Blog

Ask OSHA For Help!

May 26, 2020

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program is now offering no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services all across the country. Trained consultants will work with managers and employees to recognize workplace hazards, and give advice for OSHA compliance. They also help with implementing or improving safety and health programs.

This program was funded by OSHA and delivered by state governments. It is essentially focused on smaller businesses, and most consultations take place on-site. The services are separate from enforcement; there is no result in penalties or charges.

This will remain confidential. Your name, your business’ name, and any other info you provide about your workplace, including unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, are not going be reported to the OSHA inspection staff.

The business’s only obligation is to improve significant job safety and health risks. This commitment should be made before the actual visit and executed timely.

The initial step of the consultation is the opening conference. Next, the consultant arrives and will meet with the manager in an introductory conference to shortly review their role and the employer’s obligations.

Then, the consultant will review the conditions in the workplace, along with the shop’s management. Employees should be included in this stage of the process; this way, they would get better information about the potential workplace hazards that could cause injuries.

The consultant will discuss specific operations the shop designates and discuss applicable OSHA standards. He or she will point out other safety or health risks. Some of these items might not be cited under OSHA standards but may still pose a safety or health risk. The consultant may suggest self-inspection and training that can help the employer in communicating with employees.

If you were injured at work or suffer an occupational illness, call our office (based in Cincinnati) today and schedule your first consultation.

Source: https://www.bodyshopbusiness.com/dont-be-afraid-to-ask-osha-for-help/

What’s Considered an Occupational Disease in Cincinnati?

May 21, 2020

Depending on the type of work you do, you may see your workplace as very safe. Some jobs like those in construction or mining are known to be quite dangerous. However, you may not think that working in an office or a grocery store can result in injuries. However, injuries resulting from an accident aren’t the only things that can happen at work. Many workers’ compensation claims in Cincinnati result from occupational diseases or illnesses. Often, these develop over time.

If you’ve become ill and it has prevented you from working, you may be unsure about if you can get workers’ compensation benefits. In this article, we’ll provide you with some insight into occupational diseases and how you may be able to claim benefits. For personalized advice, you’ll need to reach out to a Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyer.

Occupational Illnesses Explained

In order for a workers’ comp claim to be accepted, your illness must result from your occupation. For example, a person who works removing asbestos may develop mesothelioma or asbestosis. Someone who works in a very dusty environment may be diagnosed with asthma or lung disease. These would likely be considered occupational illnesses. However, if one of these individuals developed high blood pressure or heart disease, it would be very difficult to claim it was due to their job.

If you have become ill and you can prove it’s due to conditions at your workplace, you can seek compensation. Claims for occupational injuries are quite similar to those for injuries sustained in the course of one’s job. Ill workers can claim compensation for medical bills, lost income, temporary or permanent disability, and more. While it’s not mandatory to hire a lawyer for a workers’ comp claim, it’s in your best interest to do so. An experienced Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyer will ensure you seek all the benefits to which you’re entitled. They will also help to improve the likelihood that your claim will be accepted.

Naturally, a doctor will need to diagnose you with an illness. Then, you will need to prove that your condition was due to your job. If you can’t do this, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get compensation from the state’s workers’ comp system. Not every condition that an employee develops will be due to the job. The insurer will be very reluctant to pay benefits if there’s no evidence that your condition developed as a result of your employment.

Common Occupational Illnesses

There are many types of diseases that workers can develop because of their work duties. However, some are more common than others and they vary in severity. While some are merely debilitating, others can lead to death. Some of the conditions which are most likely to occur are:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Computer vision syndrome caused by prolonged computer use
Cancer due to exposure to a carcinogen
Brain damage caused by exposure to toxic chemicals
Lung disease due to the inhalation of certain dust, fibers or chemicals
Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noises
Skin diseases caused by exposure to harmful substances
Lead poisoning
Silicosis
Asbestosis and mesothelioma
Radiation sickness

How an Attorney Will Help You with Your Claim for Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits are not automatically awarded to ill or injured workers. You’ll need to prove that your condition didn’t result from something else like a previous illness or conditions in your home. If you hire a lawyer, they will present evidence to show that your illness was related to your job. They will likely draw on your medical records along with expert testimony to support your claim.

Your attorney will also ensure you file your claim within the specified time. In Ohio, you have two years from the date of disability to file your claim. This may be the date you were diagnosed, the date you first got the treatment, or the date you stopped working. The deadline may be extended for a maximum of six months if your diagnosis was delayed. Your lawyer will explain the deadlines that apply in your case. It’s important that you seek prompt legal advice. That’s because you will lose your right to claim benefits if you let the deadline pass.

Contact a Lawyer Today for Assistance with Your Claim.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an occupational disease, you’re likely worried about your future. You may think you can’t afford to seek treatment or take time off work. However, delaying treatment and working while you’re ill will likely make things worse. If your job led to your illness, you deserve to access workers’ comp benefits. Reach out to a skilled workers’ comp lawyer in Ohio to get the advice and representation you deserve. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.

