If you are a sole proprietor or partner/partnership or are incorporated, you do not need to seek benefits. But you will probably want to secure coverage on yourself. If you don’t, you won’t be able to reap any benefits through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
There is no requirement in Ohio to register for workers’ compensation coverage if you are a sole proprietor with no employees, a partner/partnership or are incorporated. Yet you still should think about getting self-employment covered for yourself. Elective supplemental coverage is pretty cost effective and you can report a work injury against your policy. Once your claim is approved by the BWC, it may pay you for lost wages when you are unable to work—and who doesn’t want that? It will also pay some or all of your medical bills related to this injury, as well as for permanent disability and settlements.
Remember, if you choose not to cover yourself and you are injured at work, BWC will not provide coverage; and other insurance may not cover your work-related disability or medical bills. Contact your insurance carrier if you have questions. Or call our office and we’d be happy to help you with this.