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Michael J. Duber and Brandon T. Duber

Injured At Work? Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer From Bentoff & Duber 

If you have been seriously injured in a workplace accident in Ohio, you need the assistance of an Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer. Without someone to stand up for your rights, you may not receive the medical care and financial compensation you need to fully recover.

Don’t let a workplace personal injury cause you to lose control of your finances.

At Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A., we have been representing injured workers since 1965. Throughout this time, we have helped thousands of people obtain workers’ compensation benefits.

Types Of Cases We Handle

We have helped people with a broad range of injuries suffered in the workplace, such as:

  • Shoulder injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Arm, wrist and hand injuries
  • Hip, leg, and knee injuries
  • Ankle and foot injuries
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Facial scars
  • Severe brain injuries
  • Death claims
  • Occupational diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Intentional torts in the workplace
  • Other workplace injuries and accidents

No matter how you were hurt on the job, your employer has a duty to help make you whole so long as you were on the clock and doing your job. We will fight for you so that you can get the medical treatment you deserve.

Don’t Settle For Less Than You Deserve | A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Did you file claims for all your injuries? Did you take your second job into consideration? Did you consider all of your expenses, including lost wages and medical bills?

Most people do not realize that even if you did not miss any time off work you still may be entitled to Ohio workers’ compensation benefits.

Available benefits may include:

  • Wage loss
  • Medical bill coverage / reimbursement
  • Permanent partial disability awards
  • Temporary total disability (compensation for unearned wages while off work due to an injury)
  • Permanent and total disability
  • Amputation/loss of use awards
  • Death benefits for the family

If the employer violated a safety requirement you may also be eligible for a supplemental benefit known as a violation of a specific safety requirement (VSSR). These are some of the many things that need to be taken into consideration in your workers’ compensation claim to make certain that you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.

Whether your on-the-job injury was the result of your position in an office, as a health care worker, a factory employee or a construction professional, we can help.

Maximizing Ohio Workers’ Compensation Settlements From All Sources

Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A. knows how to investigate and document workplace accidents. Because we handle both Ohio workers’ compensation and third-party claims (such as workplace intentional torts), we understand the complex interactions between these claims. We also know how to move these claims through the system so that our clients obtain the compensation they deserve as quickly as possible.

 


Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Workers’ Compensation

If you have been injured on the job, you probably have a lot of questions about pursuing Ohio workers’ compensation benefits. The process can be confusing and overwhelming.

At Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A., our clients come to us with many questions about the workers’ compensation process in Ohio. The following are some of those questions.

Q.

 Do i need a lawyer for workers compensation in Ohio?

A.

Technically, you are not required to have a workers’ compensation lawyer. However, since the workers’ compensation claims process is so detailed, it is highly advisable to work with a workers compensation attorney through the process.

Additionally, many initial workers’ compensation claims are denied, and many claimants choose to pursue an appeal. If your initial claim was denied, don’t risk making a mistake or missing a deadline.

Q.

What Kind Of Benefits Am I Entitled To?

A.

If you have been injured on the job in Ohio, you are entitled to benefits through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) which may include coverage for:

  • Medical bills
  • Future expected medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Amputation/loss of use awards
  • Disability:
    • Temporary total disability
    • Permanent partial disability
    • Permanent and total disability
  • Additional compensation if your injury was caused by the intentional acts of an employer or coworker, or if your accident was caused by a safety violation at work
  • Death benefits, for surviving family members
  • And more

Q.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor?

A.

After experiencing a workplace injury in Ohio, you can go to any doctor, urgent care facility or emergency room.

After that, you must go to a doctor that is certified by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).

Remember: Your employer may give you a list of doctors to chose from. But as long as your doctor is certified by the BWC, you are under no obligation to choose a doctor from your employer’s list.

Q.

My Accident Was Caused By Unsafe Work Conditions. What Are My Options?

A.

A worker who is injured on the job can seek workers’ compensation benefits. But when the accident was caused by a safety violation, that individual may be entitled to additional compensation through what is known as a violation of a specific safety requirement (VSSR). Examples of unsafe work conditions or safety violations may include:

  • The removal of a safety guard
  • Failure to provide protective gear to employees, such as helmets or respiratory protection
  • Failure to ensure the safety of equipment

If your accident was caused by unsafe work conditions, talk to a workers’ compensation attorney who understands how to pursue multiple avenues of compensation on your behalf.

Q.

I Believe My Accident Was Intentional. What Should I Do?

A.

Shockingly, there are work accident cases involving the intentional acts of an employer, employee or other staff member. Examples of these claims include injuries caused by employers removing or modifying guards from machines. In these cases, you may be eligible for additional benefits through a personal injury claim. It is highly advisable to seek counsel from an attorney in these complex cases.

Learn more about workplace intentional torts

Q.

How do I file a workers’ compensation claim in Cleveland, Ohio?

A.

In Ohio, you typically have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The BWC website offers a user-friendly online filing system, or you can submit a claim application by mail. Our team at Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A., can guide you through the process, ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met.

Q.

What should I do if I’ve been injured at work in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio?

A.

If you’re injured at work in Cleveland or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, here are the key steps to take:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get medical attention as soon as possible and inform the doctor it happened at work.
  2. Report the Injury to Your Employer: Don’t delay – report the injury to your employer in writing within one year. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
  3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Contact an attorney at Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A., to discuss your specific situation and ensure a timely claim is filed.

Remember that even if your claim is denied, there are still options for seeing workers’ compensation.

Q.

What are the filing deadlines for workers’ compensation claims in Ohio?

A.

The general deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio is two years from the date of your injury. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Our attorneys at Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A., can advise you on the specific deadlines applicable to your case.

Q.

Am I eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if I’m an independent contractor in Ohio?

A.

Generally, independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio. Independent contractors are considered self-employed and are responsible for obtaining their own workers’ compensation insurance if they choose.

Q.

Does workers’ compensation in Ohio cover death benefits for dependents?

A.

Yes, workers’ compensation in Ohio can cover death benefits for surviving spouses, dependent children and some dependent parents if a worker is tragically killed in a work-related accident. Our workers’ compensation lawyers at Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A., can help you understand the eligibility requirements and navigate the death benefits claim process.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions about workers’ compensation in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation.

Learn About Your Options With A Free Consultation

Don’t let a construction injury or workplace accident threaten your livelihood. To schedule a free initial consultation, call Bentoff & Duber Co., L.P.A. at 216-861-1234 or email us.