Answers to Workers’ Compensation Questions From a Columbus Attorney

If you're collecting workers’ compensation in Ohio for an ongoing work injury or illness and seeking continued care or new treatment options, you must get approval from your managed care organization (MCO).

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) requires MCOs to use approved treatment and return-to-work guidelines to evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of the requested medical care.

Since 2004, the BWC follows the Work Loss Data Institute’s (WLDI) Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) to "assist" in decision making.

What Is the ODG?

It's an online database created by the WLDI on behalf of the insurance industry. When reviewing a claimant’s request, BWC or MCO staff members enter the particular illness or injury into the database, then receive the ODG’s treatment recommendations.

While the WLDI claims it provides evidence-based and data-driven treatment guidelines, the organization's ultimate goal is to “reduce excessive utilization of medical services and corresponding medical cost” and get workers back on the job "as efficiently as possible".

In other words, it's on the side of the insurance company—in our case, the BWC—and the employer. Far too often, the ODG is used merely to deny requests rather than as just another piece of information to consider. If you're requesting treatment that isn't explicitly listed in the ODG, you're likely to be denied, first by the MCO and then by the rubber-stamp of the BWC. Because, hey, medical treatment costs money and the MCOs and BWC are all about saving money!

What Can You Do About it?

Appeal the MCO’s decisions and the BWC’s order to the Industrial Commission to get a hearing. The Industrial Commission is not bound to follow the ODG guidelines. The ODG should be used as it was intended—as a guideline for decision-making, not as the sole piece of evidence being considered. Make sure you get a letter from your doctor supporting her request for treatment: i.e., why it's reasonable, beneficial and necessary in your case. This needs to be submitted to your claim file before or at the hearing.

Your treating physician’s opinion, diagnostic testing, results of past treatment attempts, and many other factors should be considered when making a treatment decision. Also, I suggest you never go into a treatment request hearing alone. A qualified Ohio workers’ comp attorney will make sure all evidence is reviewed and that your request is given fair consideration.

When You Need Help in Ohio, Call Monast Law Office

Don't go through this process alone. I've helped hundreds of injured workers get the respect they deserve as they go through the workers’ comp process. Contact my office to discover if I can help you.

For more information meanwhile, request a free copy of our book, The Worker’s Guide to Injury Compensation in Ohio.     

Related Links: Unfair Treatment After a Work Injury in Ohio What to Tell Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Doctor Choosing a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Ohio

 

 

Uh oh. That's not good. As an employee in Ohio, you may file a claim for compensation with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) if injured on the job, or if you developed an illness due to unsafe conditions in the workplace.

It doesn't matter if you lost focus for a minute on the Honda assembly line and your leg got crushed, or if your employer failed to make sure ice was cleared from the UPS loading dock and you fell and hit your head.

Either way, your medical treatment and lost wages should be covered by workers’ comp.

Ohio workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to take blame out of the equation. Your employer can’t blame you, and you can’t sue your employer.

Then Why Are You Being Treating Differently at Work?

Unfortunately, despite the no-fault nature of workers’ comp, we often hear from employees who feel they're treated poorly after reporting an injury or filing a claim. If this treatment reaches the level of retaliation, legal action may be taken against the employer.

Usually, tactics are more subtle, such as:

• Asking you not to file a claim. If an employer isn't in compliance with Ohio workers’ comp law, he won't want you to file so he doesn’t get caught. If he has a lot of claims and fears his premiums will go up, he may also try to keep you from filing. Either way, you may file a claim with the BWC and shouldn't be dissuaded.
• Disparaging remarks from co-workers. Sadly, workers who file claims are sometimes made to feel like liars and criminals, often by co-workers. This treatment creates a hostile workplace, and supervisors and managers should stop it.
• Withholding information. You may be excluded from meetings, left off email distribution lists, and kept out of the loop purposely when you're out recovering from a workplace injury. If these actions impede your employment, you may take legal action to stop it.
• Generally making your life harder. Increased supervision, cold shoulders, and a challenging environment can make your job a miserable place to be. This shouldn't happen just because you were injured.

