Injured at Work but Didn’t Report It? Here’s What to Know
Many clients tell us that they suffered an injury on the job but did not tell anyone about it. For example, a client may have lifted a heavy box in a warehouse with no one around and pulled his or her low back and/or neck. Workers may choose not to report an injury for any number of reasons (e.g., fear of losing one’s job; thinking the injury would just “go away”, etc.).
Filing a Ohio Workers Comp Claim After a Delay
While it is not impossible to bring an Ohio BWC claim days, weeks, or even months after an injury occurs, it is more likely that allowance of such a claim will be contested. The reason for this is obvious. An Ohio BWC claim is in many ways similar to bringing a claim against an insurance company. Enough evidence must be present that the injury did, in fact, occur and occurred in the course and scope of one’s employment.
Time can create doubt, but strong evidence can restore credibility.
When an injured Ohio worker waits to file his or her claim, it raises questions about the legitimacy of the claim. Did the injured worker injure his shoulder at work or while he was playing softball? Was the injury a result of a car crash that occurred two days prior to bringing the claim?
Generally speaking, documenting one’s on the job injury is critical to having one’s BWC claim allowed. Once allowed, the worker may then become eligible for compensation, including money to replace lost wages and payment of medical bills, among others.
Why Timely Documentation Is So Important
The first thing to do, of course, following an injury is to seek immediate medical attention. Once that occurs, and the worker is able, he or she should be sure to document the claim with his or her employer as well as the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (“BWC”). Sometimes obtaining photographs, video tape, and witness statements is also necessary.
Talk to an Experienced Ohio Workers Comp Lawyer
If you’ve been injured on the job in Ohio, and have questions about a BWC claim, call one of the attorneys at McKenzie & Snyder LLP. We have been practicing workers comp in Ohio area for over 30 years.
McKenzie & Snyder LLP represents injured clients in all of Ohio including Cincinnati, Colerain, College Hill, Mt. Healthy, Hamilton, Fairfield, West Chester, Loveland, Madeira, Downtown, Northside, Finneytown, Arlington Heights, Oxford, Ross, Mason, and Middletown.
