Ohio workers who are injured on the job might have a vague notion as to what kind of workers' compensation benefits they can receive. Unfortunately, Ohio workers are usually not fully aware of the various types of options available. It is not just a matter of being a work accident victim and receiving a specific set of benefits, but it depends on the circumstances. It is important to understand what is available and the criteria when filing workers' compensation claims. But, understanding the types of compensation that can be received is the first step.
Temporary total compensation is the first type of compensation that injured worker can receive. It will begin after there have been eight or more calendar days of work lost. A person who was injured is not able to work and receive temporary total benefits simultaneously. The payments start on the eighth day. They will be provided biweekly. Those who are unable to work for 14 straight days will be paid for the first seven. After returning to work, these benefits stop.
The decision as to whether to approve benefits is based on medical evidence provided. There will be reports given on a periodic basis to make certain that the benefits continue as needed. The injury, its severity and how much time the worker was off work will be the determinative factors as to how often these reports are needed. Treating physicians will fill out a specific form for this. The amount that is provided is contingent on the worker's particular wages when the injury happened. It is not allowed for the benefits per week to surpass what the statewide average is for the weekly wage in the year that the incident occurred.
In the first 12 weeks that the worker missed work, he or she will receive 72 percent of the full amount ordinarily received each week. After missing work for 12 weeks, the rate will be 66.67 percent of the average weekly wage for people in the state. Those who are seeking workers' compensation after an injury must know how the process works and what they are entitled to. After an injury, if there is any confusion about the rules and issues with receiving what is owed in its entirety, it is wise to discuss the matter with an experienced legal professional as soon as possible.
Source: BWC.Ohio.gov, "Handbook For Injured Employees, Temporary Total Compensation, page 7," accessed on Oct. 26, 2015
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