Ohio workers compensation laws have introduced specific legal provisions to govern all sorts of issues related to occupational injuries. Certain legal rights have been provided to both employees and employers in this regard. At the same time, there are also certain legal requirements that they must meet. Compliance of all these provisions is mandatory for both the workers as well as the employers. In general, if you are working somewhere and get injured at the workplace, you are legally entitled to receive restitution.
Insurance Requirements And The Provisions For Waivers
Though Ohio workers compensation laws require employers to carry adequate insurance coverage against the incidents of occupational injuries or illnesses, the laws also provide them an option to request a waiver of insurance coverage, especially in relation to the recreational activities sponsored by the employer.
Choice Of Doctor And Medical Benefits
As per the state laws, your employer has the right to choose a doctor for the treatment of the injuries sustained by you at the workplace. You cannot change your doctor for the first three months from the date of the accident. For these three months, you must get adequate medical care, where all treatment-related expenses must be paid by your employer. After this 3-month period is over, you have the right to be re-examined by a doctor chosen by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Medical Section. This provision of re-examination is there under the Ohio workers compensation laws to ensure that you have received proper medical care. If not, you may be entitled for a higher amount of money as compensation benefits and for a better medical care.
Retroactive Compensation And The Initial Waiting Period
Similar to the laws in other states, Ohio occupational injury laws have also imposed a certain waiting period before an injured worker becomes eligible for compensation benefits. This waiting period is seven days from the date of the accident. It means, if they get recovered from the injuries within less than seven days, no compensation will be paid to them. But, if the disability continues for more than seven days, the employer must start making the payments to them from the 8th day. But, it is also important to note that if you are suffering from total disability, you will be eligible for retroactive compensation, which means no waiting period will apply in that case. Total disability means you are totally impaired and are unable to perform any sort of work any more.
Last, but not the least, As per Ohio workers compensation laws, there are also provisions for survival benefits (burial allowance is additional) to spouse and children of the workers in case the work-related injuries result in death of the workers.