Ohio Workers’ Compensation Laws

Ohio workers’ compensation laws govern the policy, procedure, and benefits applicable when a worker suffers from an injury occurring on or resulting from the job. The types of illnesses and benefits provided for under the Ohio workers’ compensation system vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Claims under Ohio Workers’ Compensation Laws

Accidental physical injuries that happen at work and occupational diseases that come about because of repeated exposure to hazards at your workplace are the kinds of injuries and illnesses encompassed by Ohio workers’ compensation laws, and which make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Accidental injuries may be caused by tripping or falling at work, among others. Occupational diseases or conditions may include carpal tunnel syndrome, black lung disease, and hearing loss.

Be aware that if the work injury occurred because an employee was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs while performing his job duties, he will be barred from recovering workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio.

Finally, if a worker dies from the injury or disease suffered on the job, the relatives of the worker may receive death benefits.

Ohio Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The following are some of the possible benefits available in the Ohio workers’ compensation system.

Income Replacement Benefits

Injured workers in Ohio can recover their lost income through one of four types of income benefits under the Ohio workers’ compensation system.

1) Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD): TTD benefits are paid when an employee has been injured at work and cannot perform his work duties. For twelve weeks, he will be eligible to get 72% of his pre-injury average weekly wage. After the first twelve weeks, the worker will receive 66% of his weekly wage.

2) Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD): Paid when an employee works in a reduced capacity, but cannot work to the same extent as he could before his injury or illness.

3) Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD): The worker’s injury permanently prevents her from returning to her former occupation. To qualify for PTD benefits, you must file Form IC-2 with the Ohio Industrial Commission and submit to an eligibility examination.

4) Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD): PPD will be paid when medical maximum improvement has been achieved, and a worker may be able to work in some capacity, but his injury has caused him damage for an indefinite period and he cannot return to his old occupation. The amount of money received depends on the percentage of impairment.

Additional Ohio Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Healthcare Treatment: The medical provider who treats your work-related injury or illness will be paid directly by your employer’s insurer.

Mileage Reimbursement: Employees injured at work who must travel to their medical appointments will be reimbursed by their employers for the mileage cost and for some of the wages they lose while in transit to and during their appointments.

Burial and Death Benefits: Dependents of an employee who dies from a work-related illness or injury are entitled to death benefits as well as $5,000 designated for the employee’s funeral expenses.

Ohio Workers’ Compensation Statutes

See the Ohio Administrative Code for specifics on Ohio workers’ compensation rules.

Employers Subject To Workers’ Compensation: Administrative Code, 4123.01; Covered Employees: Administrative Code, 4123.01; Benefits: Administrative Code, 4123-3-07, 4123.61, and 4127.04; Claims Procedure: Administrative Code, 4123-3-03, and 4123-3-08.