Toledo Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Every year here in Ohio, thousands of workers suffer unexpected injuries at work. These incidents can leave workers facing medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our Toledo workers’ compensation lawyers guide injured workers through the complex claims process and fight for the compensation they need to recover. If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact us today for a free consultation.

What to Know About Workers’ Compensation in Ohio

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Key aspects of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system include:

• Medical Benefits: These cover doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation services
• Lost Wages Compensation: Payments may be provided for a temporary or permanent disability that prevents you from working.
• Survivor Benefits: Financial support is offered to dependents of workers who suffer fatal job-related injuries.
• Eligibility Requirements: Most employees are covered, but claims must prove that the injury or illness happened in the course of employment.
• Filing Deadlines: It is crucial to file a claim promptly to avoid missing out on benefits. Ohio law sets a one-year statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Common Workplace Injuries

Some workplace injuries occur more frequently than others. Common ones that may qualify for workers’ compensation include:

• Slip-and-Fall Injuries: Wet floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces can lead to serious falls.
• Back Injuries: Strains, sprains, and herniated discs can result from heavy lifting or improper lifting.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Tasks involving repetitive motion, such as typing or assembly line work, can also cause long-term strain.
• Construction and Industrial Accidents: Falls from heights, machinery malfunctions, and electrocution are common in high-risk jobs.
• Occupational Diseases: Exposure to harmful chemicals, asbestos, or loud noise can lead to chronic illnesses over time.

The Claims Process in Ohio

Understanding the claims process is essential to securing benefits. Choosing an experienced Ohio law firm like Nurenberg Paris to guide you can make all the difference as you take the following steps in the process:

• Filing a Claim: Submit a First Report of Injury (FROI) through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Make sure all required information is thoroughly reviewed and properly completed to prevent delays.
• Gathering Evidence: You may be contacted by a claims administrator investigating your claim. You may need to obtain medical records, witness statements, and employer reports to support your claim.
• Waiting for a Decision: The initial decision may be made within a few weeks.

Common Reasons for Denial

Workers’ compensation claims can be denied for multiple reasons, including:

• Missed Deadlines: Failing to file in Ohio within the one-year statute of limitations can result in an automatic denial. Delays in reporting an injury to your employer can also raise suspicion, making it easier for insurers to challenge the claim.
• Insufficient Medical Documentation: Workers’ compensation relies on official medical records to establish the link between an injury and a workplace incident. If there is a lack of thorough documentation, insurers can argue that there’s no clear connection between the injury and work-related tasks.
• Failure to Follow Treatment Plans: If an injured worker does not adhere to the prescribed medical plan, insurers may question the severity of the injury or claim. Skipping doctor appointments, discontinuing treatment early, or failing to follow rehabilitation protocols can be used as justification to deny benefits.
• Disputes Over Causation: Employers or insurers may argue that the injury was pre-existing or that it was caused by non-work-related activities.
• Inconsistencies in the Claim: If there are discrepancies between the injured worker’s statements, medical records, or employer reports, the claim may be denied. Making sure that all details align across different reports can help prevent this issue.

Understanding these common reasons for denial can help injured workers take charge of their claim and avoid unnecessary obstacles in the workers’ compensation process. A Toledo workers’ compensation lawyer can also help review evidence and build a strong case after an initial denial.

How a Toledo Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

As you’ve probably figured out by now, the workers’ compensation process can be challenging, especially when dealing with denials or appeals. A Toledo workers’ compensation lawyer from Nurenberg Paris can assist by:

• Collecting Evidence: Consulting with medical experts and gathering the necessary documentation to support your claim
• Handling Complex Paperwork: Ensuring all forms are correctly filed to prevent avoidable delays
• Guiding You Through Appeals: Fighting for your right to benefits after an unjust denial
• Exploring Third-Party Claims: Helping you pursue additional compensation if another party contributed to your injury, such as a negligent contractor

After a Workplace Injury, Contact Nurenberg Paris

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury in Toledo, you don’t have to take on the workers’ compensation process alone. Our experienced attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy are here to help you secure the benefits you need to recover and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.