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Until they are injured, most Ohio workers have little to no experience filing a workers’ comp claim or receiving benefits. The process can be difficult, especially when workers are trying to recover from a serious injury.
If you are injured on the job, your first step to collecting benefits will be to file a workers comp claim. You, your doctor or your employer can file a claim with your managed care organization (MCO) within 24 hours. Workers also have the option of reporting their injury straight to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
The BWC will decide whether or not your request is approved within 28 days of filing. If your injury keeps you out of work for more than eight days, the BWC will partially compensate your lost wages once your claim is approved.
Every Ohio worker injured on the job has the right to receive prompt, quality medical care from BWC-approved healthcare officials. All requests for medical treatment must be faxed to your MCO.
Your MCO makes medical decisions, files and manages claims and monitors requests to help employees recover quickly and return to work. They will approve treatment requests and handle any disputes or grievances.
Can I Dispute My Workers Comp Claim?
As an injured worker in Ohio, you have the right to receive fair consideration for any benefits or rehabilitation services for which you qualify. You can dispute any decisions made by your MCO by applying for treatment reimbursement.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a more extensive process meant to ensure fairness in the system. This form of mediation is reserved specifically for treatments ordered by your doctor that are rejected by your MCO. You can contact your MCO online or in person to start the ADR process.
If you disagree with decisions made by the BWC, your MCO or your employer, you can appeal your claim to those agencies. Workers also have the option of appealing straight to the Industrial Commission of Ohio (IC).
Ohio workers have the option to represent themselves in court, but workers’ compensation law can be nuanced and complex. If you are trying to recover from an injury, you may not have the time or energy for a lawsuit.
At Larrimer & Larrimer, we know the struggle facing injured workers while they recover. Call in to discuss your workplace accident today. Our experienced legal team can fight for your rights while you heal.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys