Todd Miller Law LLCTodd Miller Law LLC2026-09-10T15:28:03Zhttps://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1104483/2022/12/cropped-ID-image-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Patient handling can lead to back injuries for healthcare workers]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508192026-09-10T15:28:03Z2026-09-10T15:28:03ZSome studies have found that healthcare workers have especially high risks of suffering back injuries and other musculoskeletal injuries. People often associate these injuries with manual labor jobs or operating heavy machinery, but those who work as doctors and nurses in a healthcare setting experience these injuries more often.
One of the main risks, as these studies have found, is that healthcare providers have to engage in extensive patient handling. One report claimed that: “For nurses, heavy lifting is the most significant risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the lower back.” When moving heavy patients who have a limited ability to move on their own, nurses face severe risks of back injuries.
Why does this movement take place?
For patients who are ill, injured or disabled, moving on their own may be difficult or even impossible. Nurses may have to help them through patient handling for a wide variety of reasons, such as:
Helping the patient in and out of bed
Helping them transfer from a wheelchair to a bed or vice versa
Assisting them with daily tasks, like using the bathroom or taking a shower
Helping them move in and out of vehicles
Helping to move patients in hospital facilities, such as an operating room
For many nurses, the patient they are trying to move may weigh more than the nurse themselves, putting them at risk. Also, even simple balance and coordination issues can increase this risk. If a nurse is helping a patient walk when that patient slips and falls, the nurse may react instinctively to catch them, but this sort of off-balance movement could lead to a serious back injury.Those who have suffered significant workplace injuries in a healthcare setting need to know exactly what rights they have to workers’ compensation. Legal guidance can help overcome issues with your claim.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Why your exact diagnosis matters in an Ohio workers’ comp claim]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508162026-08-28T15:55:44Z2026-08-28T15:55:44ZWhen the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) approves a workers' comp claim, it does not simply approve a general injury. It approves a specific list of medical conditions tied to exact diagnoses.
The law refers to those approved conditions as "allowed conditions" and they determine what treatment your claim will cover. If a doctor later finds something new, like a herniated disc, that condition may not receive coverage until you take formal steps to add it to your claim.
What allowed conditions actually mean
A workers' comp claim in Ohio covers only the conditions the BWC approves. Understanding what that means in practice can help you avoid unexpected gaps in your coverage. Keep these points in mind:
Allowed conditions are specific diagnoses: The BWC approves claims based on exact medical codes, not broad descriptions like "back injury" or "shoulder problem."
Treatment must match the approved condition: If your approved condition is a lumbar sprain, the BWC may not pay for herniated disc treatment at the same location unless that condition is also allowed.
New diagnoses require action: When a doctor identifies a new condition related to your injury, it does not automatically become part of your claim.
Getting a new diagnosis is only part of the process. Actually getting coverage for it requires a separate step.
How to add a new condition to your claim
Adding a newly diagnosed condition to an existing claim involves a formal process with the BWC. A few things to know before you start:
You or your attorney can file a motion to amend your claim to add the new condition
The BWC and your employer's insurance carrier may challenge the addition
Medical evidence linking the new condition to your original injury carries significant weight
Delays in adding a condition can result in gaps in your treatment coverage
An Ohio workers' comp attorney can help you build the right medical record and navigate the process correctly.Allowed conditions control what your claim actually covers, and a missing diagnosis can leave you paying out of pocket for treatment you deserve. Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your claim.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[What are the Focus Four?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508132026-08-21T18:19:53Z2026-08-21T18:19:53ZThe Focus Four, which used to be known as the Fatal Four, are some of the major hazards that construction workers face. OSHA focuses on teaching workers how to identify these hazards and avoid them, seeking to cut back on fatal accidents or those leading to severe injury.
In general, the Focus Four are: Falls, caught-between, struck-by and electrocution.
All falls are significant
Falls are listed first because they lead to the most fatal accidents in the construction industry. Some of these are significant falls from height, such as when a worker falls off of a scaffold or a ladder. But even a slip-and-fall accident can lead to serious head injuries on a construction site.
Using heavy machinery
Many caught-between or “caught-in” accidents involve heavy machinery. A worker may be entangled in a conveyor belt, for instance, or caught between two pieces of moving machinery.
Vehicles and falling materials
Struck-by incidents can happen in a few different ways, one of which is simply when someone is struck by a vehicle on the construction site. But there are also hazards with materials or tools falling from above if they are not tethered and secured properly.
Live electrical lines
Electrocution issues are often a problem when working around live electrical lines or with certain types of power equipment. Miscommunication could be the culprit, such as when a worker believes that a line has not been connected yet and is not live, when it is actually carrying a significant voltage.Workers who have been injured in any of these ways may deserve significant workers’ comp benefits, and they need to know what legal steps to take.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Avoiding high-level falls on construction sites]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508112026-08-20T23:06:09Z2026-08-20T23:06:09ZFalling from height on a construction site is one hazard that can maim or kill workers and is perhaps the most likely event to result in a fatality. Because scaffold builders and others work hundreds of feet off the ground, their lives are particularly at risk with even one misstep.
