Accidents at work can happen in a variety of ways. Sometimes workplace accidents occur on dangerous work sites like construction sites or excavation projects. Yet accidents at work can also happen when you work in an office setting and primarily work at a desk.
For example, you could slip and fall while walking down a hallway to the restroom, or you could trip and fall because of a piece of torn carpeting that many employees have complained about but the employer has not repaired. If you do get hurt on the job, you need to take certain steps to ensure you are eligible to receive financial compensation.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
After an accident at work, if you are able to do so, the first thing you should do is report the accident to your employer. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has specific requirements for reporting an injury, but in brief, you should report the accident in writing and you should make sure to provide your employer with details about when, where, and how it happened.
Seek Medical Attention
After the injury, you can seek medical attention from a doctor of your choice. For subsequent medical care, however, the BWC requires you to see a BWC-certified provider.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim with the Ohio BWC
You need to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Ohio BWC. The sooner you file your claim, the quicker you can be eligible to get the compensation you need. If you file a claim that is denied, I can help you to appeal.
Determine Your Eligibility for Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit
When it comes to work accidents and injuries, the Ohio workers’ compensation system is an exclusive remedy. What this means is that, if your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence, a co-worker’s negligence, or even your own fault, you can seek compensation through the no-fault workers’ comp system in Ohio, but you cannot seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the negligent party. Instead, the workers’ compensation benefits are your exclusive remedy.
However, there is an obvious exception to this rule. In cases where a third party—someone unaffiliated with your workplace—was negligent or otherwise responsible for your injury, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits in addition to filing a third-party lawsuit against that at-fault party.
For instance, the designer of a machine part may have developed a defective design that led to your injuries, or a motorist on the highway might have crashed into your worksite while texting and driving. I can assess your case and help you to determine whether you may be eligible to file a third-party lawsuit.
Call My Firm to Discuss Your Workplace Injury
Most worksite injuries in Ohio are preventable, yet they continue to occur because of negligence, safety violations, and defective products.
No matter how your workplace injury happened, I will do everything I can to help you get compensation through the Ohio workers’ compensation system and, if you are eligible, to file a lawsuit against a negligent third party who caused your injuries. I’ll Make Them Pay!® Get in touch with me today at 877.614.9524. I can talk with you about the options you may have for seeking financial compensation after an accident at work.