Experiencing an injury at work can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. However, it’s important to remember that you have rights as an employee. In the event of an on-the-job injury, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer should cover the cost of your medical care. Additionally, if your injury results in you being unable to work for eight days or more, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will pay you for a portion of your lost wages. It’s crucial to follow the proper steps in filling a work injury report to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to. This starts with filing a work injury report. By taking this first step, you are starting the process towards a stress-free recovery and financial stability during your time off work.
What do I need to do after a work injury?
Sustaining an injury while on the job can be a traumatic experience. Whether it’s a minor or more serious injury, prioritize your safety and care as your first concern. Additionally, knowing the necessary steps to ensure you receive the help and compensation needed for physical and financial recovery is important. When you experience a workplace injury, follow these straightforward steps:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first step after a work accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, getting a full medical checkup is important. This helps you recover faster and ensures that the injury is documented, which is essential in getting worker’s compensation.
Tell your Employer About Your Work Injury
After seeking medical attention, inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible. You can do this on the worksite or through email. Additionally, complete an incident report detailing how the accident occurred and how it has affected you. Be sure to also get the names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident.
Provide Your Medical Provider with the Name of Your Managed Care Organization
When you go for treatment, make sure to provide your medical provider with the name of your managed care organization (MCO). If you don’t know the name of your MCO, ask your employer or call 1-800-644-6292 and follow the prompts. This ensures that your medical bills are paid for by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Report the Injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Reporting the injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is essential. This can be done using the agency’s online form or by calling their toll-free number. Filing a report helps you ensure that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to, including compensation for lost wages and medical expenses.
How do I handle my work injury report with the BWC?
The first step in reporting a work-related injury is to complete a First Report of an Injury, Occupational Disease, or Death (FROI). This one-page form is used to notify the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) of your injury, regardless of who was at fault.
The FROI form is straightforward and easy to fill out, but it’s important to make sure you include all the necessary information. You’ll need to provide your name, gender, Social Security number, mailing address, phone number, and date of birth. You’ll also need to describe the accident and the incidents that led up to it, including the sequence of events that directly injured you or caused your illness.
One of the most critical pieces of information you’ll need to include is the type of injury or occupational disease you have and the affected parts of your body. This information is vital in determining what benefits you’re entitled to receive and how much compensation you may be eligible for.
Failure to file a work injury report in a timely manner could result in a denial of your workers’ compensation claim. That’s why it’s essential to report your injury or illness as soon as it occurs or as soon as you realize you have a work-related illness. The BWC provides plenty of resources, and you can easily download the FROI form online or visit the nearest BWC office to request a form and get help filling it out.
How do I submit the form to the BWC?
Submitting the Form to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is essential for receiving entitled benefits in the event of a workplace injury or illness. If you are new to the process, you may wonder how to submit the form to the BWC. You can file the FROI using one of five methods:
Online Submission
The first and most convenient way to file the report is online. To file online, visit the BWC website and click the File a Claim tab. Then, you will need to register with the BWC if you haven’t already. The online form is simple and user-friendly, but make sure you have all the necessary information handy, such as the date, time, and location of the injury, the nature of the injury, and the medical treatment received.
Phone Submission
Another way to file a claim is by calling the BWC toll-free number. You can reach them from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST at 1-800-OHIOBWC (1-800-644-6292). You will be directed to an agent who will ask you a series of questions about your injury or illness. Again, make sure to have all the necessary information at hand.
Fax Submission
If you prefer to file the report by fax, you can do so by using the following number: 1-877-520-OHIO. The same information will be required when filing the claim, so have everything ready beforehand.
Mail Submission
Another option is to mail the Form to the BWC. You can send the report to the following address: BWC, 30 W. Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215-2256. Remember to make copies of the documents you are mailing and send them via certified mail to ensure you have proof of mailing.
In-person Submission
You can visit your nearest BWC office to file the report in person. You can use the BWC’s Automatic Office Locator to find the closest office to your location. If you live in Toledo, you can visit the service office at 1 Government Center, Suite 1136. Walk-in hours are between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, so plan your visit accordingly.
What happens after I file my claim?
After filing your claim, the BWC will send you an initial notification letter, along with a brochure and a BWC identification card. This card is important as it contains your claim number, BWC contact information, and the name and phone number of your Managed Care Organization (MCO). Keep your claim number safe, as you will be required to provide it on all BWC correspondence and when receiving medical treatment.
The BWC explains that if you have not received this information within two weeks of your injury, it is essential to contact the BWC at 1-800-644-6292 to verify that the claim has been filed successfully before submitting a duplicate.
Once the agency or the self-insured employer receives your work injury claim, it will review it and either accept or deny it. It will make a decision within 28 days. If your claim is accepted, the agency will pay for all your medical bills related to the work injury that you accrue from a BWC-certified healthcare provider, and a certain percentage of your lost wages will be paid. If you are unsure which benefits you are entitled to, contact a work injury lawyer at 419-843-6663 for detailed information.
You have 14 days to appeal the decision if your claim is denied. During the appeal process, you will need to provide additional information to support your case. It is best to seek the advice of a work injury lawyer during this period. They can provide legal guidance and representation to protect your rights as you go through the appeals process.
What do I do if the BWC or my employer denies my workers’ compensation claim?
You’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve been injured on the job. However, sometimes the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) or your employer may deny your claim. This can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but it’s important to know that there are steps you can take to fight for the benefits you deserve.
Understand the reasons for the denial.
The first step to appealing a workers’ compensation claim denial is to understand why the claim was denied. There may have been administrative errors or missing medical information, or the insurer may claim that your injury was pre-existing and not work-related. Your employer may also accuse you of exaggerating or falsifying your injury. Understanding the specific reasons for the denial will help you and your attorney develop a plan of action.
Seek legal advice
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you should consult with an experienced work injury attorney immediately. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and provide valuable advice on how to proceed. They can also assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to strengthen your case and present it properly.
File an appeal
You have the right to appeal a workers’ compensation denial, but you must act quickly. In Ohio, you have only 14 days from the date of the denial to file an appeal. Your attorney can help you prepare and file your appeal before the deadline expires.
Build a strong case.
In order to successfully appeal a workers’ compensation denial, you’ll need to build a strong case. This may require additional medical evidence, witness statements, or expert testimony to support your claim. Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and present it in a persuasive manner.
Be patient
The workers’ compensation appeals process can be lengthy, often taking several months. During this time, it’s important to be patient and continue to provide any additional evidence or information requested by the BWC or your employer. Your attorney will keep you updated on the progress of your case and advise you on the next steps to take.’
Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault’s Experienced Work Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help.
If you are dealing with a work injury case, it’s important to have the right legal team by your side who will fight for your rights. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, our skilled work injury lawyers have years of experience representing workers who have suffered injuries. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate the complicated legal system and secure the benefits you deserve. That’s why we offer a free consultation to discuss your options and are here to assist you at any stage, from filling out a work injury report to handling appeals. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and passion to get you the results you deserve. Don’t wait – contact us today at 419-843-6663 or through our online contact form.
Ted Bowman is a Senior Associate and practices in the Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability sections. Ted began his career with GT&B in 1988. His reputation and success record as a trial lawyer arguing before the Industrial Commission on behalf of injured workers, as well as in trial courts and the Supreme Court of Ohio, are well known.