Construction crews all have their own shudder-inducing tales of colleagues who “walked air” on some random Wednesday afternoon. Yet they know that they, too, are but a stutter-step away from a similar fate.
Safety should be a component of every job
Construction jobs should prioritize safety over bottom lines. But in the real world, that may unfortunately not always be the case. Ultimately, each person on that ladder or scaffolding is responsible for ensuring that they make it down to go home each night.
If you are working at height, invest in quality footwear with steel toes that won’t slip on ladders or surfaces.
Use lanyards to tie off tools.
Use three-point contacts at all times when on elevated surfaces.
These tips are just a few of the steps workers can take to protect themselves and their co-workers on the job site.
If a fall does happen
It may bring healing to broken-hearted loved ones to seek compensation for your loss of life in a fatal workplace accident. While no amount of money could ever replace your physical presence and emotional support, your loved ones’ lives could be made easier by a workers’ compensation settlement or judgment.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[3 things you should never do during an Ohio workers’ comp claim]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508072026-08-11T14:05:44Z2026-08-11T14:05:44Z1. 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.
]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[BWC or MCO: Who is handling my claim?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508042026-08-11T06:47:26Z2026-08-11T06:43:29Z you file a workers' compensation claim in Ohio, two different entities may become involved at different stages. The Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) determines whether your claim qualifies for benefits. A Managed Care Organization (MCO) then manages your medical care after the BWC allows the claim. Knowing each entity's role may help you go through the process with greater confidence.
What does the BWC do?
The BWC operates as Ohio's state-administered workers' compensation fund, although qualified large employers may choose to self-insure. Its role focuses on reviewing claims and administering benefits. After you or your employer reports a work injury, a BWC claims specialist may review the paperwork and medical records. The specialist then determines whether the injury arose out of and in the course of employment under Ohio law.If the BWC allows the claim, it may authorize payment for medical bills and lost wages. The agency may also monitor whether the parties meet their responsibilities and support your return to work when medically appropriate.
What does the MCO do?
Your employer selects an MCO from a BWC-approved list to manage the medical side of allowed claims. The MCO coordinates your treatment, reviews requests for specific services and pays medical providers. It may also track your progress and assist with return-to-work planning.You can think of the MCO as the medical gatekeeper for your claim. However, it does not determine whether your claim qualifies for benefits. That decision generally rests with the BWC.
What happens when an MCO denies treatment?
An MCO may deny a recommended treatment, test or referral even after the BWC allows your claim. The denial could involve questions about medical necessity, treatment guidelines or whether the requested care relates to an allowed condition.If this happens, you may have options. You can:
Request a written explanation for the denial.
Ask your treating provider to submit additional records or a letter explaining the medical need.
File an appeal with the MCO through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process within 14 days of the denial notice.
If the ADR process does not resolve the dispute, the BWC may issue a formal administrative order. If you disagree with that order, you may appeal and request a hearing before the Industrial Commission of Ohio.
What Ohio laws apply to your claim?
Ohio law establishes the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and defines its administrative role in Ohio's workers' compensation system. The statute provides the legal foundation for the BWC's responsibility to administer workers' compensation claims and related benefits.
How can an attorney help you?
An experienced workers' compensation attorney may review denial letters, help gather supporting medical evidence and guide you through the ADR or hearing process. Legal counsel may also help you determine whether your treatment aligns with BWC medical guidelines and the conditions allowed in your claim.
Key takeaways about your claim
The BWC generally determines whether your claim qualifies for benefits, while the MCO manages medical care after approval. If an MCO denies treatment, you may have the option to challenge the decision through the ADR process or request a hearing before the Industrial Commission.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Can needlestick injuries qualify for Ohio workers’ compensation?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=508022026-08-07T10:27:45Z2026-08-07T10:27:45ZWhy needlestick injuries deserve attention
Healthcare workers use needles every day. Nurses, doctors, laboratory staff and medical assistants all face this risk. A needle can puncture the skin during patient care, blood collection or disposal of medical waste.
Even when the wound looks minor, the exposure may require testing and follow-up care. Some workers also need medicine to lower the risk of infection. This coverage often depends on how quickly the exposure is reported and documented.
When workers' compensation may cover the injury
Under Ohio law, workers' compensation may cover a needlestick injury that happens while an employee performs work duties. Coverage depends on the facts of the claim and whether the injury happened during employment.
Workers may receive benefits for:
Emergency medical care
Blood tests and follow-up appointments
Preventive treatment after exposure
Partial wage replacement if they miss work because of the injury
Reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the workplace exposure
Reporting the injury quickly and keeping clear records can help support a claim. Taking the right steps after an injury also matters.
What should you do after a needlestick injury?
Follow your employer's exposure-control procedures and complete any required incident reports. Get medical care right away, even if the wound seems small. Follow your employer's reporting process and keep copies of any medical records. These steps help protect your health and document the injury and your medical treatment.