When my clients have these experiences, I want to hear about them. While your employer may not be breaking the law, it's inappropriate to continue treating you this way.

When poor treatment escalates to the point that your employer is breaking an agreement, you may take legal action. Examples of this include:

• Not honoring restrictions. If you return to work with certain restrictions ordered by a doctor, they must be upheld by your employer.
• Not accommodating your schedule. Shorter workdays, medical appointments, follow-up treatment, and other accommodations must be allowed if required for your return to work.

Monast Law Office Is Here for You

No one hopes to be injured on the job so they can collect workers’ comp and take time off—that’s just not how it works. To be mistreated because of something out of your control is a terrible thing to face. Regardless of whether you're a client or not, please contact us if you're experiencing unfair treatment at work, and we'll discuss your options.

Related Links: Choosing a Doctor for a Workplace Injury or Illness What to Tell Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Doctor Choosing a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Ohio

 

 

Yes. Under current Ohio law, every employee may have workers’ compensation if they're injured in the course and scope of employment—even if they're in the U.S. without documentation.

How Can Undocumented Workers Receive Benefits?

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is a state agency. It's not affiliated with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department.

The BWC requires no Social Security number to grant benefits, so there's no way for it to know the immigration status of an injured worker. The BWC assumes every worker has legal status—because employers are required by federal law to verify the work status of every person they hire.

Therefore, as the BWC sees it, if a U.S. company employs the applicant, he or she must have a legal right to workers' comp benefits.

Some Ohioans Want to Change This

I say under current Ohio law because there's legislative action in the works to change this. In December 2017, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill to bar undocumented workers from receiving medical coverage and lost wages under the Ohio workers’ comp system.

The bill moved on to the state senate in 2018, but as of March 2019, it's still sitting in committee. The Senate failed to pass such measures, so the success of this bill is unlikely. However, the sentiment is there.

Should You Apply for Workers’ Comp as an Undocumented Worker?

If you're employed by an Ohio company—regardless of your immigration status—and your on-the-job injuries require expensive medical treatment, know that you're entitled to have those costs covered by workers’ comp. No one should even ask about your immigration status.

Unfortunately, undocumented workers often live in fear of being discovered and deported, so they don't report injuries or file for workers' compensation. If you suffered a serious injury, talk to an Ohio workers’ comp lawyer.

Call Me to Learn More

If you're an undocumented worker injured on the job—or are concerned about someone who is—contact my office in Upper Arlington to learn about your options. No one should be made to feel like a criminal because they were injured at work and are applying for the benefits to which they are entitled.

For more general information about Ohio workers’ comp, request a free copy of my e-book, The Worker’s Guide to Injury Compensation in Ohio.

Related Links: Choosing a Doctor for a Workplace Injury or Illness What to Tell Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Doctor Workers’ Comp for Injured Ohio Distribution Center Workers

 

 

Many attorneys have several practice areas. But much like medicine, the law has areas of specialization. When you need a lawyer, you want to make sure he or she is qualified and experienced in the practice you need, not someone who merely dabbles in it.

Workers' compensation law is no exception. If you were seriously injured on the job and are struggling with the workers’ comp system, you want an attorney with expertise in the precise issues you're facing and understands the many intricacies of this area of law.  

First Things First: Do You Need a Lawyer at All?

Your employer will probably say you don’t need a lawyer for your workers' comp claim and, sometimes, this is probably correct. If your injury is minor and you see no obstacles to your claim’s approval, you probably don’t need a lawyer.

However, if the following are true, start looking for representation:

• Your injury or illness isn't clearly work-related.
• You need extensive medical treatment.
• You require significant time off work to get better.
• Your injuries will be permanent and affect work you're able to do in the future.

If you fall into one of these categories, how do you find the right lawyer? You’ll have to do a little research.

What You Should Look for in an Ohio Workers' Comp Attorney

Just like you wouldn’t go to an orthopedist for a heart problem, you don’t want to go to a personal injury or family law attorney for a workers' comp claim, even if they will take your case.

Here’s what you want to look for in a lawyer:

• Devotes most or all of his or her practice to workers' comp law.
• Is a certified Ohio workers' comp specialist attorney.
• Knowledge about your industry and the injury you have.
• Experience with the issue you're facing—whether it's a delay, denial, or another problem.
• A record of success in administrative hearings and negotiating settlements.

How do you find this out? Look at the attorney's online reviews on Avvo, Google or even Facebook. Also, call and ask us! At Monast Law Office, we're happy to answer your questions to make sure we're the best fit for one another.

Call Monast Law Office to Learn More

I began practicing workers' compensation law in 1985. Since 2003, the first year specialization was permitted, I've been a certified Ohio workers’ comp specialist attorney, and I'm prepared to handle any workers' comp claim. Whether you were injured working for FedEx, Amazon, Ohio State, Kroger, Honda, or any other public or private employer in the Buckeye State, I've probably represented a client just like you.

Download your free copy of The Worker’s Guide to Injury Compensation in Ohio today to gain a better understanding of Ohio’s workers’ compensation laws. Then, contact our office in Upper Arlington for a free consultation to learn more about us.

Related Links: How Long Does It Take to Get a Workers' Comp Settlement? What to Tell Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Doctor Workers’ Comp for Injured Ohio Distribution Center Workers

 

The short answer is yes—workers' compensation should cover any work-related injury that prevents you from completing the duties of your job in Ohio.

However, some disabling injuries are harder to connect to a specific work-related event. These are denied more often by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). For example, cumulative trauma injuries that continue to worsen over time are usually harder to support without the help of an experienced workers' comp attorney.

What Is a Cumulative Trauma Injury?

Sometimes called a repetitive-stress injury, cumulative trauma injuries result from repetitive or strenuous actions over time. Cumulative trauma commonly affects:

• Neck. Heavy lifting, leaning over a desk or workbench, and sitting or standing for long periods may cause damage to tendons, muscles, and nerves in the neck and spinal disk injuries.
• Shoulders. One of the most common musculoskeletal injuries among workers, shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff damage is frequently caused by lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling, and working with your hands above shoulder level.
• Lower back. Damage to tendons, muscles, and nerves in the back, and bulges or herniation of spinal discs is often the result of repetitive or heavy lifting and twisting, or sitting at a desk for long periods.
• Wrist. Tendinitis of the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as on an assembly line or at a supermarket check-out or computer station.

Jobs with high production requirements, such as positions at Amazon fulfillment centers, put workers at particular risk for cumulative trauma injuries, as do tasks that require employees to stay in the same position—whether sitting or standing—for extended periods. 

However, even when these risks are well known, you could meet with resistance when applying for workers’ comp for a cumulative trauma injury.

Monast Law Office Can Handle Your Cumulative Trauma Injury Claim

I'm a board-certified Ohio workers' compensation lawyer who provides exceptional legal representation for job-related injury cases like yours. Whether you're considering making a compensation claim or were denied benefits for a cumulative trauma or repetitive stress injury, contact my office today.

Your initial consultation is free, and our legal team will advise you on the best course of action. Give our Upper Arlington law office a call at (614) 334-4649, or download our free guide for injured workers in Ohio.

Related Links: Questions You Might Be Asked in an Ohio Workers Comp Hearing Workplace Accidents That Result in Traumatic Brain Injury Workers’ Compensation for Ohio Telecommuters

 

I’m reminded of the old Scottish proverb “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride” when reflecting on settlement timeframes. If wishing could only make things happen sooner….[Note: I am NOT equating injured workers with beggars, though I know the system sometimes makes you feel like one!]

I mention the proverb because, at first blush, the timeframes for settlements of claims should seem fairly straightforward. And, sometimes, they are: once a settlement is reached and the paperwork filed with the BWC, the parties have to wait 30 days before the settlement is final and the check issued a few days later.

That part about “once a settlement is reached”, now that’s the rub. I’ve written about determining fair settlements before. I’ve had settlements where an agreement is reached, all the documents signed and filed, and the check issued within 45-60 days. But, as my old Pappy used to say, those are “as rare as hens’ teeth”. (Actually, researchers say they have found a naturally occurring mutant chicken called Talpid with a complete set of ivories. But, I digress…).

