What Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?

Ohio law protects employees injured on the job.  Ohio’s employers must contribute to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, a public workers’ compensation pool, or to provide coverage through a private insurer.  These sources of compensation are then available to employees injured in the course of employment.

But protecting your right to adequate compensation for your injuries can be difficult.  Workers’ compensation claims can involve analyzing the scope of the damage and impairment you have suffered, timely filing a claim in a complex system, and fighting against denied or delayed claims.  For this stressful process, you need a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer.

What Kinds of Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation claims can be made for most any injury as long as the injury resulted from an accident or exposure related to employment.  Contrary to what many people think, workers’ compensation is available to employees from all variety of working environments.  This includes offices, construction sites, retail stores, mobile jobs (such as cable installation or trucking), and any other situation involving an employer-employee relationship.

Some of the most frequent types of injuries giving rise to workers’ compensation claims include:

• Falls
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Chemical or Toxic Exposure
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Hearing Loss
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Psychological Injuries and Disorders

This list is not exclusive.  If you suffer any employment-related injury, contact a Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your specific injury.

What Kinds of Workers’ Compensation Are There?

There are several types of workers’ compensation benefits.  Because of this, unrepresented individuals may accept a lesser level of benefits than those to which they are entitled.  Depending on the extent of your injuries, an experienced attorney can present your claim for the maximum benefits that should be available to you.

Workers’ compensation that may be available under Ohio law includes:

• Temporary Total Disability Compensation

Temporary total compensation, like its name suggest, covers those who are totally unable to work for a temporary period of time.

• Permanent Total Disability Compensation

Also aptly named, permanent total disability compensation is awarded to those totally—and permanently—unable to work because of their injuries.

• C-92 (Percentage of Permanent Partial)

Available for injuries that are permanent, but do not leave an injured person totally unable to work.

• Wage Loss Compensation

Available for those whose injury leaves them able to work in only a less lucrative position or capacity.  Wage loss compensation may also be available to those who are unable to find gainful employment after recovering from a work-related injury.

• Living Maintenance Compensation

Available for up to six months (though sometimes longer) for workers undergoing rehabilitation for their injuries.

Should I Wait Until My Claim Is Denied to Contact an Attorney?

Absolutely not.  The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim is both stressful and intricate.  It is best to have legal counsel from the outset.

Your Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer can help you through the process of having your injuries evaluated, filing your claim, determining whether a lump sum settlement may be in your best interest, preparing briefs and arguing on your behalf in event of a claim denial, and guiding you in coping with the financial burden that a workplace injury can cause.

Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA | Cleveland Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

The law firm of Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA is now offering free consultations regarding your workers’ compensation claim.  Experienced with both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, our attorneys can help you maximize your recovery in the event of injury or wrongful death.