Work injuries are very common in Ohio. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 90,000 people were injured at work in 2019. These injuries typically required that workers go to the hospital or stay home from work. They represent millions of dollars of lost productivity.
If you were injured while working, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy should cover all medical bills to treat your injuries. Contact Groth & Associates if you need assistance with your claim.
How Do You Know if You Are Covered?
If you were injured at work while working, you are probably covered. Even if you were responsible for your injuries, you can still make a workers’ comp claim because these benefits are no-fault. You should be covered so long as you were injured while working within the scope of your employment. Notify your boss that you are injured as soon as possible and seek medical care.
For a free legal consultation, call (419) 930-3030
What Happens if Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Ohio requires that employers with even one full- or part-time employee have insurance. However, there are still situations where you might not be covered:
- Your employer canceled their insurance to save money.
- Your employer just opened an office in Ohio and has neglected to buy insurance.
- You are an independent contractor and therefore not covered under the insurance policy.
If your employer was required to have workers’ comp insurance but didn’t, then you should still qualify for benefits. You can submit a claim to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to make a claim with their uninsured employer fund.
However, if you were an independent contractor, your employer was not required to cover you. This means you might need to sue the employer for compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Can Your Employer Choose Which Doctor Treats You?
No. An injured worker can meet with any doctor they choose for the initial visit. To receive continuing treatment, however, a worker must meet with a doctor certified by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Most doctors in Ohio are BWC certified, but you should check.
Should an Employer Cover All Medical Care?
Yes. You should have all reasonable and necessary care paid for you:
- Diagnostic testing
- Ambulance services
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s visits
- Rehabilitation services
- Prescription medications
Sometimes, disputes arise over whether care is necessary. For example, you might want alternative therapy, such as massage or chiropractic care. Or you might need extensive diagnostic testing which the insurer balks at paying.
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What if You Made Payments Out of Pocket?
Some workers end up paying for their medications or other care before their claim is approved. In these situations, you can typically get reimbursed. The pharmacist who dispensed your medications should complete a form and submit it to BWC. Once a claim is approved, you should never be asked for payment.
Contact Groth & Associates Today
Our Ohio workers’ compensation attorneys have helped many workers get their claims approved. Although these benefits are no-fault, too many insurers reject claims out of hand. Let us represent you. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form