You filed a workers’ compensation claim after getting injured on the job, and now you need to protect that claim while you recover. Whether you are a nurse, firefighter, police officer or other first responder, small mistakes during your claim can jeopardize your benefits and delay your recovery. Here are three critical mistakes to avoid during your Ohio workers’ comp claim.
1. Do not miss an independent medical exam without good cause
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), a managed care organization (MCO) or a self-insured employer may require you to attend an independent medical exam (IME). Missing an IME without good cause can suspend your compensation. The doctor conducting the IME is hired by the BWC or employer, and their report can significantly impact your claim.
If you cannot make the scheduled appointment for a valid reason, contact the BWC, MCO or employer immediately to reschedule. Always attend, arrive on time, and be honest about your limitations and pain levels. If the IME doctor’s findings seem inaccurate, you can challenge the report, but you must first attend the exam.
2. Do not post about physical activities on social media
Insurance companies actively monitor social media to find reasons to deny or reduce workers’ comp claims. A photo of you lifting your child, mowing the lawn or attending a family event can be taken out of context and used to argue that you are not as injured as you claim. The safest approach is to avoid posting anything about your activities, your injury or your claim on any platform.
3. Only treat with BWC-certified doctors for ongoing care
In Ohio, you can see any doctor or emergency provider for your first visit following a workplace injury. However, for all ongoing treatment, you must see a doctor certified by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. If you see a doctor who is not BWC-certified for ongoing care, workers’ compensation will not cover those medical bills.
This can give the BWC or self-insured employer grounds to argue that your injury is not work-related or that you are not following proper treatment protocols. Before scheduling any ongoing treatment, confirm that the doctor is BWC-certified. If you need a specialist or a second opinion, make sure they are also certified.
Protecting your claim requires careful attention
Your workers’ comp benefits are there to support you while you heal, but protecting those benefits requires careful attention to the rules.
If you have questions about what you should or should not do during your claim, or if the BWC or insurance company denied or reduced your benefits, speaking with an attorney who is knowledgeable in Ohio workers’ comp law can help you avoid costly mistakes and seek the benefits you deserve.