Ohio workers in all industries are no doubt aware that they are entitled to pursue financial relief in the event of workplace accidents that cause injuries and time away from work. However, some may not understand how the workers’ compensation program works and how long they will have to wait for receipt of benefits. All payments to injured workers will be based on the severity of the injuries and the amount of time it takes the injured employee to return to work, if he or she is ever able to return at all.
Claims for injuries that required no hospitalization or absence from work are classified as medical only claims with immediate compensation. However, payments for a worker who cannot return until full recovery is achieved — temporary total disability (TTD) — will start within a week after the injury. Those with temporary partial disability (TPD) may carry out light-duty jobs at a reduced rate until they recover fully, and the insurance might pay the shortfall.
More-severe injuries fall under permanent total disability (PTD) and partial permanent disability (PPD). PTD is for workers who will never be able to work again, while PPD covers injuries that caused a disability that does not prevent the worker from doing the same or another job in the future. PTD claims might be awarded permanent, on-going benefit payments, whereas PPD victims will receive compensation until they return to work.
Along with the above information, injured workers in Ohio might want to learn more about the levels of payment and the procedures for filing benefits claims. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can answer any related questions. Furthermore, such a professional can assist with the administrative and legal proceedings of filing workers’ comp claims.
Source: nasi.org, “Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits“, Accessed on March 10, 2017