Workplace Injury Attorneys Columbus Ohio
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.8 million workers sustained work-related injuries in 2020 and had to be treated in emergency departments. Workplace injuries are common enough, no matter the type of workplace you are in. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the most common non-fatal injuries occurring in the workplace include overexertion, slips and trips, exposure to harmful substances and environments, and incidents involving vehicles.
Ohio employers with one or more employees are required by law to have worker’s compensation coverage. The Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) is an organization that pays medical benefits and lost wages to any employees who become injured or who contract a disease while working. Employees are able to file a claim for benefits following an injury sustained at work. Sometimes there is confusion about an employer’s legal obligations related to worker’s compensation, whether worker’s compensation applies to your injury, and whether you can seek damages from a personal injury claim perspective.
Workplace injury cases can quickly become complicated, especially if you are unsure of how to best proceed. Connecting with a Columbus work injury lawyer can be especially beneficial following a workplace accident.
Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of federal and state laws surrounding workplace injuries, and we are able to analyze the details of your case to help determine if you have grounds for a claim. From there, we can help figure out the next steps to take and ensure that you understand your rights as an employee if we take on your case.
Why Hire a Columbus Workplace Injury Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries while at work, you may think that your next step is just to file an incident report at work and take the appropriate steps to file for worker’s compensation. Even before filing a worker’s compensation claim, it can be beneficial to consult with a work accident lawyer near Columbus.
No matter the accident that resulted in your injuries, a Columbus workplace injury attorney understands the complex legal processes and laws relating to workplace injuries and compensation. In cases where employer negligence is a direct cause of your injuries, a Columbus work injury lawyer from The Friedmann Firm will be able to assist you throughout all legal proceedings.
How can we make a difference in your case?
The immediate aftermath of a workplace injury is going to be crucial – for both your recovery and any potential legal claims. A workplace injury lawyer in Columbus, Ohio can help in many ways including:
- Collecting and handling all the evidence of your case, including your side of the story, collecting eyewitness statements, and gathering relevant documents such as medical reports, incident reports, and other documentation such as your employer’s workplace injury policies
- Filing your claim on time and handling all the paperwork
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Handling any denial of the initial claim or appeals that may be required
- Seeking maximum compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages
Following workplace injuries, remember that you are not facing the legal process alone. Our team of Columbus workplace injury attorneys is here to ensure that your case receives the attention it deserves as we seek compensation for your injuries.
Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the most common types of workplace injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Electrocution
- Toxic exposure
- Infections
- Crush injuries
- Slip and falls
- Overexertion
- Injuries from repetitive motion
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises
Workplace injuries can range from minor to major. The Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) blog defines minor and major injuries as the following:
- Minor injuries can often be treated with rest and over-the-counter medication. Examples of minor injuries include scrapes, bruises, and cuts.
- Major injuries often typically require medical treatment. Examples of major injuries include fractures, broken bones, dislocations, loss of senses (vision, hearing), head injuries, and chemical burns.
Workplace injuries can happen in any kind of workplace, whether you are on an active construction site, working in an office, or in the food service industry.
Workplace Injury Benefits You May Receive
Workplace injury benefits that an injured employee may receive, either from a successful worker’s compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or a lawsuit, include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
In cases of wrongful death, families of the victim may be able to recover additional damages like burial and funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my worker’s compensation claim is denied?
There are a number of reasons why a worker’s compensation claim may be denied, including the timing of filing the claim, an employer’s dispute of the claim, and the presence of any discrepancies found in your injuries and documentation of the accident.
You can appeal the claim in most cases. We recommend working with a work accident lawyer near Columbus to ensure that the initial filing and any appeals processes are handled correctly.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury in Ohio?
Under Ohio workers’ compensation law, most employees generally cannot sue their employer for a workplace injury. However, there are some exceptions to these laws, including cases in which injuries were sustained due to unlawful or reckless conduct of the employer.
For example, if an employer knowingly takes away safety equipment or precautions and an employee is injured, the employee may have the right to file a lawsuit against their employer.
In other cases, if an employee is injured in part due to the actions of a third party, the employee can usually take legal action against that third party.
Please consult with a Columbus work injury lawyer about the specific details of your case and whether you may be able to file a lawsuit regarding a workplace injury.
What kind of fees do workplace injury lawyers in Columbus, Ohio typically take?
Here at The Friedmann Firm, our Columbus workplace injury attorneys take a number of our cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients are not charged anything unless or until we achieve a monetary settlement. Our payment is contingent on successfully settling your case.
Contact Our Columbus Workplace Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a workplace accident, it can be important to connect with a work accident lawyer near Columbus. You might not immediately think that you need the assistance of a lawyer and that reporting the accident to your workplace is the only step you need to take. But, Ohio laws surrounding worker’s compensation tend to be complex.
In cases where workplace negligence may be at play, your workplace injury claim may be all the more complex. Having a Columbus workplace injury attorney from The Friedmann Firm on your side can make all the difference. Should we take on your case, we will take over the legal process in its entirety while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today over the phone at 614-610-9755 or by reaching out via our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation.