You reported your workplace injury to a supervisor, but now your employer is questioning whether the incident happened on the job. This dispute puts your workers' compensation benefits at risk, leaving you unsure about medical coverage and wage replacement.
When employers dispute workplace injuries in Ohio, workers must act quickly to protect their rights under the state's workers' compensation system. At Monast Law Office, we help ensure you take the right steps to prevent claim denial and get the benefits you deserve, according to the rules set by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Employers Dispute Workplace Injuries?
They might challenge injury claims for several reasons. Some question whether the incident:
- Happened during work hours.
- Occurred on company property.
- Is valid because you hold a remote position.
- Actually relates to the course of your specific tasks—especially if you travel frequently for your job, like our flight attendant client, Erica.
Or, let’s say you’ve filed a claim and started receiving medical care, but your employer disagrees with the managed care organization’s treatment of your injury. This might require you to appeal the decision to the BWC and further complicate the claims process.
Additionally, the BWC requires employers to report workplace injuries within specific timeframes. When they fail to file proper reports or delay the process with disputes, it makes it even harder for you to get the right medical care, workers’ comp benefits, and possibly recover lost wages while you’re still healing.
After nearly four decades of helping more than 15,000 people, we’ve seen every way employers try to argue against workers’ compensation. But remember: whether you have a valid claim for a workplace illness or injury is up to the BWC, not your boss.
Essential Evidence We Recommend to Fight Your Disputed Injury Claim
If your claim is being disputed by your employer or edging toward an appeal, strong documentation is the best defense. Our skilled team at Monast Law Office will help you pull together compelling evidence, which includes, but might not be limited to, the following.
Medical Records and Documentation
Work with your healthcare provider to compile official records that link your condition to the workplace incident. Request copies of all:
- Initial emergency room reports.
- Diagnostic test results.
- Treatment plans and physician notes.
- Prescription records related to the injury.
These documents provide the medical foundation for your claim and show the seriousness of the incident.
Witness Statements and Incident Reports
Collect contact information from co-workers who witnessed the accident. Written statements from colleagues carry significant weight when employers dispute injury claims. These statements should include:
- Specific details about what they observed
- The exact time and location of the incident
- Descriptions of the conditions that led to the injury
- Any immediate reactions or statements made after the accident
Request copies of any incident reports filed with your employer. Ohio law requires employers to maintain these records, and they serve as official documentation of workplace events.
Physical Evidence and Video Surveillance
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any dangerous conditions, faulty equipment, or environmental factors that led to your injury. Capture images of visible injuries and damaged clothing or safety gear.
Many workplaces have security cameras that may have recorded your accident. You can request footage immediately, as surveillance systems often overwrite recordings after a short period. Our team can also assist in securing this evidence through formal legal channels.
How Monast Law Office Protects Your Rights When an Employer Disputes Your Workers’ Comp
Our team works directly with the BWC on your behalf, making sure all required forms are filed properly and on time. We also understand which medical documentation holds the most weight in disputed cases and can assist you in obtaining the right expert opinions to support your claim.
If necessary, we’ll handle all communication with your employer and their representatives, ensuring they cannot use your statements against you. And if your case requires an appeal, Monast Law Office has extensive experience presenting arguments to administrative law judges and knows which evidence is most effective.
We know it’s frustrating to be denied what’s legally and rightfully yours. Let us handle the complications so you can concentrate on your recovery.