Workers' Comp Settlements Can Take Many Months

More often, settlements take months…sometimes, many, many months. And, in my experience, larger settlements take longer because there’s lots involved. The more serious the injury, the more likely the need for ongoing medical treatment. Who’s going to pay for that treatment? Medicare doesn’t want to pay for treatment of work injuries once you’ve settled. They will require you establish a Medicare Set-Aside trust account [MSA] and put some of the settlement proceeds in that account. The set-aside amount has to be determined, usually by hiring a company to evaluate future costs of a claim over your lifetime and then submit that figure (presuming the parties agree with it) to Medicare for approval. This takes from 3 months on up. (Actually, it’s quicker now than a few years ago where approval could take 9 months).

PERS and SERS don’t yet require set-aside amounts, so settlement of claims involving folks who worked for public employers or the school system don’t require this step. However, the BWC will still insist on allocating a portion of the settlement proceeds to medical and prescription treatment. [Does this seem asinine? It is…].

Another consideration is the time to negotiate a settlement. With the BWC, the players change depending upon the settlement amount. For example, BWC Claims Service Specialists may settle claims for up to certain dollar amounts. Above this, their supervisor has to sign off. Settlements up to $175,000 require approval by appointed BWC attorneys. Settlements above this amount have to go a special committee that meets only once a month.

There’s a similar dynamic with self-insured employers, meaning you move further up the chain of command the higher the settlement. And large businesses sometimes have “excess carrier” coverage, meaning after a certain dollar amount has been spent, the excess insurance carrier gets involved in payments and, hence, any potential settlement. Large settlements are sometimes paid through annuities over many years, if the parties agree to this. It takes time to set these up.

And all this presumes you have some basis for submitting a particular settlement demand. For example, a twenty-something with high wages, a devastating injury that will likely remove her from the workforce and require extensive ongoing treatment (frankly, a case I’d rarely recommend for settlement) is worth lots of money. But (1) the BWC will never offer as much as the case is actually worth and (2) much of the settlement will end up in an MSA. However, if the employer is self-insured and the client insists on pursuing a settlement, there will be time delays because

1. the initial settlement evaluation must be done and a demand submitted;
2. the other side responds with its offer;
3. the parties go back and forth. If they tentatively agree on an amount,
4. an MSA must obtained. This involves getting copies of medical records and bills for the past few years to project future costs. The MSA analysis, once done, is
5. submitted to the Center for Medicare Studies (CMS) for approval. After approximately 90 days, CMS responds whether they believe the MSA adequately protects Medicare’s interests. If so, then...
6. settlement paperwork is drafted, reviewed, agreed upon and sent to all parties for signatures. It’s then...
7. filed with the Industrial Commission which has 30 days to review and dismiss the settlement. If they don’t act or object to the settlement as unfair, payment is made after the 30 days expire. While there’s no enforceable rule on how soon the settlement check is to be released after expiration of the 30 days, it’s typically one to two weeks.

So, how long does this settlement process take?

Well, I’ve had some settlements take one and a half years for the process to run its course.

The point is the part leading to filing the paperwork usually takes lots of time. In simpler cases (generally smaller ones involving the BWC, as opposed to a self-insured employer where an MSA analysis by an outside company is involved), the settlement process typically takes around four to six months from initial settlement workup, to filing paperwork, to BWC analysis and offer, negotiation and final agreement, to submission of final paperwork, the thirty day waiting period, and issuance of the check. The process is often quicker if an agreement has been reached with a state-funded employer where the claim is still in its experience-rating period as the BWC usually approves these if not obviously fishy. Still, look for two to three months.

In court settlements, there is no thirty-day requirement. However, getting paperwork prepared, signed by all parties and filed by the parties is often ridiculously slower than it should be. In my experience, finalization of the settlement in these cases, which should take less than 30 days between agreement and issuance of a check, takes three months or more.

