The Workers compensation process in Ohio can be a bit of a mystery. Very few people under stand how it works, how and when to use it, and if they are entitled to it. In this article, we hope to clear up some of the smoke surrounding Workers Compensation.
If you have suffered an injury while at work, you are facing a difficult time. If your injury is significant enough to where you are missing work and therefore wages, you may be stressed about how you are going to make ends meet, let alone get well again. As overwhelming as this incident may seem, there is help for you.
You do not need to navigate the Workers Compensation Process alone
According to the Ohio Bureau of Workerś Compensation (BWC) employers in the state are required to carry either “workers comp coverage or a self-insured policy” for work related injuries, so either way you are covered in the event of an injury on the job. So now that you know you can receive assistance, how do you do so?
Here at Dayton Orthopedic institute we want to help you be fully aware of the workers compensation process so you don’t have any unwelcome surprises ahead of you. Here is what you need to know about workers comp in Ohio:
The workers compensation process is fairly straightforward. Your very first step is going to be:
Filing a claim, called the First Report of Injury (FROI).
This can happen one of two ways. In most cases, this will be filed by the Managed Care Organization (MCO) that has been notified of the incident by either your employers or your health care provider after your first visit.
Please remember when you see your physician to let them know that your injury was work related. This will allow them to get the proper paperwork started. You can also file the FROI yourself at https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/bwccommon/forms/froi/default.asp.
After this has been submitted, the BWC will immediately begin to review your claim.
A decision will be reached on your case within 28 days. Once a claim has been submitted, you can always check upon the status of your claim at https://info.bwc.ohio.gov. If your claim has been allowed then you will be mailed a check or given the option to sign up for direct deposit to receive your benefits. Treatment for your injury can begin as soon as your claim has been approved. If the BWC denies your claim, we will be happy to help you through the appeals process to get you the treatment you need and deserve.
Even though this process is supposed to be uncomplicated, it isn’t always painless, and many people feel frustrated trying to navigate it on their own. Fortunately, you don’t have to! We have a dedicated Workers Comp Coordinator whose sole job is to help you through this trying time.
Your Workers Compensation coordinator will be your point-of-contact between you, your medical team, your insurer and your employer, to ensure that all involved parties are on the same page regarding your treatment, recovery and return to work.
In the event that your Workers Compensation case is denied, Dayton Orthopedic Surgery will file appeals on your behalf, with detailed, extensive documentation of your injury, recommended treatment plan and how it relates to or was caused by your work. We frequently give second opinions in cases where a workers compensation claim was denied, and are called upon as expert witnesses in court cases surrounding Workers compensation claims.
You can choose any registered Workers’ Comp doctor, so why not choose the best? Don’t settle for just anyone, or a WC doctor that your employer picked. We will work tirelessly for you, to get you back to full health.
Call us at Dayton Orthopedic Surgery (937) 436-5763 today to schedule an appointment today and focus on getting back to feeling like you again!