Workers’ compensation benefits are an important protection for workers injured on the job. Being injured on the job can create medical expenses and time away from work which can all be costly for injured workers and their families. While the workers’ compensation process can be complex, it is helpful for injured workers to understand what benefits may be available to them and how to apply and qualify for benefits.
The nature and amount of compensation an injured worker may receive depends on the circumstances and the nature of the injury they have suffered. In general, there are several categories of workers’ compensation benefits that may be available to injured workers in Ohio. Injured workers may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses including medical care and treatment, hospital visits, surgery, prescriptions and rehabilitation costs. In addition, injured workers can receive workers’ compensation benefits for occupational rehabilitation.
Workers who qualify as temporary total disability, which means they are completely unable to work for a temporary period of time, can receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages but not indefinitely. If the injured worker returns to work, they will lose their benefits. In addition, if their doctor notes they have reached maximum medical improvement, they can lost their benefits. Once their condition is not expected to improve, they can be assessed for permanent injuries. Permanently injured workers may be able to receive scheduled loss benefits.
In addition, workers’ compensation benefits may also be available for permanent total disability conditions, wage loss if the worker cannot earn as much as they did prior to the injury and death benefits for surviving family members. Workers’ compensation benefits can be essential for injured workers and their families which is why injured workers should be familiar with their rights, what benefits are available and how to obtain benefits when needed.