What Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Cover?
by Casaundra Johnson | Jan 31, 2023 | Permanent Total Disability Compensation
Many injured workers often have questions about what a workers’ compensation claim covers and the benefits available after being injured at work. In general, Ohio’s workers’ compensation system provides medical coverage and compensation for injuries and illnesses that are the result of an employee’s work activity. However, it is essential to understand that there are limitations to the benefits available to eligible workers.
The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at The Bainbridge Firm are here to help you understand your rights and what is covered under Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. For more information regarding your case, feel free to contact us and schedule a free consultation.
Who Is Covered by Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation System?
Workers’ compensation benefits are available for workers who are employees. Coverage does not extend to independent contractors. However, determining whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor involves a complex analysis that focuses on the control of both the terms and conditions of employment. Workers can be considered employees for workers’ compensation purposes, even though they have been designated as an “independent contractor” and filled out a 1099.
A workers’ compensation disability lawyer will be able to help you determine whether or not you are covered under Ohio’s workers’ compensation system.
What types of injuries or illnesses are covered?
Workers’ compensation claims typically include coverage for work-related injuries or occupational diseases. Benefits are generally available through the workers’ compensation system for so long as your injury or illness happens on the job and arises out of your employment.
Under the law, a workers’ compensation claim must involve a physical injury or illness. You can only add psychological conditions to a workers’ compensation claim if they are causally related to the work-related physical injury or illness.
While workplace injuries are often caused by a specific traumatic event, the workers’ compensation system also provides coverage for occupational diseases. An occupational disease is defined as a work-related exposure that has a harmful effect on the worker. Occupational diseases usually develop over some time due to work-related exposure to the following:
- Harmful dusts, gases, fumes, chemicals, or substances
- Extreme changes in temperature
- Extreme noise
- Extreme pressure
- Physical vibration
- Repetitive physical activity
- Radioactive rays
- Infections
- Organisms
- Radiation
Ohio has a no-fault worker’s compensation system, which means employees are eligible for work-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of who is responsible or may be to blame. In other words, employees do not have to prove the employer’s negligence caused their injury or illness, and an employee’s lack of common sense or carelessness will not invalidate a claim.
While the no-fault provision is the standard, there are some exceptions. For example, workers’ compensation coverage will not provide benefits if the injury was caused by your intoxication, violation of express company policies, fighting, or horseplay.
Are Medical Expenses Covered Under Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation System?
Workers’ compensation claims cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to a work-related injury or illness, even if you do not miss work due to the injury or illness. Covered medical expenses can include:
- Doctor visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Travel expenses for medical care
What Types of Compensation are Covered?
The Ohio workers’ compensation system includes several different types of compensation. While there is no compensation provided for pain and suffering, injured workers can qualify for other types of compensation throughout the course of their claim. Some common types of compensation include:
- Temporary Total Disability – compensation for injured workers who are temporarily unable to return to work due to a work injury or illness. The purpose of temporary total disability compensation is to replace lost wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability – compensation for ongoing, permanent impairments caused by work-related injuries or illness. Permanent partial disability is available to injured workers even if they can return to work in some capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability – compensation provided to injured workers who are unable to perform sustained remunerative employment due to their work-related injuries or illness. Permanent total disability compensation is payable for life and is intended to compensate the injured worker for impairment of earning capacity.
Additional compensation may also be available depending on the injury and specific circumstances. Other types of compensation may include death benefits, living maintenance, wage loss benefits, awards for facial disfigurement, change of occupation, or an employer’s violation of a specific safety requirement. Injured workers may receive compensation as part of a lump-sum settlement.
An Ohio Workers’ Compensation Attorney You Can Trust
If you were injured on the job and have questions about your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits, The Bainbridge Firm is here to help. Our team of experienced Ohio workers’ compensation attorneys has a proven track record of success in securing the compensation that our clients deserve.
We understand that navigating the complex world of workers’ compensation can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to help. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the medical care and financial support that you need to recover from your injury. Contact The Bainbridge Firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights. Remember, you deserve to be fully compensated for your injury, and we are here to make sure that happens.