Ohio Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Injuries at work can happen any time, in many circumstances. Work injuries do not discriminate among employees—everyone faces certain risks on the job, and part-time employees experience work injuries and illnesses the same as full-time employees. Often, part-time employees are unsure of their rights after an injury, or even if they have any rights. Here, we look at benefits eligibility and how to obtain medical care and compensation if you have been hurt during your part-time work.

What Employees Are Eligible for Ohio Workers’ Compensation?

According to Ohio law, all employers with one or more employees must provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees, either by paying into the state fund or self-insuring. This covers the vast majority of Ohio employers, though certain narrow exceptions exist. The main point for workers here is that they are only eligible for benefits if they are considered employees. Independent contractors who may work with the employer periodically are not considered employees and would not be eligible for benefits.

Part-time workers qualify if they are employees of the company. This can include seasonal and temporary workers. The law states that workers are eligible if a relationship exists between the parties (employer and employee) for work even if it is not full time. And as with any workers’ compensation claim, the employee must suffer the injury or illness in the course of employment. Work conditions must have caused the injury.

What Benefits Are Available to Part-Time Workers?

Part-time employees may have benefits similar to full-time workers. Typically, the workers’ compensation system pays for medical care and wage replacement while the employee is out of work. In Ohio, part-time employees must fill out a Part-Time Employment Calculation Report. This form details the hours worked and the pay the employee earned for the six weeks prior to the injury to help determine how much compensation should be awarded. Part-time employees may receive compensation for up to 5.65 hours a day, not to exceed 39.55 hours per week.

Part-time employees may be eligible for several benefits, depending on the injury and the prognosis offered by medical providers. These benefits include:

• Temporary total compensation
• Percentage of permanent partial disability
• Scheduled loss
• Death benefits

What to Do If You Have Been Injured at Your Part-Time Job

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury at any job, it is important to take action quickly to protect both your health and your workers’ compensation claim. Injured workers should:

• Seek medical care. Your health is the most important thing; seek care for your injuries when you can, even if you are worried about how you will pay your medical bills. Failure to get treatment can further damage your health and may make it appear that no real work injury exists when filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Report your injury to your employer. Waiting too long to report an injury can make it seem like an injury was not severe enough to warrant benefits, and it also risks missing the statute of limitations. Report your injury right away.
• Follow doctor’s orders. While seeking care is important, it is also critical to follow the treatment plan offered by your medical provider. Again, failing to complete your treatment will make it appear as if your injury is not severe enough to necessitate benefits. It can also be detrimental to your health.
• Talk to an experienced Ohio workers’ compensation attorney. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and your employer must provide workers’ compensation to those who qualify, but they will want to deny your claim to save money. An experienced attorney can help you fully understand your rights and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your claim.

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury on the job, whether part-time or full-time, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Learn more about your rights in Ohio by requesting a free copy of our book, The Workers’ Guide to Injury Compensation in Ohio. Our book can help you understand how to succeed with your claim. If questions need an answer today or you want to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call our Upper Arlington office today to speak with a member of our team.