The Ohio workers compensation system provides benefits to workers hurt on the job. Everyone knows that payment for medical treatment is available as well as payment while you are healing.
However many workers do not know about the award called " permanent partial disability". Neither the bureau of workers compensation , nor your employer will tell you about this award. That is why I call this the secret benefit.
If you have a permanent impairment, such as pain, you can file for this award. You must wait a certain time limit before you can file for it. Additionally you do not have to take the award the workers compensation bureau gives you. You can have a doctor of your choosing exam you and give his opinion of your percentage of impairment to your body as a whole. Plus this award does not close your claim but extends it.
If there is evidence, the matter goes to a hearing and the industrial commision decides what your percentage is. I have seen doctors differ as much as 15%. This means that if a bureau doctor gives you 3%, depending on your wages you might get a one time payment of $1200. However if you doctor gives you a 15% the industial commision might find a 9 or 10% award. This could be as much as $$4400. This is quite a big difference.
Most attorneys that specialize in workers compensation of Ohio will only take a fee from your permanent partial award if you are granted one. They can tell you what is a fair award within range and may know doctors who specialize in performing these exams for claimants.
So if you have a workers compensation claim don't be shortchanged. Contact an attorney who specializes in Ohio's workers compensation to see if they can get you the maximum permanent partial disability award.
by Anthony Castelli Attorney certified specialist in Ohio workers compensation law by the Ohio State Bar Association practicng in greater Cincinnati Ohio. Call Lawyer Castelli for a free consultation 621-2345 or visit his website www.castellilaw.com/workers-compensation.html
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