Some of the industries with the greatest number of workplace injuries, like construction and health services, can be found in Cleveland. But workplace injuries and illnesses are not limited to these industries; any job site or workplace can hide dangers that can injure you or make you sick.
Workplace injuries and illnesses are more than inconveniences. They can require one or more hospital visits, ongoing medical care, and periods of missed work to recover. If you do not have workers’ compensation benefits, this can impose significant financial hardship on you and your loved ones.
If you have been injured on the job, turn to Slater & Zurz law firm and our team of Cleveland workers compensation attorneys after being injured on the job. We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and provide experienced, aggressive advocacy if your claim gets denied.
Our team is committed to helping you succeed with your workers’ compensation claim, and we will devote our energies and skills to achieving this goal.
How Ohio Workers’ Compensation Works
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who are injured on the job or who become ill during their work. These benefits are also available to workers who have a preexisting medical condition that is aggravated or becomes worse as a result of their employment. In navigating the complexities of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system, it’s crucial to understand the role of the Industrial Commission of Ohio. This agency is instrumental in adjudicating disputes concerning workers’ compensation claims.
Whether it’s resolving issues related to the extent of a worker’s injuries, the level of benefits due, or disputes over the allowance of claims, the Industrial Commission plays a pivotal role. Engaging with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be invaluable in guiding you through the process, especially when dealing with hearings before the Commission. At Slater & Zurz, we are adept at representing our client’s interests effectively at all levels of the workers’ compensation claims process, including interactions with the Industrial Commission of Ohio.
There are several different types of benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Compensation for Workplace Accidents in Cleveland, OH
Depending on your circumstances, you could be eligible to receive various types of workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can include:
- Up to 72 percent of your average weekly wage if you are unable to work, for up to 12 weeks
- Up to 66.67 percent of your average weekly wage, starting in week 13, if you must be off work for longer than 12 weeks
- The cost of medical treatment necessary to address your injuries or illness
- The cost of any additional medical care needed if your work made a preexisting condition worse
If a worker dies as a result of an accident in the workplace, funeral, and death benefits may be recoverable by the worker’s surviving family members. This includes a funeral benefit as well as ongoing periodic payments, subject to certain conditions.
Partnering with an experienced workers’ comp law firm like Slater & Zurz can give you the peace of mind that you are receiving the maximum amount of workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Steps to Obtaining Workers’ Comp Benefits in Ohio
The process for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits begins when you sustain an injury or fall ill because of a condition at work. If the injury is serious, or you are not sure how severely you have been hurt, it is best to get medical help sooner rather than later.
Report the incident to your employer as soon as you can. While you could simply tell your employer, making a written report of your incident is preferred, as it creates a paper trail and is less likely to be forgotten.
Once you notify your employer, they should contact their workers’ compensation insurer as well as the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
Your employer should also file your claim paperwork with the BWC. If they do not, however, you or your Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer can file the claim paperwork. It is recommended to have your workers’ comp attorney file this important document, as this reduces the chance of errors.
No matter who files the claim with the BWC, your claim paperwork must be submitted within one year of your accident.
Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting aspect of filing a workers’ compensation claim. These companies often have their own interests in mind, seeking to minimize payouts and deny claims whenever possible. It’s crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side, who understands the tactics insurance companies use and how to effectively counter them. At Slater & Zurz, we are well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that our clients receive the fair compensation they deserve.
Why Slater & Zurz Is a Smart Choice to Help with Your Claim
Slater & Zurz is your choice for skilled workers’ compensation representation in Cleveland. Our team of personal injury lawyers has protected the rights of tens of thousands of injury victims — with a 97% success rate.
When you hire us, you benefit from a firm that has:
- Over 32 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases.
- Hundreds of five-star reviews on Google submitted by happy clients
- Numerous awards and recognition for providing exceptional service to clients
- A record of millions of dollars recovered on behalf of injured clients
Your claim is important and personal, which is why you need a Cleveland workers’ compensation attorney who will take the time to understand your needs and circumstances. We take pride in offering the same attention to detail and personalized approach to each of our clients.
Slater & Zurz Helps with All Types of Workers’ Comp Claims
Throughout our firm’s history, we’ve earned a reputation as passionate advocates for our clients at all levels of the workers’ compensation claims process. Additionally, our firm can provide you with effective representation and counsel no matter the type of workers’ compensation claim you are bringing.
For example, we can help with:
- Illnesses related to exposure to toxic substances in the workplace
- Injuries such as falls from heights or being struck by heavy machinery
- Over-exertion or repetitive movement injuries
- Claims brought by family members of loved ones killed on the job
Whether your employer is large or small, or if you were physically hurt or became ill, Slater & Zurz is up to the challenge of pursuing your workers’ comp benefits for you.
Now Is the Time to Contact Slater & Zurz
Every day that passes without your workers’ comp claim being approved is another day you are left facing an uncertain future. Let Slater & Zurz serve as your Cleveland workers’ compensation attorneys and go to work filing and pursuing your claim while you recover.
Call (440)557-2861 to request a consultation with us today.
If your preexisting condition becomes worse because of your job duties, you can recover benefits and receive treatment for any medical care related to the worsening of your condition.
You may also be able to receive compensation for your wages, if you must miss work to heal.
With very few exceptions, employers in Ohio who have at least one employee must carry workers’ comp insurance. If you learn that your employer does not, speak with Slater & Zurz right away.
We can file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for you, even if your employer attempts to avoid this crucial responsibility.
Some workers’ compensation claims get denied despite the fact that this program is meant to quickly and easily compensate injured workers. A claim may be denied if you waited too long before filing a claim or if you missed procedural deadlines.
Your claim might also be denied if there is no clear connection showing that your injury or illness came about because of your employment and job duties. Consulting with one of our experienced workers compensation lawyers to filing an Appeal to ensure you provide the details and evidence you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
Yes, in many cases, if you’re injured at work, you may be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages. This is typically a part of workers’ compensation benefits, which are designed to cover medical expenses and lost income due to work-related injuries. The specific amount and duration of compensation for lost wages can vary depending on the severity of your injury, your average earnings, and the laws in your state. It’s important to file a workers’ compensation claim and provide necessary documentation to support your loss of income. For more detailed information and guidance, consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can be beneficial.