Ohio’s workers’ compensation program provides certain benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The whole workers’ compensation process is often misunderstood due to widespread myths, yet it is crucial to injured workers. As a result, not many employees who suffer harm or loss in the line of duty enjoy these benefits.
Familiarizing yourself with the workers’ compensation process is worthwhile since you never know when you will need to file a claim. With that in mind, here are five common misconceptions about workers’ compensation that are worth clarifying.
Workers’ compensation only covers injuries that happen at work
Workers’ compensation covers any injury or illness that arises out of or in the course of employment. Your workplace accident need not have necessarily occurred at your job to be covered by workers’ compensation. For example, you may be entitled to benefits if you are injured while running a work errand.
Only physical injuries are covered
Workers’ compensation covers all types of injuries and illnesses that are work-related. This includes physical injuries such as broken bones as well as medical conditions like respiratory issues caused by exposure to hazardous substances on the job.
The chances of successfully appealing a denied claim are low
The circumstances of each workplace accident are different. Generalizing the odds of successfully appealing a denied claim is pointless since it all depends on the prevailing facts. Some appeals sail through without much hassle.
Workers’ compensation is only available to full-time employees
All employees, whether full-time, part-time or seasonal, are covered by workers’ compensation. However, independent contractors and self-employed individuals are not.
The above misconceptions are just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more misinformation out there about workers’ compensation. Therefore, if you were injured while performing a work-related activity, it is advisable to seek legal counsel on how things work and what you can do to protect your rights and interests.