The quicker you get your part of the process completed, the quicker the settlement will be finalized… presumably. But the other parties (the BWC and the employer) may not move as fast (they move faster at certain times of year, such as when premiums are being recalculated). While this is frustrating, eventually the matter will be resolved. Patience is essential. Remember another saying: The best time to plant an Oak tree is 50 years ago; the next best time is now.

Unfortunately, despite the generous gift of your time and effort, you're not covered by workers’ compensation while performing non-emergency volunteer services for a private company or a non-profit organization, including a church.

In Ohio, employers are required by law to carry workers’ comp for their paid employees, but not for voluntary workers.

There's One Exception

The only exception to this rule is for volunteer emergency services providers who work for a public employer, such as a school, township, or village. This includes volunteer firefighters, police officers, or emergency medical technicians.

Public employers must purchase workers’ comp insurance for any volunteer emergency service providers working for them, and may also elect to buy coverage for volunteers performing non-emergency services or for workers completing community service hours instead of a fine or jail sentence.

If you're injured while volunteering for a public employer, ask about its workers’ comp policy.

However, volunteers who provide emergency services to private employers aren't covered by workers’ comp. Private employers and non-profit organizations may purchase additional coverage for volunteers under their general liability insurance policy, but this isn't a form of workers’ compensation.

Something Else Volunteers Should Think About

Another question I sometimes get is whether you can volunteer work while collecting workers’ comp benefits. The answer to this depends on your medical restrictions.

If you're on temporary total disability or permanent total disability because you're unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness, you shouldn't perform physical labor of any kind—including as a volunteer. Doing so could jeopardize your benefits. Just because you're not paid for the work doesn't mean you're cleared to do it.

Call Me With Questions

If you have questions about workers’ comp coverage in Ohio, please call my office. We're happy to talk to you about your status as a volunteer or to discuss what volunteer work you may be able to do while receiving workers’ comp benefits.

Related Links: Workers’ Compensation for Ohio Telecommuters What to Tell Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Doctor Workers’ Comp Coverage for Seasonal Employees in Ohio

 

Unfortunately, workplace fatalities happen in Ohio. In 2016, 164 workers died on the job here. Transportation accidents, violence, falls, and exposure to harmful substances combined to account for 85 percent of on-the-job deaths.

If you lost a spouse or parent due to a workplace accident, you might be entitled to compensation through the workers’ compensation system.

Types of Compensation Following a Worker’s Death

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) offers two types of benefits, depending upon the circumstances of death. If your loved one passed away while collecting temporary total or permanent partial disability, you might be owed accrued compensation. If your spouse or parent dies on the job, or even years later as the result of a work injury, you yourself may be eligible for workers' comp death benefits. 

Here’s how each type of compensation works:

• Accrued compensation. If your loved one is collecting workers’ comp because of an allowed injury or occupational disease and dies—no matter what the cause of death is—the BWC will pay his or her dependents the unpaid portion of his compensation award. This money may be paid to dependents, providers of services related to the death, or the deceased's estate. An application for accrued compensation must be submitted to the BWC within two years of the death date.
   
• Death benefits. Ongoing death benefits are available to the surviving spouse and children under age 18, full-time students, and mentally or physically disabled dependents. The BWC divides the available benefits among all eligible dependents, and benefits continue for as long as these dependents qualify. Medical and funeral expenses are also covered up to $5,500. Dependents must apply to the BWC for these benefits.

Your loved one worked hard to take care of you during his or her lifetime. These benefits are available to help a deceased individual continue to provide for family members.

How I May Be Able to Help

As a workers’ compensation attorney in Ohio, I help injured workers get the benefits they deserve when they're injured or become ill at work. I also help their eligible survivors receive financial support when their loved one has died. For more information and a personalized assessment of your claim, contact us to begin your initial consultation.

We understand this is a challenging time for you, but we think you'll find we're easy to talk to and will help you navigate your legal situation, even if it turns out you don't need a lawyer. Meanwhile, request our free guide to Ohio workers’ compensation. Read this before you hire anyone.

