When you get hurt on the job, your whole life can change quickly. Suddenly, you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, missed work, and questions about what happens next. At HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys, we understand how stressful and confusing this time can be.
Our Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer will explain your rights and what benefits you qualify for and fight for what’s fair. With over 60 years of combined experience, we know how Ohio’s workers’ compensation system works and how to make it work for you.
Whether your injury happened in a factory, at a hospital, or on a construction site, our Cleveland personal injury lawyer team will manage the claim process for you with confidence. Contact us today to review your options and next steps during a free consultation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Ohio?
Workers’ compensation is insurance that your employer carries to cover job-related injuries or illnesses. If you get hurt at work, this system can help pay for your medical bills, lost pay, and other related costs without needing to prove fault.
In Ohio, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) runs the system. To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must meet a few basic requirements:
- You must be an employee (not an independent contractor).
- The injury or illness must have happened while doing your job.
- You must report the injury and file your claim on time.
These benefits provide a way to help you recover without the added stress of medical debt or missed paychecks. However, getting approved isn’t always easy, and even a small mistake in the process can lead to delays or denials.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Cleveland, call 216-774-0000
Our Cleveland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Will Handle Your Claim
Having a Cleveland workers’ compensation claim lawyer from HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys means having someone in your corner who knows the system and knows how to fight for you.
We will handle your entire claim, which means:
- Explaining your rights in plain language
- Meeting all deadlines
- Collecting medical records and other evidence that support your case
- Representing you at hearings or appeals
- Protecting you from retaliation by your employer
Our legal team doesn’t just take any case. We focus so we can give you our full attention. When we take your case, we take it seriously.
Cleveland Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me 216-774-0000
How the Process Works for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio
Filing for workers’ compensation in the state involves several steps:
- Report your injury promptly: Tell your employer about your injury or illness right away. Don’t wait.
- Get medical attention: Seek care from a BWC-certified provider, if possible.
- File a first report of injury (FROI): You can file this report, or your employer or doctor can do it. It goes to the BWC to start your claim.
- Wait for a decision: The BWC will review your claim and either approve or deny it, usually within 28 days.
- File an appeal if denied: If your claim is denied or your benefits are cut short, you have the right to appeal.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio?
In Ohio, you have one year from the date of your injury—or the date you’re diagnosed with a work-related illness—to file a workers’ compensation claim with the BWC. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to benefits entirely.
That’s why it’s so important to report the injury right away and get legal guidance early. To get started on a review of your claim, call us today for a free consultation.
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What Benefits Can You Receive?
Workers’ compensation benefits can include:
- Medical care: Hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Partial pay while you’re out of work
- Permanent injury awards: If you suffer lasting damage
- Vocational training: Help if you can’t return to your old job
- Death benefits: If a loved one dies due to a job injury
Have Your Benefits Been Denied? We Will Step in and Help
Even when people follow all the rules, claims still get denied. The BWC or your employer might say:
- You weren’t really injured at work.
- You didn’t report the injury quickly enough.
- You had a preexisting condition.
That’s where we come in. At HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys, we review the details, gather evidence, and present your side of the story to those who need to hear it. If we find that your claim was denied unfairly, we will challenge the decision and guide you through the appeals process.
We take pride in being highly responsive and client-focused. You’re not just a file number here. Our attorneys will work one-on-one with you, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way.
What Happens if a Third Party Is Responsible for Your Job Injury?
Workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries, but sometimes, another person or company, not your employer, is to blame. This is called a third-party claim, and it gives you a separate way to seek damages outside of the workers’ compensation system.
A third party might be:
- A driver who hit you while you were making deliveries
- A contractor or subcontractor working on the same job site
- A manufacturer that sold faulty equipment or tools
With a third-party claim, you could recover damages that the workers’ compensation program doesn’t cover, such as full lost wages, pain and suffering, or future lost earning ability. These claims are handled in civil court and often involve more investigation and negotiation.
At HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys, our workers’ compensation benefits law firm in Cleveland will determine whether a third party shares fault for your injury. If so, we will pursue every option to hold them accountable and maximize your recovery.
Let Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Cleveland Help You Move Forward
If you are recovering from an injury you suffered on the job, the last thing you need is to feel alone or ignored. At HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys, we bring over 20 years of fierce, compassionate advocacy to injured workers across Cleveland.
Our team takes pride in being accessible, honest, and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Damn Right, We Fight!™ is not just our motto—it’s how we approach every case. Let’s talk about what happened and what we can do next.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain how our workers’ compensation lawyer in Cleveland will lead your case.
Call or text 216-774-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form