Findlay Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Each state lays out its own workers’ compensation laws that employers within the state are required to follow.

These laws address how employees should be compensated if they are injured on the job. The laws vary from state to state and can be quite difficult to understand, so you will more than likely need the legal counsel of a Findlay workers’ compensation lawyer during your case.

Contrary to popular belief, a workers’ compensation claim is merely a request for benefits, not a lawsuit against an employer. If you have been injured on the job and are considering filing a claim, continue reading to learn more about workers’ compensation laws before consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides employees with the financial assistance they need in the event they are injured at work. On-the-job injuries can be debilitating, and they often result in astronomical medical bills, so it is only fair that a worker is compensated for their pain and suffering. A Findlay workers’ compensation attorney could help answer any questions regarding compensation.

Workers’ compensation also serves to protect employers from lawsuits, and if an employee is given workers’ compensation benefits, they will not need to file a private suit. Most states also have laws that limit the amount of financial compensation an employee can receive.

Injuries That Are Not Covered by Law

As any Findlay workers’ compensation attorney will say, there are some injuries that are not covered under the law. The following types of injuries will more than likely not be covered under the workers’ compensation laws in a given state:

• Preexisting conditions (even if they are aggravated by the conditions of a workplace)
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Injuries caused while an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Mental illnesses and injuries caused by workplace stress
• Injuries that occur during breaks and outside normal work hours
• Illnesses caused by exposure to toxins in the workplace

If an employee is injured by malfunctioning equipment or defective products, workers’ compensation laws may not allow the injured employee to collect compensation from their employer.

More than likely, they will need to file a separate suit against the maker of the equipment or defective product to receive compensation.

Filing a Claim

In most states, employers are required to immediately offer a claim form once they learn of an injury. If someone is injured, they should complete this form as thoroughly and as quickly as possible – the faster someone returns the form, the greater their chances of receiving compensation.

Be sure to keep a copy of the completed form, and to provide as much detail about the accident as possible. When questions come up, a diligent workers’ compensation attorney in Findlay could help with answering them.

Employer Disputes

Unfortunately, there will be times when an employer disagrees with the claim of an employee. If this occurs, the employer does have the right to challenge the claim to benefits.

If this happens, hiring a Findlay workers’ compensation attorney will be in the injured party’s best interest. If they attempt to take their employer on without the aid of a legal professional, there is a strong possibility that the person will not receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Appealing a Denied Workers’ Comp Claim

If your first workers’ compensation claim has been denied, it doesn’t mean the end of the road. In Ohio, injured employees have the right to appeal a denial through the Industrial Commission. The process begins with filing an appeal within 14 days of the decision. From there, your case may go through one or more hearings, depending on the complexity of the dispute and the evidence involved.

A person denied workers’ comp could benefit from hiring a workers’ comp attorney in Findlay who understands the specific procedures of the the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). A lawyer can gather critical medical records, speak with your treating physicians, obtain witness statements, and help demonstrate how the injury occurred and why you qualify for benefits. If needed, they can also represent you through additional appeals, including hearings before staff and district hearing officers, or even in court.

Don’t let a denial stop you from getting help. Sometimes, denials happen because of technicalities or incomplete paperwork—not because your injury isn’t valid. A skilled attorney can guide you in strengthening your claim and making sure your voice is heard.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover

When your claim is approved, workers’ compensation in the state may provide several different types of benefits, depending on the severity and duration of your injury. These include:

• Medical treatment coverage for work-related injuries or illnesses
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if you’re unable to work
• Permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits for long-term impairments
• Wage loss compensation if you’re working at reduced capacity

Under the law, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation manages most claims, though some employers are self-insured. Either way, the benefits are designed to provide financial relief during your recovery. A Findlay workplace injury attorney can help ensure that all applicable benefits are being pursued, especially if your injury worsens over time or leads to long-term disabilities.

Importantly, there’s no need to prove that your employer was at fault. As long as the injury happened during the course of employment and is documented, you may qualify for these benefits. That said, the system can be confusing and doesn’t always work in the injured worker’s favor—legal guidance can make a huge difference in getting your claim approved and benefits started quickly.

No-Fault System vs. Third-Party Liability

Ohio operates under a “no-fault” workers’ compensation system. This means injured workers don’t need to prove their employer was negligent in order to receive benefits. Even if your own actions contributed to the injury, as long as it wasn’t intentional misconduct, you may still be eligible. This system is meant to provide fast access to medical care and lost wages, regardless of how the accident occurred.

However, workers’ comp doesn’t always cover everything. You can’t sue your employer directly for pain and suffering, and the amount of compensation for certain injuries may be limited. That can be where third-party liability may come into play.

If someone other than your employer—like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—was responsible for the accident, you might be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you were injured on a construction site due to faulty scaffolding made by a third-party vendor, that vendor could be held accountable. In this type of case, a Findlay lawyer at Charles E. Boyk Law Offices could help you pursue damages outside of the workers’ comp system, including compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Common Work-Related Injuries in Findlay

Workplace accidents can happen in virtually any industry, whether you’re working on a construction site, in a school, at a hospital, or on a factory floor. No matter how careful you are, hazards in the workplace can lead to sudden injuries or long-term health issues that impact your ability to work and live comfortably. In Findlay, some of the most frequent workplace injuries include back and neck problems—often caused by heavy lifting, poor posture, or slip-and-fall accidents. These types of injuries can result in chronic pain or mobility limitations that require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are also common, particularly in office or factory jobs where workers perform the same motions for hours on end. Over time, these conditions can significantly impair hand or arm function, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

In more industrial or hazardous work environments, workers are at risk for burns and chemical exposures, which can cause severe skin damage, respiratory issues, or long-term health complications depending on the substance involved. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or slippery surfaces, as well as machinery-related incidents, often lead to fractures or broken bones that may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are another serious concern, especially in situations involving blunt force impacts to the head. Even a seemingly minor hit can have lasting neurological effects. Additionally, prolonged exposure to loud noise or harmful airborne substances in the workplace can result in permanent hearing loss or respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or even occupational lung disease.

Speak With a Findlay Workplace Injury Attorney Today

Here at our law firm, we realize that workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, especially when they are challenged by employers.

If your claim is challenged, a Findlay workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case with a legal professional.