Workplace injuries are one of the risks of working in dangerous environments. One mistake or any negligence on the part of employers can be life-changing. That’s why the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) exists and why there are so many skilled workers’ compensation lawyers in Columbus. So, what can this agency and these lawyers do to help? What sort of injuries can you claim for?
Claiming Compensation Through The Ohio BWC And Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
The Ohio BWC is a vital service that protects the state’s workers in the event of an accident at work. This state agency can help provide financial support to those who find themselves dealing with injuries and a loss of earnings. They are the first place to turn as soon as you find yourself a victim of a workplace injury. However, they aren’t your only option.
Many experienced workers compensation attorneys from Columbus can help you file a civil case against employers. State-organized compensation helps, but you can go further to make those responsible for your injuries pay. For example, if you are injured due to an employer’s negligence over safety practices or equipment, you can sue them. If you weren’t trained correctly before operating dangerous equipment, you can sue them.
These skilled lawyers will help you build a case that highlights all the ways the company was at fault. If you can prove their liability, you can get more compensation. You can also encourage other workers to do the same and maybe push the company into making massive improvements. Your case will depend on the economic damage incurred through medical expenses and a loss of earnings, as well as the pain and suffering.
10 Ways The Ohio BWC And Workers Compensation Lawyers Can Help You
Workplace injuries come in several forms, with some more life-altering than others. As long as the incident has a notable impact on your physical and/or mental health, as well as your finances and ability to work, you may be entitled to help. Here are some examples.
1) Serious cuts and lacerations
The definition of a serious cut will depend on its effect on your ability to work and any medical complications. Deep wounds that put tendons at risk and involved significant blood loss count, especially if it meant a loss in earnings. This is why it’s important to record all medical expenses and take photos after any workplace injury.
2) Serious ligament and muscle damage
Again, the impact of these cases and the potential for compensation depends on the incident. Workers who tear muscles, ligaments, and tendons and lose mobility can claim a loss of earnings and emotional stress. This is especially true for those that deal with surgical repairs. This could be a rotator cuff, ACL, Achilles, or any other major part of your anatomy.
3) Chronic pain disorders
Chronic pain is debilitating and definitely qualifies when making cases regarding a claimant’s pain and suffering. This isn’t always down to direct trauma and injury. It can be through the development of disorders like reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Therefore, if you’ve been diagnosed and can trace the cause back to your work, you can make a claim.
4) Back and neck injuries
There are countless workers across Ohio carrying out their jobs while dealing with neck and back issues. Some of those cases may involve herniations and displacements that affect their quality of life. Companies that hold some blame for this due to working practices are liable for compensation.
5) Second and third-degree burns
We’re getting into the serious side of worker compensation now with some life-altering injuries. Burns are a possibility in any line of work dealing with high heat, flammable materials, and chemicals. Incidents where companies are clearly negligent due to safety standards can lead to significant compensation claims.
6) Chemical or smoke inhalation
On a similar note, those cases with chemicals and fires can result in smoke inhalation. Smoke from burning materials or chemical vapors is highly dangerous, with the potential for long-term lung damage and breathing issues. If you’ve developed symptoms following an incident, you can seek professional help and make a claim.
7) Electric shock
It isn’t just fire and chemical risks workers have to be careful of. Many working in industrial plants or power stations will take it for granted that the electrical systems are safe to use or that companies will provide the right safety gear. At worst, electric shocks can lead to fatalities and wrongful death lawsuits. At best, you’ll have some minor medical complications and time off work. You can still get support for those minor cases.
8) Loss of limbs/appendages
High-impact accidents in dangerous workplaces put workers at risk of losing body parts. Sometimes, this will be from misuse or substance abuse. Other times, the company will be liable due to malfunctioning machinery or poor safety standards. So, if you’ve lost an arm or hand in a machine or needed a leg amputation, talk to a lawyer.
9) Serious head injuries
Any head injury is serious because of the underlying risk of deeper trauma. Workers who hit their heads in a fall because of a lack of safety standards can make a claim to cover the costs of their medical care. Those damages are even more significant in cases where there are injuries to the skull and serious concussions.
10) Psychological disorders
Finally, we can’t overlook the significance of mental trauma following an accident. Worker compensation lawyers can help create cases for non-economic damages based on your pain and suffering. This includes the emotional suffering caused after getting injured or any PTSD or phobias that develop around related triggers.
Work With The Best Workers Compensation Lawyers In Columbus
This list isn’t even the full series of injuries and medical issues you can claim for when dealing with workers’ compensation. That’s why it’s best to look into making a claim for any workplace injury, just in case you can get some financial help. Talk to the Ohio BWC and to local workers’ compensation lawyers to get the help you deserve.