A needlestick injury can create health concerns even when the wound looks minor. Ohio workers' compensation may provide benefits if the injury happens at work. Reporting the injury without delay and following up on recommended testing gives you the best chance of protecting both your health and your claim. If you have questions about this topic, consider reaching out to a legal professional for guidance.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[What you need to know about workplace burn injuries]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507922026-07-19T16:38:32Z2026-07-19T16:38:32ZSome of the most common types of workplace accidents include slips and falls, overexertion injuries and heavy machinery issues. However, burn injuries also represent a significant risk for workers in many industries.
You should know what type of burn injuries you may face at your job and what you can do if you are injured. Here are some of the basics:
Causes of burn injuries
Thermal or heat burns from flames, steam, boiling liquids or hot cooking oil are some of the most common causes of burn injuries. However, there are many other causes of burns, including the following:
Chemical: Contact with strong acids, solvents or other chemicals.
Radiation: Burns caused by sun exposure, tanning beds or X-rays.
Electrical: Contact with high-voltage wiring or electrical currents.
Friction: Burns caused by rough, abrasive surfaces, such as rope.
Cold: Prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures, which can cause frostbite.
Depending on your line of work, you may be exposed to more than one source of burn injuries.
Severity of burn injuries
There are three main categories of burn injuries depending on the severity of the injury. These categories include the following:
First-degree: Minor, artificial burns that only harm the outer layer of the skin, causing redness or slight pain.
Second-degree: Burns that cause damage to the upper and second layer of skin, causing redness, blisters and possible scarring.
Third-degree: Severe burns that harm several layers of skin, fat and muscle tissue, causing pain, disfigurement and nerve damage.
If you have been severely burned, you should seek medical care. You may need to seek legal guidance if you require medical care and lost income because of a workplace accident. If a burn accident happens at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Can you still receive workers’ comp benefits after a denial?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507882026-07-06T11:55:43Z2026-07-06T11:55:43ZDid you fall, break a bone, suffer burns or face other types of injuries while working? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical care and lost wages while you recover.
However, your workers’ compensation claim may have been denied. Does that mean you cannot receive your benefits? You may still be entitled to benefits. However, you may need to take steps to protect your rights. Here is what you should know:
Understanding why your workers’ comp claim was denied
The first step to receiving workers’ comp benefits after a denied claim is understanding why you were denied. You should receive a letter detailing why your claim was denied. Here are a few common reasons people are denied workers’ comp benefits:
Missed deadline: You must report your injuries after a workplace accident to your employer within the statute of limitations. If an injury is not reported within the deadline, then your claim may be denied.
Missing medical documentation: You may be required to see a doctor about your injuries after a workplace accident. A medical report can help determine if you are unable to work. Furthermore, you may be required to see a medical specialist that is approved by your employer. If you fail to document your injuries with an approved medical specialist, your claim could be denied.
Report inconsistencies: A workers’ comp claim may be denied because there is conflicting or missing information about your injuries. As a result, an insurer may not believe your injuries were work-related.
Once you understand why a workers’ comp claim was denied, it is important to file an appeal. Professional legal guidance can help you appeal a workers’ compensation claim denial. ]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[What to do in the first 48 hours after a workplace injury in Ohio]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507862026-07-05T20:23:12Z2026-07-05T20:23:12ZOne moment you are doing your job as you have on any other day. The next you are hurt, in pain and unsure how you will cover the medical bills or the paychecks you may miss while you recover. The steps you take within the first 48 hours after a workplace injury can influence the strength, credibility and outcome of your entire workers' compensation claim.
Why the first 48 hours matter
Ohio sets a firm deadline for injury claims. Under Ohio Revised Code § 4123.84, you generally have one year from the injury date to file with the state. If you miss that window, you could lose your right to benefits entirely. Acting within 48 hours also protects your credibility. Details fade quickly and an insurer may question a report that comes days later. Early action gives your claim a clear, consistent record from the start.
Steps you can take right away
Quick action protects both your health and your claim. Each step creates proof that can support you later if anyone questions what happened. Focus on these steps first:
Get medical care: Seek treatment right away and tell the provider your injury happened at work.
Notify your employer: Report the injury in writing and keep a copy for your records.
Document the scene: Take photos and gather witness names before conditions change.
File a First Report of Injury: You, your doctor or your employer can submit this form to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
Avoid signing releases: Do not sign insurance paperwork you do not fully understand.
Completing these steps early can prevent disputes over how and when your injury occurred.
What these early steps mean for your claim
Prompt medical care, written notice to your employer and careful documentation of the scene all point toward one shared goal. That documented record carries real weight in the claims process. It may ultimately determine whether the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation approves or denies the benefits you need to recover. Most straightforward claims resolve without conflict. However, disagreements can still arise over medical evidence, wage calculations or the cause of an injury. If yourclaim becomes disputed or your employer pushes back against your account, an attorney's input may help you protect your benefits. ]]>