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This year, $44 million was donated from the state of Ohio to a multitude of programs dedicated to providing job safety and support for injured workers. A recent bill was passed that changed some of the workers comp terms and conditions.
What are the Four Changes to Workers Comp Programs?
Statute of Limitations: Previously, injured workers had up to two years following a work injury to file a claim for workers comp. The statute of limitations has been reduced to one year.
Ohio Industrial Commission Appeal Extension: The time allowed to appeal an Industrial Commission order with the Common Pleas Court has been extended from 60 to 150 days. This is designed to allow negotiation between parties before court litigation is required.
Drug Testing: The type and amount of controlled substances that affect a worker’s ability to get workers compensation has been altered.
Permanent Partial Disability Dismissals: When an injured worker applies for a permanent partial disability but fails to get the necessary examination by the Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC), the BWC can now dismiss these applications. They used to suspend them until the worker demonstrated the ability to take the exam.
Most of these changes benefit employers and the BWC, not injured workers. Current national lawmakers are pushing to roll back worker safety funding, even though the state of Ohio is counteracting that. If you are injured at work and not awarded workers comp, a Columbus workers comp attorney can help you get the coverage you deserve.