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What types of injuries are covered by Ohio Workers’ Compensation?

Our Ohio worker’s compensation attorneys discuss the types of injuries are covered by Ohio workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation coverage exists to provide a critical safety net for workers who are injured on the job and the employers who pay them to provide valuable service on behalf of the business. While injury prevention should be the primary focus of companies to ensure that their workforce remains healthy, injuries do occur, and workers should be fairly compensated in the event of an accident. Workers compensation coverage exists to make sure employers keep workers safe while on the job as well as provide financial assistance to help injured workers recover from their injuries and return to work and life with their families.

Many employees are not aware that their employer provides workers’ compensation benefits to those who are hurt while on the job. Others may be mindful of the fact that workers’ comp exists, but may not know exactly what types of injuries qualify or how to go about the process of applying for benefits. That’s why the experienced Ohio workers’ compensation lawyers of Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill, Co., LPA., work so hard to provide the information and assistance workers and their families need across this state. Contact us at (330) 792-6611 for help with a claim and continue reading to learn more about what types of injuries may qualify for compensation.

Injuries Covered in Ohio

Not all accidents on the job qualify for workers’ comp benefits, but in many cases, individuals may be eligible to file a claim if they have suffered an injury in the workplace or on the job site. Some common injuries that people suffer that may qualify for coverage include:

  • Back injuries – U.S. workers often complain of lower back pain caused by the strain of lifting heavy objects while at work. Whether the injury was caused by a blow, jolt, or sudden stress, or if it developed over time through repetitive movements and carrying heavy objects, you may be eligible for compensation for herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, sprains, strains and other problems.
  • Head injury or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Injuries to the head and brain can have lasting effects on a person’s life, including long-term memory issues, change in personality, and other psychological and physical function issues. A fall from elevation or a blow to the head can cause serious problems, so workers should seek immediate medical assistance, even for mild concussions.
  • Spinal cord injuries or paralysis – Any accident involving a strike or blow to the spine is hazardous, especially since the spinal cord connects the nervous system to the brain, controlling essential bodily functions. A serious injury to the spine may result in partial or complete paralysis and can have a permanent and lasting effect on a person’s life in an instant.
  • Neck and shoulder pain – Repetitive motions and positioning of the neck and body in certain ways can lead to stress on the muscles, nerves, and ligaments in the neck and shoulders. These problems may start out as minor discomfort or pain and may worsen over time.
  • Broken bones and fractures – Some of the most common workplace injuries include broken bones or fractures. These are often caused by falling objects, falls from elevation, or being struck by or caught in machinery. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury (simple fractures may heal faster than compound fractures) and the age of the worker, but most broken bones require a cast that may impede or make it impossible for the employee to continue working for the duration of recovery.
  • Joint injuries – Mobility may be severely limited if an individual suffers from inflammation or dislocation of the joints.
  • Amputation – The loss of a limb in a workplace accident is a tragedy that no person should have to suffer. The consequences require lifelong adjustments to the person’s professional and personal life and are nothing to be taken lightly. Such an event is highly traumatic and deserves immediate medical and legal assistance.
  • Eye and Ear Injuries – Accidents that result in the loss of hearing or eyesight frequently occur in the workplace, whether from long-term exposure to loud noises (hearing loss) or due to sudden accidents like chemical burns or objects in the eyes (sight loss).
  • Burn Injuries – Burns can occur in many different types of workplace accidents, from fires and explosions to chemicals and electric currents. Depending on the severity of the burn, injured workers may require lengthy treatment, surgeries and grafts, and therapy to assist with motion.
  • Electrocution – An electrocution on the job site can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. Non-lethal electric shocks are sometimes categorized as burns. Exposure to live wires, power lines, unsafe outlets, or frayed power cords can cause serious electrocution injuries to workers in any setting.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Office workers, know the genuine pain that comes with repetitive motions like typing on a keyboard all day. The long-term pressure in the wrists can lead to debilitating hand and wrist issues, and any repetitive motion can lead to issues like this one.
  • Occupational Diseases – Exposure to certain chemicals, materials, and elements in the workplace may lead to particular illnesses and conditions for some workers. Risks that are present in your work environment can lead to serious diseases that require extensive treatment.

It is the responsibility of every employer in Ohio to prioritize the safety of their workers above profits and to make sure that proper training and safety protocols are followed at all times. Accidents still occur, though, and when they do, injured employees have the right to file a worker’s compensation claim for assistance with medical bills, lost wages, therapy expenses, and other costs while they focus on recovery. If you are unable to return to work and provide for your family, the need for these benefits becomes even more essential.

If you were hurt on the job and your employer has discouraged you from applying for workers’ comp benefits, or if the insurance company denied your claim, contact the Ohio worker’s compensation attorneys of Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill, Co., LPA. to get the help you need. We will help you determine if your injury or illness qualifies for benefits and we will help you secure the benefits you are entitled to. While you focus on recovery, let us focus on getting you the compensation you are owed for your workplace injury claim. Contact us at (330) 792-6611. Your case evaluation is always free, so contact us today.