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Know your rights if a work injury makes you change jobs or retire

Whether you work as an administrative professional at a busy real estate office or as a line cook at a popular local eatery, the job that you do comes with certain safety risks. From dangerous equipment to volatile customers, there are countless ways workers can get hurt in any given work environment, even those that may not seem like traditionally dangerous professions.

Most people who get hurt on the job will qualify for Ohio workers’ compensation benefits. They can make a claim to connect with full medical coverage and temporary disability benefits until they get back to work. For a small subset of workers hurt on the job, their conditions will render them unable to pursue the same profession.

They may need to move into lower-paid work or even retire early because they cannot work at all. How does workers’ compensation help those with permanent injuries related to their employment?

There are permanent workers’ compensation benefits available

Injured workers who have medical records clearly showing that they will always have certain limitations on their job performance or an inability to work at all may qualify for permanent disability benefits.

Ohio offers permanent total disability benefits for those whose impairment will prevent them from working any job. Workers can receive some ongoing medical coverage for lingering symptoms and also up to two-thirds of their average weekly wages in disability pay.

There are benefits available for partial disabilities. A doctor will evaluate your condition and express your disability as a percentage. That percentage will determine how much compensation you receive. The goal of partial disability benefits is not to replace your lost wages but to close the gap between what you used to earn and what you currently make.

Medical evidence is key for permanent benefits

To connect with permanent disability benefits in Ohio, whether you need total or partial benefits, thorough medical records and an in-depth evaluation by a licensed professional will be necessary. In some cases, workers may need to appeal the initial decisions made about their claim.

Insurance companies might attempt to trick someone into accepting less than they deserve for a serious injury, so having a realistic understanding of what benefits you could receive and the long-term consequences of your injury will help you negotiate if the company offers a settlement.

Many workers trying to get maximum benefits for a permanent injury will benefit from cooperating with a legal professional. Educating yourself about the different kinds of workers’ compensation benefits available in Ohio can help you receive the support you need after developing a medical issue related to your employment.