Injured at work?

We are here to help you, the injured worker! Our office specializes in treating injured workers, getting them better and getting them back to work! Our providers' have a vast knowledge of the worker's compensation process, we provide quality care and are able to provide you with a multitude of treatment options. Here, we will help you get better by giving you the quality care you deserve!

If you are are recently injured and are unsure of the BWC process, we can help. Below are some tips that you may find helpful. We hope to hear from you soon so that we may be apart of your recovery process.

If you have recently been injured and have not filed a claim yet, you need to fill out a First Report of Injury (FROI) The FROI is the application used to initiate a workers’ compensation claim. You fill this form out when you go to the FIRST place to receive treatment regarding your injury. If this vital step is not made, your claim may not be allowed by the Ohio BWC. Below is the information you, the injured worker, will need to complete your portion of the FROI.

* Injured Worker Name
* Injured Worker SSN
* Injured Worker Mailing Address
* Injured Worker Home or Work Phone Number
* Date of Birth
* Date of Injury/Disease
* Gender
* Occupation or Job Title
* Description of Accident
* Type of Injury/Disease and Part(s) of Body Affected
* Employer Policy Number (look-up function provided)

You can treat with any doctor of your choosing. For instance, if your claim has allowed you to treat with a chiropractor, you can treat with ANY chiropractor that is certified with the BWC. Sometimes injured workers are mislead and think they can only treat with "certain" doctors or facilities.

As the injured worker, you need to be fully aware of the goings on with your claim. Even if you have any attorney working for you, you need to make sure your claim is handled the way it should be. As an injured worker, you have rights and your claim is just as important as the next guys.

If your claim is not allowed by the Ohio BWC, your treatment denied, your compensation denied, you have the right to appeal your claim. Below is information in that regard.

BWC issues a written order for any decision regarding the allowance or denial of your claim. You, your authorized representative, your employer and his or her authorized representative receive a copy of the order. he order will specify whether BWC has allowed or denied your claim. It also outlines other conditions included in the decision, such as whether you are entitled to compensation due to the injury. It's important to note that if any party to the claim disagrees with any part of the decision, that party may file an appeal.

How do I file an appeal?
You, your authorized representative, your employer, his or her authorized representative or BWC may file an appeal. BWC must receive an appeal in writing. You must send your appeal to BWC with the following pertinent information:

* The name of the injured worker and employer;
* The claim number;
* The date of the order being appealed;
* The reason for the appeal.

Also, sign and date the appeal. File the appeal by mail, fax or in person at the local BWC customer service office or the Industrial Commission.

How long do I have to file an appeal?
The time frame for filing an appeal is generally 14 days after you receive the order. The order spells out the time frames. You can appeal any BWC decision as long as it is within the appropriate time frames. Once BWC receives the appeal, we will forward the claim to the IC for a formal hearing.

Who hears my appeal and where will the hearing be held?
The IC hears all claim disputes. The IC is a separate agency that works in conjunction with BWC. It's responsible for the decision on any claim dispute. The IC will hold the hearing at the IC customer service office nearest your home. The IC will send written notice to all parties as to the time and place of the hearing, so they can attend and present evidence at the hearing. Once the hearing takes place, all parties will also receive written notice of the decision.

Check back soon for more tips and information!!