You're loading your delivery truck at a Columbus distribution center when you feel something pop in your lower back. The pain shoots down your leg, making it difficult to walk. When you report the injury to your supervisor, they hand you a form and tell you to use your sick days while the workers' compensation claim gets processed. Now what?
Many people don't realize that using personal time off for work-related injuries can impact their workers' compensation benefits and future job security. At Monast Law Office, we help Ohio workers fully understand their rights when injured on the job.
Understanding Ohio's Workers' Comp, PTO, and Temporary Total Disability
The intent of workers' compensation in Ohio is to cover all costs related to an injury you experience at work or an illness you develop because of your job. The benefits you receive depend on the seriousness of your condition and how much time you must take off work.
When your workers' compensation claim receives approval, your injury-related medical bills receive full payment regardless of how long you miss work. However, the timing of wage replacement benefits follows specific rules that affect whether you'll use personal time off.
If you miss only a few days after a workplace accident, charge that time against your paid time off (PTO). However, if your injury or illness leads to eight or more days off work, you qualify for temporary total disability compensation benefits from workers’ comp to replace your lost income.
What's the Seven-Day Waiting Period Rule?
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) defines temporary total disability (TTD) as "the temporary inability of the injured worker to return to his former position of employment." However, you must wait seven days before TTD benefits begin. This means you won't receive wage replacement for the first week you're off work due to your injury.
During this initial week, you have several options:
- Use accumulated sick time or vacation days.
- Take unpaid leave if your employer permits.
- Work modified duties if medically cleared and available.
Pros and Cons of Using PTO for Ohio Work Injuries
Carefully consider using personal time off for work-related illnesses and injuries.
Advantages of Using PTO
- Maintains your full salary during the waiting period.
- Preserves job security and benefits.
- Avoids gaps in health insurance coverage.
- Provides financial stability for your family.
Disadvantages of Using PTO
- Depletes time off meant for vacations or personal needs.
- May not receive reimbursement for shorter absences.
- Could impact future time off availability.
- Might delay proper workers' compensation filing.
If you choose to use PTO during your recovery period, your employer may later reimburse those days under certain conditions, but that truly varies based on your company’s policies..
What to Expect With TTD Wage Replacement—And When You’ll Get It
The Ohio workers' compensation program provides specific protections for employees injured while performing job duties. It’s important to note that medical expenses related to the work injury are payable regardless of how much work is missed. Associated medical costs can include coverage for hospital stays, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, transportation, and more.
However, wage replacement is determined slightly differently. Once the waiting period ends, approved workers receive temporary total disability benefits. These payments don't replace your full wages. Instead, you'll receive between 66% and 72% of your regular wages, depending on your absence duration.
Compensation depends on how much work is missed. In Ohio, payment follows a set schedule of missed days:
- 7 or fewer days: No compensation is offered to replace lost income.
- 8–14 days: Payment starts on the eighth day of missed work, and you’ll receive compensation for each day missed. Remember, the BWC doesn’t offer payment for your first seven missed days.
- Over 14 days: Again, payment starts on the eighth day of missed work and covers each day. However, if more than 14 days are lost, you’ll also be compensated for the initial seven missed days.
The reduced payment reflects the tax-free nature of workers' compensation benefits. While the amount seems lower than your regular paycheck, it often provides similar take-home pay after accounting for taxes.
If your doctor clears you for modified work duties but your employer can’t accommodate the restrictions, you can continue receiving TTD benefits. This protection ensures you don't lose compensation simply because suitable work isn't available.
When you return to full duty, TTD benefits end. However, you may qualify for wage loss benefits if your injury creates permanent work restrictions that reduce your earning capacity.
Making the Right Decision for Your Ohio Workplace Injury Situation
Experiencing a job-related illness or injury presents both immediate and long-term financial concerns. Understanding your options for time off and workers' compensation benefits helps you make an informed choice about your recovery and return to work.
If you’ve encountered difficulties securing the benefits you deserve, call Monast Law Office for a strategy session. Board-certified workers’ compensation lawyer Jim Monast has successfully navigated BWC stipulations for nearly 40 years. Our dedicated team is happy to explain your full rights and help you pursue maximum compensation.
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