Ohio State Asks Employers to Report Employees Who Refuse to Return to Work

May 15, 2020

Many businesses across Ohio started working again on Monday. The Ohio Department of Job and Family is asking firms to report workers who refuse to return to work.

The main focus now is safety at work. This is the new normal now, and many people are concerned about their health.

The Department announced that Ohio law forbids people from receiving unemployment benefits if they refuse to accept employment offers or quit without good reason. The Department says that employers need to let them know if an employee refuses to return to work; ODJFS will determine if they are still eligible for unemployment. For many families across Ohio, this is another obstacle they will have to deal with.

And while Covid-19 is a real danger for any person and might not be seen as a typical injury at work or illness that you got because of the danger of your profession, you should still be careful.

Both workers and employers must do their best to remain protected and safe.

A workplace injury is any harm you got while doing your job at your workplace, for which you had to seek medical help and go through a recovery process.

If this has happened to you, you ought to inform your employer immediately and tell your doctor that your injury occurred at your workplace so that they would send the bills to your company.

And while most companies have no issues to pay their workers a worker’s compensation, there are cases where the company might deny such a claim.

If that is the case with you, it is time to consult a worker’s compensation attorney.

Our team is here to offer you the assistance you need and guide you through the process until the very end. Call and schedule today.

Source: https://kpic.com/news/coronavirus/state-asking-employers-to-report-employees-who-refuse-to-return-to-work

Why Would I Need A Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Cleveland?

May 5, 2020

Workers in Ohio who suffer injuries on the job have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Whether you work in an office, in a factory, or on construction sites, you’re likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, you won’t automatically get benefits. The process of claiming the benefits you deserve can actually be quite difficult.

It’s not mandatory that you hire a Cleveland workers’ comp attorney. However, if you’ve never dealt with the system before or you simply want to ensure you get everything to which you’re entitled, you should get one. Let’s look at some of the ways in which an Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer can help you.

Collecting Evidence and Investigating Your Injury

Whether you suffered a workplace injury or an occupational illness, you will be required to provide evidence. You will need to show the injury was work-related and prove that you were injured to the extent that you claim. This can be difficult for workers to do but attorneys know how to find evidence to strengthen a workers’ comp claim.

Seeking All the Benefits for Which You’re Eligible

You may not know all the benefits which Ohio’s workers’ compensation system offers. If you don’t know what you’re eligible for, you won’t file the appropriate claim. No one will tell you that there are additional benefits available. Both your employer and the insurer will be acting in their own best interests. The only person who will fight for your rights is your attorney. They will make sure that you apply for all the benefits for which you qualify.

You may be eligible for:

Medical benefits – Workplace injuries can result in serious injuries and high medical costs. Workers’ compensation covers, doctor’s visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and other medical expenses.

Wage loss – Injured workers are often unable to work either temporarily or permanently. When this happens, workers’ compensation can help to fill the void, so workers and their dependents don’t suffer unnecessarily. The amount you can get will be based on your earnings before you became incapacitated.

Vocational rehabilitation – Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may not be able to return to your previous post. You may be able to claim compensation for training or skills upgrades which will help you prepare for a new job.

In the unfortunate event that you succumb to your injuries or illness, your survivors are entitled to compensation. They may be able to get funds to cover funeral costs and lost wages.

Filing Complex Claims

Some claims are straightforward. However, others are quite complicated. The more serious your condition is, the more difficult it may be to get the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to pay your claim. Your employer may also challenge your claim. Furthermore, even the slightest error or missed deadline could affect the outcome of your claim. If you want to ensure you get the benefits to which you’re entitled, you should get a Cleveland workers’ comp lawyer to help you.

Describing the Extent of Your Condition

If you don’t provide full information about your injury or illness, you may not get all the benefits that you should. If you’re permanently disabled, your benefits should be more than if you can’t work for a couple of weeks. The benefits for which you’re eligible will depend on the severity and expected duration of your condition. Experienced attorneys will use your medical reports to show how your ability to work has been impacted. They will show that you deserve to get the type of compensation you’re claiming.

Responding if Your Claim is Challenged

Not all workers’ comp claims are approved. Sometimes the employer disputes the claim. In other cases, the BWC raises concerns. Both your employer and the board will have attorneys to advise them. If you don’t have a lawyer, you won’t have anyone to file an appeal on your behalf. If your claim gets denied, you need to move quickly. You have to appeal in writing within 14 days so you can get a hearing before the Industrial Commission of Ohio.

This provides you with an opportunity to present additional evidence of your injuries or correct any errors on your claim form. Even if you filed your initial claim without help from an attorney, you shouldn’t try to handle the appeal alone. If you really want to get your claim approved, you should work closely with an attorney.

Get Help from A Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Cleveland Today!

It’s not always easy to get workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you suffered an occupational injury or illness, you shouldn’t have to handle your losses alone. Reach out to the Cleveland workers’ compensation attorney today to get the help you need.