As Ohio gets back to work, workers may wonder what steps they should take if they get sick on the job with COVID-19. For the safety of its workers, Ohio is implementing workplace safety guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Still, the risk of contracting COVID-19 means workers should understand the precautions their employers must follow to keep their job sites safe. If you fall ill and need to file a COVID-19 worker’s compensation claim, knowing your employment rights and working with a COVID-19 workers’ compensation claim lawyer can help secure the support you need.
Being granted COVID-19 workers’ compensation in Ohio could depend on how well-prepared your claim is. Gathering documentation of your injury, medical bills, and other records is a time-consuming headache. You don’t have to manage the claim for your work-contracted illness on your own.
If you have questions and need assistance filing a COVID-19 workers’ compensation claim, reach out to a COVID-19 workers’ compensation attorney. The personal injury attorneys of Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP have experience navigating workers’ compensation claims of every type and are ready to help you through your COVID-19 workers’ compensation process.
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) does not typically include communicable diseases like COVID-19 as eligible workers’ compensation claims because of the varying ways individuals can be exposed to coronavirus. According to the BWC, an Ohio coronavirus workers’ compensation claim “depends on how you contract [COVID-19] and the nature of your occupation.” Jobs with a higher risk of exposure like first responders and health care workers are more likely to have eligible COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims.
If you are working, you should know the safety precautions your employer must have in place to protect you from coronavirus exposure. Knowing how hard your employer worked to protect you can help if you need to file a COVID-19 workers’ compensation claim. Working with a workers’ compensation claim lawyer can help you manage the details of your claim and make sure your case is heard. Businesses are required to follow general and sector-specific guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees according to the Responsible Restart Ohio initiative.
Businesses are encouraged to mandate employees who can work remotely do so to limit occupancy on job sites. Injuries on the clock can happen anywhere. If you are injured while working from home or are concerned about potential exposure to COVID-19 while working remotely, contact a coronavirus workers’ compensation lawyer.
Understanding state-mandated safety procedures may help indicate whether you are at greater risk of exposure to coronavirus in your workplace. Tracking your workplace’s safety compliance can help a COVID-19 workers’ compensation attorney assess your claim.
Contact a COVID-19 workers’ compensation attorney or call the Ohio Department of Health’s hotline at 1-833-427-5634 if you have questions or concerns about your employer’s compliance with state safety guidelines. For sector-specific safety guidelines, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s online guide.
Not necessarily. You must have a COVID-19 diagnosis from a doctor, but you do not necessarily have to have a positive test. If you are in doubt, it is best to file a claim.
If you were quarantined but did not have a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis, you will not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Keep in mind that state and federal unemployment benefits were expanded in response to COVID-19. As a result, workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or quarantined as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for state or federal unemployment benefits. You can file a claim here. https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/
The normal appeal process remains in place – parties to the claim will continue to have 14 days to appeal. The Ohio Industrial Commission (IC) continues to hold hearings on newly filed claims. These hearings are currently being held over the phone.
Once your claim is allowed and temporary total compensation is awarded, your employer may credit back the paid time off or sick leave you used, but it is not required to do so.
When you cannot work due to conditions allowed in your workers’ compensation claim, you can receive temporary total disability payments. These are calculated at 72% of your “full weekly wage” – an average of your gross pay for the 6 weeks prior to your illness or injury. This amount is not taxed and is meant to replace your lost income based on what you made just before you became ill. After 12 weeks of payments, the rate of compensation drops to 66% of your “average weekly wage” – an average of your gross pay for 52 weeks prior to your injury. This income is also not taxable.
Perhaps. An allowable workers’ compensation claim in Ohio is one that occurred “in the course of” and “arising out of” your employment. This means that if your injury occurred while you were working and was caused by your job duties, it could be an allowable claim. If you were injured while you were working from home, and the injury was caused by your job duties, contact a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss filing a claim.
The workers’ compensation attorneys of Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP are well-established as advocates for the working class people of Columbus, Ohio. With a practice over 60 years old, they stand ready to help workers through the struggles of the shifting work environment that has been caused by the rise of coronavirus. With expert knowledge and experience, the workers’ compensation at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP will make sure you don’t have to face the fallout of a workplace illness or injury alone.
“Bob DeRose was a huge help in getting my complaint settled. They were responsive and a huge help with all my questions. Would recommend them to anyone who needs help!”
My experience with this Law firm was phenomenal. I found my way into their offices after an unexpected workplace injury. Initially I was clueless about their performance.
The fact that I was not merely looking out for a supplement for my financial budget, I was simply there to explore whatever compensation was due me since the injury legitimately occcured “during and in the course of my employment”.
After an initial visit to the offices where the necessary documentation were initiated, the rest were simply a phone call for updates. Sometimes it was even needless.
They frankly discussed the pathway as well as the unpredictability of the timing for the process.This was necessary. I took that in good faith. The fact that there was no upfront payment was also a good thing.
Without monitoring my calendar, I waited patiently for the various
phases of the process to unfold.
Finally the claim was settled with so much transparency. The unpredictable journey ended with a check delivered to my mailbox.
In fact communications from this Law office is always expedient. The Front Desk Associate was very helpful and polite at all times. My attorney’s paralegal was always available to play her part whenever necessary.“
“They are top-notch attorneys who are experts in their fields. They do great work and are easy to work with. They care about their clients and always try to do the best job possible for them.”
“I had an amazing experience working with Sandy and Robin on my case. Robin was just a short email or call away from all of my questions. The communication I had with Sandy was just as great. Both Sandy and Robin made sure I knew exactly what was going on with my case at all times. I will be recommending them to others. If I ever need help legal matters in the future, I know I can get the help from Sandy Meizlish.”
“Hi Mr. Sanford A. Meizlish,
Just want to thank you and Robin Griffin for taking care of my case. You were very helpful from my very first call. I appreciate it very much.” – Marina S. (email published with permission)
“I could not be any more pleased with my experience with Jason Cox and Barkan Meizlish. The service, care, and communication with my legal counsel was outstanding and I truly appreciate the quick and thorough resolution to my case. I am grateful for the dedicated hard work of the legal team, they deserve all the thank I can give.”
“Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP brought great attention to my case when I needed it. They fought right by my side and were fair with the entire process. Their team was a great help. I’d recommend them to anyone.”
“A-1 team to work with indeed”
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309 B Putnam St
Marietta, OH 45750
(740) 373 -3875
2460 Fairmount Blvd #225
Cleveland, OH 44106
(800) 274-5297
