Applying for Workers’ Compensation in Findlay

After an accident, injured workers deserve to relax and focus on their health. Unfortunately, applying for workers’ compensation in Findlay often turns out to be a nightmare. Many of the forms are to be completed by the employer, and some of them are supposed to be done directly by the doctor who uses various diagnostic medical codes that individuals do not understand. Unless the correct code section is filled out, the person cannot get treatment for a condition that is not allowed in their claim.

For help applying for benefits, you should speak with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney. Experienced lawyers could help fill out your forms correctly and assemble a complete application.

What to Expect When Meeting with an Attorney

When meeting with an attorney, individuals should expect to explain the background of the injury. The workers’ compensation lawyers determine whether the injury is new or the person has a pre-existing condition. They discuss the standard of proof needed to prove the claim, what the statute of limitations is, and the workers’ options to seek recovery. Attorneys explain that they will work with victims and their doctors to resolve their issues.

Reporting an Injury

The initial application to file a workers’ compensation is the first report of injury (FROI). The person usually fills out the form at a hospital and the hospital files it with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The treating physician must give a specific diagnosis of the injuries that the claim should allow for with supporting medical documentation. The forms require the following information:

• Address
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Job title
• Length of employment with employer
• Rate of pay
• Description of the injury
• Facts surrounding the injury
• List of treating medical providers

Unfortunately, sometimes the employer and the hospital do not file the form correctly. In that case, the attorney may fill out the first report of the injury form and help the worker get a workers’ compensation claim number. Without the claim number, the injured worker has no rights under Ohio law.

How an Attorney Could Help

The lawyer helps the injured worker navigate the entire process by working with the doctors and explaining to staff at the doctor’s office exactly what is needed and when it is needed. The lawyer works with the client and the client’s doctors to navigate the entire workers’ compensation system to make it orderly and efficient to maximize the recovery of the benefits.

If a hearing is required, the lawyer makes all the arguments at the time of hearing with the injured worker. Importantly, workers’ compensation attorneys are up-to-date on the Ohio Revised Code and relevant case law. They are familiar with all the forms, the hearing officers, and the standard of proof.

Attorneys use their knowledge and expertise to fight for full and fair benefits for injury victims.

These benefits should include full payment of medical bills, payment of lost wages (temporary total compensation), payment of money for pain and suffering. If the injuries continue and the person is not able to return to work, they might be eligible for permanent total disability when there is a safety violation that gives them additional compensation.

Contact a Findlay Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were hurt in a workplace accident, you may find applying for workers’ compensation in Findlay difficult. Even if the forms are correct and your application is complete, the insurance companies may be reluctant to pay your claim. Thankfully, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney could help. They could handle the paperwork on your behalf and serve as your advocate if insurance becomes difficult to work with. Call today to schedule a consultation.