What are the laws regarding worker's compensation in Ohio?

Worker's Compensation Laws in Ohio

Worker's compensation laws in Ohio provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. These benefits include medical expenses, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. Ohio workers' compensation law is governed by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Employer Requirements

Employers in Ohio are required to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance is used to pay benefits to injured workers. Employers who fail to obtain workers' compensation insurance may face fines and other penalties.

Eligibility for Benefits

To be eligible for workers' compensation benefits in Ohio, an employee must prove that their injury or illness occurred during the course of their employment. Injuries that occur while an employee is commuting to or from work are generally not covered by workers' compensation.

If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work, they should notify their employer as soon as possible. The employer should then file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The injured employee may also file a claim on their own if the employer fails to do so.

Time Limits

Ohio workers' compensation law imposes time limits on filing claims. Generally, an employee must file a claim within one year of the date of the injury or illness. Failure to file a claim within the time limit may result in the loss of benefits.

Suing the Employer

In some cases, an employee may be able to sue their employer for damages instead of or in addition to receiving workers' compensation benefits. However, this is generally only allowed in cases where the employer's intentional or reckless conduct caused the injury or illness.

Summary

In summary, Ohio workers' compensation laws provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. Employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, and employees must prove that their injury or illness occurred during the course of their employment to be eligible for benefits. Employees should notify their employer and file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation as soon as possible following an injury or illness.