Related Links: Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits for Surviving Family Workplace Accidents That Result in Traumatic Brain Injury Workers’ Comp Coverage for Seasonal Employees in Ohio

 

Jobs at automotive assembly plants—such as the Honda plant in Marysville, Ohio—pay well and offer excellent benefits. Because of this, these jobs are often highly sought after. However, individuals doing this work for some time know on-the-job injuries are relatively common.

If you're one of the 14,000 autoworkers at Honda or an employee for another automotive manufacturer, learn about how injuries occur and when you might be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Common Assembly Plant Injuries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of four out of every 100 autoworkers is injured badly enough each year to require days away from the job, restricted duty, or transfer. At Honda in Ohio alone, that would mean approximately 400 workers each year.

The most commonly reported injuries in auto plants include:

• Sprains, strains, and tears
• Bruises and contusions
• General soreness and pain
• Cuts and lacerations
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fractures
• Traumatic injury

The most common accidents in auto plants include contact with an object, overexertion, slips, trips, and falls, and repetitive motions.

When Do You Qualify for Workers’ Comp?

If your injury occurred in the course and scope of employment, workers’ comp covers the costs of medical treatment. If your injury forces you to miss at least 14 consecutive work days, you also may be eligible for wage replacement benefits.

Certain types of injuries—such as soft tissue injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome—are harder to document and prove than others. If your employer is making you feel like you're faking an injury, or their "line side review" concludes your condition just can't be work-related, you may need the help of an experienced workers’ comp attorney.

At Monast Law Office, we understand the stress and strain of automotive assembly jobs and will help you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. If dedicated service to your employer has caused a severe injury, call us today to schedule a free consultation in our Upper Arlington office.

Related Links: Workers’ Comp Coverage for Seasonal Employees in Ohio Opioids and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Workers’ Comp for Injured Ohio Distribution Center Workers

 

Yes. Under Ohio workers’ compensation law, employers required to carry workers’ comp insurance must provide coverage to all of their employees, including those who work part-time or who were hired on a temporary basis.

At certain times of year, many Columbus-area companies bring on additional workers to manage an increased workload, and the jobs they do can be stressful and demanding.

Whether you're a college student working over winter break or someone taking on an additional job to earn extra money, if you're injured in the course of your employment, you may collect workers’ comp benefits.
 

Seasonal Workers Are at Risk of Injury

Given the reasons companies hire seasonal workers, not surprisingly, individuals are at particular risk for on-the-job injuries. Crowded malls and stores, increased online orders, expanded deliveries, and special seasonal sales push employers to add to their workforces in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. In this rush, companies often fail to adequately train their temp workers, putting them at risk of injury.

Typical seasonal jobs include working at:

• Order fulfillment centers. Companies such as Amazon add hire over 100,000 seasonal employees across the U.S. to help with holiday demand. Individuals in fulfillment centers can work long hours doing strenuous tasks.
• Christmas tree lots. Seasonal workers cut down trees, transport them, and load them on top of cars often in cold temperatures. They can suffer sprain and strain injuries, and more severe falls and power tool accidents.
• Stockrooms. Major retailers such Target and Wal-Mart must keep inventory moving from delivery trucks to the store floor. They often do this by hiring temporary night staff to unload products and stock shelves.
• Restaurants. Wait staff members and kitchen workers are pushed to their limits during the busy holiday season, and untrained temp workers may be brought in to help. Inexperienced restaurant workers can experience slip and falls, knife accidents, and back injuries.
• Stores and malls. Temporary retail workers are often given the worst jobs during the holiday season, including stocking shelves, working door security, and cleaning after closing. These tasks can lead to severe injuries.

Don’t Be Bullied by a Temporary Employer

If you're injured while working a temporary seasonal job, it’s vital that you report the injury to your employer and seek medical care. If you encounter any resistance—including being told that you can’t file for workers’ comp because you're a temporary employee, or being accused of faking an injury—contact me soon. Don't stand for employers lying to you or about you.

Related Links: Ohio Workers’ Compensation for Traveling Workers Ohio Workers’ Compensation for Shoulder Injuries Workers’ Comp for Injured Ohio Distribution Center Workers