Columbus Ohio's Workers' Compensation Lawyers
When you've been hurt on the job, the last thing you should worry about is the bureaucracy. Our attorneys handle the BWC so you can focus on recovery.
Understanding Ohio Workers' Compensation
If you have been injured on the job in Ohio, you are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault. Ohio's workers' compensation program is a "no-fault" system designed to provide medical care and wage replacement to workers injured during the course of their employment.
The process of securing these benefits is often complex and adversarial. Employers and the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) frequently look for reasons to deny, delay, or reduce valid claims.
At Cox, Koltak & Gibson, our workers' compensation lawyers are dedicated to maximizing your compensation and medical care — from initial application to appeals to permanent disability determinations.
What is Workers' Compensation?
A state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In Ohio it operates on a no-fault basis — you are eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident, as long as it occurred within the scope of your employment.
Important Things to Know
Report the Injury Immediately
Tell your employer as soon as the injury happens and complete a detailed written work injury report. List every affected body part — even the ones that seem minor.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
See a BWC-certified provider quickly and describe your injury the same way you described it in your report. Prompt medical records are the backbone of a strong claim.
File Your Claim Correctly and On Time
The First Report of Injury (FROI) starts your claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. In most cases you have one year from the injury date to file.
Common Workplace Injuries
We handle every category of workplace injury recognized under Ohio law.
- Muscle contusions, sprains & strains
- Bone fractures & joint dislocations
- Concussions & traumatic brain injuries
- Cervical & lumbar disc herniations
- Meniscus & ACL tears
- Rotator cuff & shoulder impingement
- Carpal & cubital tunnel syndrome
- Trigger thumb / trigger finger
- Tenosynovitis & tendinitis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Emphysema, COPD & silicosis
- Dermatitis, keloids & chemical burns
- Mesothelioma & occupational cancers
- Occupational hearing loss
- Depression from chronic pain
- Anxiety from physical limitations
- PTSD from workplace trauma
- Flow-through mental health diagnoses
Types of Workers' Comp Benefits
Medical Benefits
Full coverage for treatment, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any other care your doctor prescribes through BWC-certified providers.
Temporary Total Disability
Wage replacement while you are medically unable to work, based on your Full Weekly Wage.
Permanent Partial Disability
Compensation for lasting impairment that partially impedes your ability to work after Maximum Medical Improvement.
Permanent Total Disability
Lifetime benefits when a serious injury completely prevents you from performing sustained, remunerative employment.
Wage Loss
Payments when you return to work but earn less than your pre-injury wage due to medical restrictions.
Violation of Specific Safety Requirement
Additional compensation awarded when your employer violated a specific safety requirement that caused your injury.
Your Employer's Responsibilities
- Purchase workers' compensation insurance (state fund or self-insured)
- Post a notice of compliance with Ohio workers' comp laws at every job site
- Offer emergency medical treatment for any on-the-job injury
- File a First Report of Injury with the BWC promptly
- Comply with information requests from the BWC or insurance carrier
- Cannot fire, demote, or retaliate against you for filing a valid claim
50+ Years Maximizing Ohio Workers' Comp Claims
Being eligible for a benefit does not mean you will receive it. Case managers at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation do not go out of their way to help you file, and unrepresented claimants often see benefits delayed or missed entirely.
With over five decades of experience, Cox, Koltak & Gibson handles every aspect of your claim — from securing disability payments to authorizing essential medical care — so you receive the full compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Industry Recognized
Frequently Asked Questions
Put an Experienced Advocate in Your Corner
The BWC has attorneys. Your employer has attorneys. You deserve the same.
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