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Workers Compensation Attorney in Ohio: Workplace Injuries

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Workers’ compensation can be difficult to understand. Attorneys who don’t specialize in workers compensation typically have no idea how it works. Unlike other personal injury cases, your workers compensation attorney in Ohio does not simply prove that you suffered damages. All they can do is ensure that you get the benefits you’re entitled to while you’re out on workers compensation.

Now, when your claim is over, you may end up with a partial or total disability in certain parts of your body. For example, you may suffer a serious back injury and you can no longer work as a truck driver. Likewise, if you suffer a knee injury, you may not be able to work as a warehouse supervisor. If this is the case, you may be entitled to permanent benefits. This does not mean that you will continue to receive weekly benefits for the rest of your life. What it means is that you’ll be entitled to a certain amount of money based on the nature and extent of your injuries.

Here, we will discuss why and how some body parts are worth more than others. This should give you a better idea of what your workers’ compensation claim is worth. If you have any questions, you should contact our office and schedule your free, initial consultation with one of our Cincinnati workers compensation attorney.

The Seriousness of Your Injuries Will Determine How Much Medical Care You Need

Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you will either need long-term medical treatment or you may be back to work in a matter of weeks. Immediately after you report the accident to your human resources department or manager, they will send you out for treatment. Once you meet with your state- approved workers compensation physician, they will let you know what your injuries entail. They will also tell you what their treatment plan is. As long as you cooperate and participate in your medical treatment, you should make a full recovery.

There are, of course, times when people do not make a full recovery. Your injuries may have been so severe that you are no longer able to do the job you had before you got hurt. If this is the case, then your Cincinnati workers comp lawyer is going to demand that you be compensated fairly. Like most other states, Ohio has a rigid schedule of workers compensation payments that are based on the type of injury you suffered. For example, a back injury is going to be worth more money than a wrist injury. For somebody who suffers deafness or blindness because of a workplace accident, they may be entitled to a significant amount of money. It all depends on the facts of your case and the seriousness of your injuries.

People with Severe Workplace Injuries Are Out of Work Much Longer

It makes sense that somebody with a serious injury is going to be out of work for a lot longer than somebody with a minor injury. For example, if you suffer whiplash as a result of a car accident, you may be back to work in a matter of a week or two. A situation like this would not really call for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you are involved in a fall during a construction site, you may injure your neck, your back, or both. Someone in this situation would likely be out of work for several months or even a year. This means that you will be receiving workers comp benefits the entire time that you’re out of work.

You May Be Deemed Partially or Totally Disabled

At some point during your workers compensation claim, your state- approved workers comp doctor is going to determine that you are fully recovered. This may not necessarily mean that you are 100% back to your normal self. What it means is that you have achieved something called maximum medical improvement. All this means is that there’s no further treatment your doctor can provide that will benefit you. You have recovered as much as you can possibly recover given the situation. Once you reach this point, your claim will be closed and one of two things will happen. Either you will be required to return to work, either in your previous position or a different position. Or, if you are disabled and can no longer work, your Cincinnati workers compensation attorney will demand additional payment. This is when the body part that you injured will come into play.

Your Cincinnati Workers Compensation Attorney Will Get You as Much Money as Possible

As you can see, workers compensation cases are quite different from regular personal injury cases. Instead of suing for damages like you would in a car accident or slip and fall case, your workers compensation attorney in Ohio can only pursue benefits on your behalf. While you’re out of work receiving medical treatment, you should receive your replacement wages every week. These benefits will be equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wages. At some point, your doctor is going to determine that you’ve reached something called maximum medical improvement. As explained above, once this happens, one of two things will happen. Either you will go back to work, or you will be permanently disabled and unable to work.

In order to get you the additional compensation you deserve, your Cincinnati workers compensation attorney will have to demonstrate that you are either partially or totally disabled. Depending on the body parts that you’re injured, you may be entitled to a significant amount of money or no money at all. Your workers’ compensation attorney in Ohio is going to push to get you as much money as possible. However, workers compensation cases are dictated by the Ohio workers compensation payment schedule.

Depending on how much your injured body part is worth, you may be looking at a very large settlement or a small settlement. In order to determine whether you’re entitled to any compensation, you should call and schedule a free consultation with one of our Cincinnati workers’ comp lawyers. We offer all new clients a free consultation, so you have a chance to sit down with a seasoned attorney and discuss your case. If your case has merit, our firm will be more than willing to represent you. If it does not, we will be honest and upfront with you so at least you know not to pursue the matter further.

Jay A. Bolotin is a partner at the injury law firm of Young, Reverman & Bolotin. Serving the people of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Jay dedicates his career to helping clients in the tri-state area obtain financial compensation after suffering serious injuries. He focuses his practice on cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, and other types of personal injury incidents.

Years of Experience: More than 25 years
Registration Status:: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Cincinati Bar Association