Workers compensation is a vital safety net for Ohio employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It provides financial support, medical coverage, and other benefits to help workers recover and regain their independence. 

However, understanding the various types of benefits and how they are calculated can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will break down the different types of Ohio workers comp benefits and how they are calculated.

For help with your claim, contact our experienced Ohio workers compensation lawyers today.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

If your work-related injury or illness renders you unable to work, you may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. These benefits provide financial assistance during the period when you are unable to perform your job duties.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Temporary total disability benefits are not payable for the first week unless you remain out of work for at least two consecutive weeks.
• Temporary total disability benefits can be received until you can return to work, your condition reaches maximum medical improvement, or for a maximum of 200 weeks.
• The amount of benefits is calculated based on your average earnings before the injury or illness.
• The maximum and minimum benefit amounts are determined by the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW) at the time of your injury.

TTD Benefit Amounts

Ohio uses a tiered system to determine the amount of temporary total disability benefits.

• During the first 12 weeks, you can receive benefits equal to 72% of your pre-injury wages, capped at either the state average weekly wage (SAWW) or your take-home pay (whichever is less).
• After 12 weeks, the benefits are set at two-thirds of your pre-injury wages up to the SAWW.
• The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation lists the maximum benefit amounts for injuries in specific years.
• If you receive Social Security retirement benefits, the maximum weekly benefit is reduced to two-thirds of the SAWW.
• The minimum benefit for temporary total disability is generally one-third of the SAWW. However, if your pre-injury earnings were less than that, you will receive the actual amount of your wages.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits

When your condition reaches maximum medical improvement, or you have received temporary total disability benefits for 200 weeks, you may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. These benefits provide ongoing financial support for individuals unable to work due to the severity of their work-related injury or illness. 

To qualify for permanent total disability benefits, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Complete loss of use of both hands, arms, feet, legs, eyes, or any combination of two of these body parts.
• Inability to perform any long-term gainful employment that utilizes your existing skills or skills that you could reasonably develop.

If you are deemed permanently disabled, you will continue to receive weekly payments at the same rate as temporary total disability benefits for the rest of your life.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

If you have a permanent impairment resulting from a work-related injury or illness, but your disability is not total, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits. These benefits compensate for the permanent loss of certain body parts or the overall impact of your disability. 

Scheduled Losses

• If you have suffered the complete loss of an extremity, such as fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, or legs, or have lost the use of an eye, you may be eligible for scheduled loss benefits.
• Ohio provides a state schedule that lists the number of weeks for each body part. The weekly benefit amount is equivalent to the current SAWW.
• For example, if you have lost a foot, you would receive benefits for 150 weeks. In 2021, the total benefits for the loss of a foot would be $152,850 ($1,019 per week for 150 weeks).

Percentage Loss

• If you have a permanent impairment other than the loss of a scheduled body part, a doctor will assign a percentage representing your permanent partial disability.
• Your benefits will be calculated at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of one-third of the current SAWW.
• The duration of benefits is determined by multiplying your percentage of disability by 200 weeks. For example, a 50% permanent disability would result in benefits for 100 weeks. If your disability is 90% or more, you will receive benefits for the full 200 weeks.

Disfigurement

• If you have a serious disfigurement to your face or head that affects your ability to find work, the BWC may award you compensation up to a maximum of $10,000.

Lump Sum Payments for Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

In certain circumstances, the BWC may offer a lump sum payment instead of weekly payments for permanent partial disability benefits. This option provides immediate financial relief or assists in rehabilitation efforts.

Wage Loss Benefits

If your work-related injury or illness prevents you from performing your regular job but you can still work in some capacity, you may be eligible for wage loss benefits. These benefits partially compensate for the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current earnings. Here are some key points to understand:

• Wage loss benefits are calculated at two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury weekly wages and your current earnings, capped at the SAWW.
• You can receive wage loss benefits for up to 200 weeks if you cannot perform your regular job but can work in a modified or alternative position.
• If you are offered light-duty work by your employer or find a new job with lower pay, you can receive wage loss benefits for up to 200 weeks.
• While seeking employment that accommodates your partial disability, you may receive wage loss benefits for up to 52 weeks. If you find a new job, half of this can be added to the 200-week limit, allowing for a maximum of 226 weeks of benefits.

Call Our Ohio Workers Comp Lawyers Today

If you have been hurt on the job in Ohio, reach out to us for a free consultation. Our firm will assist you with filing a workers compensation claim, ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and on time. If your claim is denied, we will represent you in appeals or hearings if necessary.

Call us today at (833) 406-0060.