Workers’ compensation protects workers harmed in the workplace regardless of the circumstances which is why it is a valuable resource for them to understand. Workers’ compensation benefits can apply in circumstances when a worker has suffered a workplace injury, workplace accident or a workplace illness. There are important timelines that apply to filing a workers’ compensation claim that so it also important to be familiar with what those are.
Injured workers have a 2-year time limit to file a workers’ compensation claim. They also have the right to appeal a denied claim which is a shorter, 14-day, period. In addition, different benefits are available to injured workers so it is helpful for them to be familiar with what those are. Injured workers may receive medical benefits including benefits for hospital services they incur, doctor’s visits, medication and other medical costs. Injured workers can also receive lost wages.
In addition, there are also different categories of disability benefits injured workers can receive through workers’ compensation depending on the situation and circumstances. Death benefits may also be available to surviving family members when a loved one has been killed on the job. In general, to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, the injured worker must demonstrate that they were an employee of the employer at the time of the injury; that the injury was accidental; and that the injury occurred in the course of, or arising out of, their employment.
Workers’ compensation benefits can be important benefits workers harmed on the job and their families rely on following a workplace accident, injury or illness. It is important for workers and their families to understand workers’ compensation protections and how to access them when needed.
Source: Statelaws.findlaw.com, “Ohio Workers’ Compensation Laws,” Accessed March 10, 2018