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.