As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice for the question: What are my legal options if an employee is injured on the job in Ohio?
In Ohio, employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover work-related injuries and illnesses. If an employee is injured on the job, they may be entitled to benefits and compensation through the workers' compensation system.
The first step after an employee is injured on the job is to seek medical attention immediately. Then, the employer should be notified of the injury as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. The employer must then report the injury to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation within seven days.
Once the workers' compensation claim is filed, the employee can receive benefits such as medical treatment, wage loss compensation, and compensation for permanent impairments or disabilities resulting from the injury. The exact amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury and the employee's earning capacity.
If the injured employee is unhappy with the decision of the workers' compensation system, they may be able to appeal the decision through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation or seek the assistance of an attorney.
It is important to note that employees who file a workers' compensation claim cannot also sue their employer for damages related to the injury. However, in some cases where an employer intentionally caused harm to an employee or acted recklessly, the injured employee may be able to pursue a third-party lawsuit against the responsible party.
In summary, if an employee is injured on the job in Ohio, they should seek immediate medical attention, notify their employer, and file a workers' compensation claim. The employee may be entitled to benefits and compensation through the workers' compensation system, and if necessary, they may be able to appeal a decision or pursue a third-party lawsuit.
By