Picture this: You got hurt at work. You are recovering and healing, trying to get back to normal. Then, your employer questions whether you were injured on the job. When it comes to Ohio Workers’ compensation issues, this one can really be tricky.

Getting hurt at work is stressful enough without having to worry that your employer will question whether the injury happened at work. In Ohio, an employer’s disagreement does not necessarily end your workers’ compensation claim. If you believe your injury is work-related, there are steps you can take to protect your rights.

It’s one of those Ohio Workers’ compensation issues that can be made easier by working with a qualified and experienced attorney. 

So, what can you do? The first step is to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recommends immediately reporting workplace injuries. You should provide accurate details about when, where, and how the injury occurred and you should not delay seeing a provider. 

If you need medical treatment, see a medical provider as soon as possible and be sure to tell your provider that the injury occurred at work.  Medical records documenting your symptoms, diagnosis, and explanation of how the injury happened are normally important evidence in your claim. 

Something many people forget is to document everything, including your reporting of the accident. Documentation is key to dealing with many Ohio Workers’ compensation issues. 

If your employer disputes the injury, documentation can become especially important. Keep copies of medical records, accident reports, emails, text messages, photographs, and other documents related to the incident. If coworkers witnessed the accident or knew about your symptoms shortly afterward, their statements may also help establish what happened.

It is also important to provide your healthcare provider with an accurate accounting of the injury and your medical history. 

Keep in mind, your employer’s opinion on your injury is not necessarily the final decision. Ohio BWC determines if your claim is valid and employers and employees may have rights to challenge decisions through the Industrial Commission of Ohio. 

If there is a dispute, you can still get treatment while the dispute is being determined.

At the end of the day, the best defense against Ohio Workers’ compensation issues like this is a good attorney. 

Workers’ compensation disputes can involve deadlines, medical evidence, employment records, and questions about whether an injury arose from your job. If your employer denies that your injury occurred at work, consider speaking with a qualified and experienced attorney who can review the circumstances and explain your options.

Connor Turano and Hafenstein LLP

If you or someone you love still has questions about Ohio workers’ compensation claims, we can help. We have a qualified attorney for you. Contact us today.