Workers’ Compensation Laws in Ohio
If you’ve been injured on the job in Ohio, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Ohio’s system is unique because it’s state-run through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), rather than being handled by private insurance carriers. This system is designed to help injured workers cover their medical bills and lost wages while they recover. However, getting the benefits you deserve can still be a challenge if you don’t understand how the system works.
This guide will walk you through how Ohio’s workers’ compensation system operates, what benefits are available, how to file a claim, and what to do if your claim is denied. Knowing your rights can help you protect yourself after a workplace injury.
Is Workers’ Compensation Required in Ohio?
Yes. Almost every employer in Ohio is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance through the BWC. This includes businesses with just one employee. There are very few exceptions, such as sole proprietors or certain types of independent contractors.
Ohio is one of only four states in the U.S. that runs a monopolistic workers’ comp system, which means employers must buy insurance directly from the state. They cannot use private insurers for workers’ compensation coverage. This gives the state full control over the claims and appeals process.
Who Is Covered Under Ohio Workers’ Compensation Laws?
Most full-time and part-time employees are covered, including temporary and seasonal workers. Some independent contractors may also be eligible, depending on how much control their employer has over their work schedule and duties. If you’re not sure whether you’re covered, the BWC or a local attorney can help determine your eligibility.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered?
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system covers injuries and illnesses that happen on the job or as a direct result of your work duties. Common examples include:
- Falls
- Back injuries from lifting
- Machinery accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Occupational illnesses (e.g., hearing loss, chemical exposure)
To qualify, the injury must arise during the course and scope of employment. This means you generally won’t be covered if the injury happened while commuting, during lunch breaks off-site, or while engaging in horseplay or intoxicated behavior.
What Benefits Can Injured Workers Receive?
If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for:
- Medical care – Including doctor visits, surgery, prescriptions, rehab, and ongoing treatment
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Payments to replace lost wages while you’re unable to work
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – If you suffer a lasting impairment
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If you can never return to work
- Wage loss benefits – If your injury forces you into a lower-paying job
- Vocational rehabilitation – Job training or education to help you return to work
- Death benefits – For surviving family members when a work injury results in death
Each benefit has specific rules and payment rates based on your wages and the severity of your injury.
How Do You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio?
You should notify your employer immediately after your injury and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will need to complete a First Report of Injury (FROI), which is then submitted to the BWC. You or your employer can also submit the FROI form online or by mail.
Once the BWC receives the form, it typically has 28 days to accept or deny the claim. During that time, they may request medical records or ask for more documentation. If your claim is accepted, you’ll begin receiving benefits. If it’s denied, you have the right to file an appeal.
What Happens if a Claim Is Denied?
If the BWC denies your claim, you can appeal the decision to the Industrial Commission of Ohio. The first step is a district-level hearing, where you’ll present evidence such as medical records or witness statements. If you lose at that level, you can request a second hearing before a staff hearing officer, and then a third appeal to the commission level.
Legal help is often recommended during the appeals process, especially if your employer disputes the facts of your injury or if the medical evidence is complex.
Can You Sue Your Employer Instead of Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
In most cases, no. Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is an exclusive remedy, meaning you usually can’t sue your employer for a workplace injury. However, there are some exceptions:
- If your employer intentionally caused your injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
- If a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them in addition to your workers’ comp claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Ohio has a one-year statute of limitations to file a workers’ compensation claim. That means you must submit your FROI form to the BWC within one year of the injury date or the date your occupational illness was diagnosed.
What if You’re Injured While Working Out of State?
Ohio workers who are injured in another state while performing their job duties may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits through Ohio’s system. You should report the injury as soon as possible and consult with a lawyer to determine which state has jurisdiction over the claim.
Legal Help for Workers in Ohio
- Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)
- Industrial Commission of Ohio
- Ohio Legal Help
- Ohio Association for Justice – Workers’ Comp Lawyers
- Local labor unions and advocacy groups
If you’ve been hurt at work, it’s important to act quickly and understand your rights. Ohio’s system can be hard to navigate, especially if your claim is denied or your employer challenges your injury. Don’t be afraid to seek legal guidance — it can make all the difference in getting the care and compensation you need.