Understanding the Ohio Workers’ Comp Process: From Injury to Benefits — What Columbus Workers Should Know
If you get hurt or sick because of your job in Columbus, Ohio, you have rights — but knowing how to protect those rights is key.
This post walks you step-by-step through how the workers’ compensation process works under Ohio law, what to expect, and what to do to maximize your benefits.
What Is the Ohio Workers’ Compensation System (and Who It Covers)
In Ohio, most employees are covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system.
The system is administered by the BWC, though some employers are “self-insured” — in that case, claims may be handled directly by the employer instead of BWC.
Because of how the system works, whether or not an injury was “your fault” doesn’t usually matter. That’s the benefit of a “no-fault” system.
Step 1: Injury or Illness — Recognize & Report It Immediately
The moment you get injured (or recognize an occupational illness), you should:
Report the injury to your supervisor or employer right away.
Fill out any required injury report forms (depending on your employer). Keep a copy.
Visit a medical provider without delay. Even if symptoms seem mild, documentation is vital.
Delaying these steps can make it harder to prove the injury was work-related — and that may jeopardize eligibility for benefits.
Step 2: Filing the Claim — How It Happens in Ohio
Once you’ve reported and gotten medical treatment, the claim must be filed. In many cases, your employer or your medical provider will submit a “First Report of Injury” (FROI) to BWC. An injured worker can also file their own FROI or your attorney can do it for you.
It’s wise to follow up — make sure the FROI was submitted and that your case is in progress. This helps avoid situations where a claim is “forgotten” or not processed correctly.
Step 3: Types of Claims — Medical-Only vs. Lost-Time, and More
Ohio distinguishes between different types of claims depending on the severity of the injury:
Medical-only claims — if you miss seven or fewer days of work.
Lost-time claims — if you miss more time or have significant disability (temporary or permanent).
Depending on your situation, you may receive:
Payment of medical bills related to the injury.
Wage-loss benefits (temporary total, wage-loss if you return to lower-paying work, permanent partial or total benefits if you’re permanently impaired)
Rehabilitation costs, if necessary.
Step 4: BWC (or Employer) Review — Allowance or Denial
After submitting your claim, BWC (or your employer, if self-insured) reviews the evidence — medical records, injury report, employment status, etc. Many claims are approved if everything is in order.
Unfortunately, some get denied. Common reasons include late filing, poor documentation, employer disputing whether injury is work-related, or incomplete paperwork.
Step 5: What If Your Claim Is Denied — The Appeals Process
If denied, you don’t have to give up. You (and your attorney) can appeal. In Ohio this typically means a hearing before the Industrial Commission of Ohio.
It’s critical to act fast — there are strict deadlines for appealing a denial.
Having experienced legal representation can make a big difference here — many denials are reversed once proper evidence is presented.
Step 6: Settlement or Award & Ongoing Care / Rehabilitation / Return to Work
Once a claim is allowed (or after a successful appeal), you may receive benefits such as medical coverage, weekly wage replacement, or permanent disability benefits.
If your injury requires long-term care, physical therapy, or limits your ability to return to your previous job duties, those factors must be carefully evaluated — sometimes years out. This is another area where having an attorney helps ensure you’re not settling too early.
Why It Matters for Columbus Workers
Many Columbus workers are employed in roles with elevated risk: construction, manufacturing, warehouses, logistics, etc.
But even office workers or retail employees can suffer injuries — from repetitive stress (e.g., typing), slip-and-fall accidents, to load-lifting injuries. Ohio’s workers’ compensation system was designed to cover a wide variety of injuries and occupational illnesses.
Understanding how the process works — and the deadlines — helps injured workers protect their rights, avoid denied claims, and secure the benefits they need during recovery.
If you’re injured on the job, treat every step as important: report early, see a doctor, document everything, and consider consulting a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the process.
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