Suffering an injury on the job can bring serious financial and personal challenges, especially if you are unable to work while recovering. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help, but securing them is not always straightforward. Employers and insurance companies may try to deny or limit your claim. At Obral Silk & Pal Personal Injury Lawyers, we stand with injured workers in Strongsville and throughout Ohio to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or undervalued, we can help. Contact us today at 216-529-9377 for a free consultation with a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer.
How Long Can You Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits in Ohio?
Workers’ compensation exists to provide financial support to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. If you are injured while working in Strongsville, Ohio, knowing how long you can receive benefits is essential. The duration depends on the type of injury, its severity, and how it impacts your ability to work. Being informed can help you plan your recovery, manage expenses, and work effectively with your attorney to secure your rights.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Ohio
Ohio law provides several forms of workers’ compensation benefits. Each has its own rules regarding duration and eligibility.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If your injury prevents you from performing any work temporarily, you may qualify for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These payments generally cover a portion of your lost wages, calculated as a percentage of your average weekly earnings. TTD benefits continue until your treating physician determines you can return to work or until the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) approves a different classification of benefits.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits
If you can return to work but cannot earn the same wages as before your injury, temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits may apply. These benefits make up part of the difference between your pre-injury income and what you are currently earning. TPD benefits are typically limited to the period during which your work restrictions are in place.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
When an injury results in lasting impairment but does not prevent you from returning to work entirely, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. The Ohio BWC assigns a rating to your impairment, which is then used to calculate the total amount of compensation. Once paid, PPD benefits usually represent a lump sum or structured payments designed to compensate for permanent loss of function.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
In the most severe cases, where an injury prevents you from returning to any kind of employment, permanent total disability (PTD) benefits may be awarded. PTD benefits can continue for life, subject to periodic medical reviews to confirm ongoing incapacity. These benefits provide long-term financial support, helping injured workers cover living expenses and medical needs.
Medical Benefits and Treatment Coverage
Regardless of the type of wage-related benefits, the BWC generally covers necessary medical treatment for a work-related injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and rehabilitation services. Medical coverage usually continues until your physician determines that your condition has stabilized, which is often referred to as reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Factors That Affect the Duration of Benefits
Several factors determine how long you can receive workers’ compensation in Ohio.
Severity and Type of Injury
Serious injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations may result in long-term or permanent benefits. Minor injuries, like small fractures or sprains, may only qualify for temporary benefits during recovery.
Ability to Return to Work
Your ability to return to your job or find alternative employment impacts benefit duration. If you can resume your previous work without restrictions, temporary benefits typically end. If you are partially able to work, partial disability benefits may continue.
Ongoing Medical Needs
If your injury requires ongoing treatment, therapy, or medical equipment, benefits may extend to cover these expenses. The BWC often authorizes continued medical care even after wage-loss benefits end.
Claim Disputes and Delays
Sometimes, disputes over the legitimacy of a claim or the severity of an injury can delay benefits. Legal challenges or the need for additional medical evaluations can affect the timing and duration of compensation. Working with an experienced Strongsville workers’ compensation attorney can help navigate these issues.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation in Ohio
Timely filing is critical for receiving benefits. Ohio law requires that employees report injuries to their employer as soon as possible and submit a claim to the BWC. Failure to report promptly can result in delays or reduced benefits. Keeping thorough documentation of medical treatment, missed work, and ongoing symptoms strengthens your case and helps ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
Working with a Legal Professional to Maximize Benefits
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex. An attorney can review your case, determine which benefits apply, and calculate the potential duration based on your injury. They can also handle communications with the employer, insurance adjusters, and the BWC, helping you focus on recovery.
Strongsville workers’ compensation lawyers often assist with disputes over medical evidence, wage-loss calculations, or permanent impairment ratings. Legal guidance ensures your claim is accurately represented and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to under Ohio law.
The length of workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio varies widely depending on the type and severity of your injury, your ability to return to work, and your ongoing medical needs. Temporary benefits may last only a few weeks or months, while permanent disability benefits can extend for years or even a lifetime. Understanding your rights and the structure of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is crucial.
Get the Help You Need From a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workplace injuries can leave you feeling uncertain about your future, but a workers’ compensation attorney can make sure your rights are fully protected. Obral Silk & Pal Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to helping Strongsville workers secure the benefits they are entitled to and challenging unfair claim denials. Do not wait to get the assistance you deserve—call 216-529-9377 now for a free consultation and let us guide you through your claim with confidence.