What to Do If You’re Injured at Work: A Guide for Employees in Columbus, Ohio

When you have an on-the-job injury, it can be stressful, overwhelming, and confusing. This is especially the case when you don't know anything about your legal rights or the steps to take to get workers' comp benefits.

For those in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout the state, knowing what to do following a workplace injury is crucial. It helps to protect your health, secure medical benefits, and preserve your rights.

Larrimer & Larrimer is a trusted workers's compensation firm in Columbus that offers guidance on what to do following workplace accidents and what to do if your workers’ compensation claim is denied.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention Following a Workplace Injury

The first thing you should do is seek medical treatment immediately. Even if the injuries don't seem serious, it's still important to have a a doctor evaluate your condition. Some injuries, like internal injuries, might not even appear right after the injury. Medical providers, however, can usually spot the signs.

Getting the necessary medical treatment ensures your health and safety, and it begins to create a documented record of the injury, which can help make the workers compensation process easier.

Report the Injury to Your Employer

Ohio law requires that employees who are injured report the injury to their employer immediately. Failing to report the claim can affect your ability to receive workers compensation benefits. Ideally, its best to report the injury to your supervisor or HR within 24 hours.

When you report the injury, you should provide details about how and when the injury occurred, the symptoms and medical treatment you have received. Make sure to keep any written reports of the injury, as well as copies of medical bills and any recommendations from the doctor.

By accurately reporting the incident, it helps to protect your rights and ensures that your employer follows the right procedures. Your employer should be covered by workers compensation insurance in most cases, which is how you can make a claim without placing blame on the company you work for.

Injured Workers Should File a Claim With the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation

After you report the injury to your employer, you should file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, or BWC. Generally, your employer will give you the forms to file, but it is your responsibility to make sure the forms are submitted quickly.

When filing for workers comp, you should do your best to keep a copy of all forms. If your employer doesn't have access to the forms, or if you got hurt and they say you aren't covered, you can speak to the doctor you saw for additional information.

When the BWC gets the claim, they will review it, determine if the employee's injury is eligible, and then coordinate benefits like medical care and medical expenses, lost wages, hospital stays, disability compensation, and more.

Keep Detailed Records When you File a Workers Compensation Claim

Making sure you document everything about the injury and the recovery is imperative for filing a successful claim. Some of the things you should keep records of include:

• Medical appointments and treatments from any physician you saw

• Communications with your employer, health insurance company, human resources, or managed care organization

• Days missed from work due to the illness or injury

• Expenses related to your injury - even things like if you had to pay to hire a driver to take you to an appointment should be recorded

Having records available to strengthen your claim can be invaluable if there are disputes.

Understand Your Rights Under Ohio Workers Comp Law

Employees in Ohio have certain rights when it comes to workers comp. These include:

• The right to receive medical treatment for injuries, including emergency treatment

• Wage loss benefits if you can't work due to your injury

• The right to choose your own doctor in some cases

• Protection from retaliation or termination based on filing a claim

Understanding your rights will help you to navigate the process, and it ensures that you are not unfairly denied the benefits.

Avoid Common Mistakes to Protect Your Legal Rights

Many workplace injury claims are delayed or denied because the employee made a mistake. Some of the most common mistakes following a work-related injury include:

• Waiting too long to report an injury

• Failing to see a doctor for a first visit for days or weeks following the injury

• Failing to follow medical advice after being treated

• Discussing the injury extensively with coworkers or in public, including on social media

• Signing documents without understanding how they affect the case

Being proactive, honest, and cautious with communication can help prevent unnecessary complications.

Consider Legal Representation for Additional Information

Workers' compensation cases can get very complicated very quickly. This is particularly the case if your claim is disputed, if the injury is extremely serious, or if the employer is blatantly at fault. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, requires employers to pay for PPE. If they don't, employees could be put at risk, which can definitely affect the case.

It's always best to reach out to an experienced workers compensation law firm like Larrimer & Larrimer. A law office can offer the following:

• Help with filing paperwork correctly

• Ensuring deadlines are met

• Assist during hearing and appeals

• Address concerns about benefits

• Contact and notify employer representatives when necessary.

An attorney will act as an advocate for you and ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process. In most cases, you can get a free initial consultation to find out if you have a case.

Follow Your Treatment Plan and Return-to-Work Protocols

It doesn't matter if you have a minor injury or permanent impairment, you are entitled to benefits in Ohio, but you have to follow the rules. One of these is to follow your treatment plan. This is crucial for recovery and for the success of your claim. If you miss appointments, for example, or don't follow instructions, it could be argued that you were not injured as much as you claim.

Know When to Appeal

If your claim is denied or if your benefits are reduced, you have the right to appeal. The Ohio BWC has a process for disputing these claims and if you have a lawyer offering assistance, chances are higher that you will get a favorable outcome. For more information, contact workers compensation law firms in Columbus.

Contact Larrimer & Larrimer for Help with Workers Comp Claims

Suffering a workplace injury can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do immediately after an incident is critical to protecting your health, rights, and financial security. Employees in Columbus, Ohio, should seek prompt medical attention, report their injury, file a workers’ compensation claim, and maintain detailed records. Understanding your legal rights and seeking professional guidance from a workers’ compensation attorney can make the process less stressful and increase the likelihood of receiving the benefits you deserve.

Larrimer & Larrimer is dedicated to helping injured workers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. Their experienced team provides guidance, advocacy, and support to ensure that injured employees receive the medical care, wage replacement, and legal protection they need during recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, consulting a trusted attorney can make a significant difference in achieving a fair outcome.