the list of injuries you described in your written report to your employer is the same as what you communicate to the medical professional. In work injury cases, the sooner you seek medical care the better. Having prompt medical records that reflect your workplace injury will help when documenting your claim to your employer, to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and/or to the Ohio Industrial Commission (IC).

Question 3

How do I file a workers' compensation claim?

Accepted Answer

The first step to filing a workers' compensation claim is to complete a First Report of Injury, Occupational Disease or Death (FROI) form. This is a form specifically from the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) that is used to initiate the claim. If you did seek medical attention after the workplace injury, contact them to support the completion of the First Report of Injury form. Oftentimes your medical provider will assist with the submission of the form to ensure that the medical bill is processed accurately. You can complete the FROI online at the BWC website or you can print and complete the form (https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/FROI-20020723.pdf). If you completed a printed version, be sure to fax (1-888-336-8352), mail, or hand deliver the form to your local BWC claims office as soon as possible.

Question 4

Do I get paid for lost work as a result of my injury?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, any individual who cannot work for a period of time after a workplace injury is entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. The first seven (7) days of disability are not payable until you have been disabled for fourteen (14) or more consecutive days. Once you have been unable to work for fourteen (14) days or more, you are entitled to compensation for the total number of days missed.

Question 5

What steps do I need to take to receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits?

Accepted Answer

You must complete and file a BWC form called Request for Temporary Total Compensation (C-84). This form can be completed online at the Ohio BWC website, or it can be printed and completed (https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/C-84.pdf). In order to qualify for Temporary Total Disability, your inability to work must be related to the specific medical conditions caused by your work injuries.

Question 6

How much do I get paid in Temporary Total Disability Benefits?

Accepted Answer

The first twelve (12) weeks of disability are paid based upon your Full Weekly Wage (FWW). Your full weekly wage is calculated based on your earnings the week before or the average of the six (6) weeks before your injury. The higher of the two numbers is used to determine your payable benefits.

Question 7

When do TTD benefits stop?

Accepted Answer

There are a few scenarios that will cause your TTD benefits to stop: you return to work; your medical provider indicates you can return to work; your employer makes light duty (work within your restrictions) available to you; or your condition stabilizes. Stabilization means there is no expected improvement despite medical care — this is called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

Question 8

What medical treatment is covered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation?

Accepted Answer

You qualify for medical treatment coverage when you are treated by a BWC-certified provider. The requested treatment must be reasonable, necessary, and related to the medical conditions allowed in your claim. Unlike regular health insurance, there are no deductibles or copays for workers' compensation medical treatments.

Question 9

Am I entitled to benefits after I return to work or if my injury does not cause me to miss work?

Accepted Answer

Regardless of your injury's impact on your ability to work, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). PPD is compensation for permanent impairment caused by a work-related injury and/or occupational disease. To apply for this benefit, you must file an Application for the Determination of the Percentage of Permanent Partial Disability or Increase of Permanent Partial Disability (Form C-92).

Question 10

Am I entitled to benefits if I am unable to return to the job I was doing at the time of injury?

Accepted Answer

You may be entitled to wage loss benefits. Wage loss is paid when your earnings are reduced as a direct result of restrictions caused by your injury. Overall, this is a complicated benefit that has many eligibility requirements. Your lawyer will be able to help you navigate this benefit.

Question 11

Am I entitled to benefits if after my condition stabilizes, I remain unable to return to work?

Accepted Answer

You may be entitled to Permanent Total Disability (PTD). PTD is defined as "the inability to perform sustained, remunerative employment as a result of the allowed work-related injury." A successful application for PTD will result in the receipt of benefits payable for life. Note that PTD is a benefit reserved for serious injuries after attempts at medical improvement and vocational rehabilitation have been exhausted. To request PTD, you must complete the Application for Compensation for Permanent Total Disability (Form IC-2).

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