Are Lost Wages Covered by Ohio Workers’ Compensation?

When Ohio workers suffer on-the-job injuries, the threat of medical expenses and lost wages can leave families wondering how they will make ends meet.  Understanding what benefits may be available and how to collect them can be difficult, especially when dealing with an injury or illness. 

If you or a loved one suffered a work-related injury, Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA’s workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help.  Our experienced legal team can answer all of your questions regarding benefits and assistance that may be available to you, including whether or not you may be eligible to receive financial assistance required due to lost wages.

Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation System Covers Lost Wages

Before discussing details relating to what Ohio workers’ compensation covers, it should be stated initially that, where appropriate under state law, workers’ compensation benefits are available to cover both medical expenses and lost wages.

It may not be as simple as merely filing your application, however.  Benefits claims can be and are regularly denied or underpaid, even to deserving injured employees.  Establishing that you are entitled to benefits requires various records and proof.  So, while wage loss and medical expenses may be compensable depending on your injury and the surrounding circumstances, it is recommended that you speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer when considering a claim or filing an appeal.

How is Wage Loss Compensated?

Wage loss resulting from a work-related injury is covered by two types of benefits: temporary disability and permanent disability.  These two types of benefits can be further split into compensation categories depending on whether a disability is total or partial.

Temporary Disabilities

For temporary total disabilities, Ohio workers’ compensation benefits are paid at 72% of an injured worker’s weekly wage for the first twelve weeks.  Thereafter, benefits are paid at the lesser of 2/3 of the worker’s weekly wage or $932 each week.  This $932 maximum is current for 2018, but may change from year to year.

For temporary partial disabilities—disabilities that allow the injured worker to return to work, but in a lower-paying capacity or receiving fewer hours because of one’s injuries—workers may receive 2/3 of the difference between their old wage and their new wage.

Permanent Disabilities

For permanent total disabilities—disabilities that leave the injured employee unable to perform any type of work—you may receive benefits to cover wage loss for the rest of your life.  Calculating the figure you may receive per week involves a number of factors.  An experienced attorney can fight for your right to receive the maximum benefits possible.  Though, it should be noted that here, too, there is a maximum of $932 each week for benefits paid in 2018.

For permanent partial disabilities, benefits are calculated based on the worker’s impairment rating.  A doctor makes a determination regarding an individual’s impairment, and this determination is used in calculating the permanent wage loss benefits paid.  These benefits effectively act as a supplement to the income that can still be earned by a partially disable individual.

Cleveland, Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

If you or your loved one were injured on-the-job, you do not have to fight for assistance alone.  Call or email Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA today and schedule a free consultation.