The Conflict

In most workers' compensation claims the conflict between the parties is clear. The injured worker is concerned about the extent of his or her injury and how their bills will be paid. The employer is concerned about replacing the productivity of the injured worker and what effect the injury will have on their workers' compensation rates.

The workers' compensation system is supposedly designed to be navigated by the injured worker and employer without the need for professional advice and assistance. However, as anyone with a modicum of interaction with the wc system quickly determines, help is often not a luxury but a necessity. This is especially true with contested claims.

Once Ohio BWC makes a determination whether to allow or deny a claim, either the injured worker or the employee can appeal that decision. If that appeal is done in a timely manner, the claim is scheduled for a hearing at the Industrial Commission. Next, we will look at the role of the Industrial Commission in the determination of whether a claim is allowed or denied.

The World of Ohio Workers' Compensation

The purpose of this blog is to inform and discuss the complex world which is Ohio Workers' Compensation Law. I approach the subject from the Claimants' perspective and hope I can be a resource of unique commentary and analysis.

My interest in the subject actually began when I worked at Ohio BWC in the claims department. I remember attending orientation and hearing "TT", "PTD", "FROI" and asking myself "What am i getting myself into?" I'm sure that is the same reaction many Injured Workers' feel when they first are hurt.

After working at Ohio BWC, I graduated law school at Cleveland Marshall and began to represent injured workers. Starting tomorrow I will begin a discussion and analysis of a hypothetical work injury and take it from the initial injury to resolution of the claim.