Todd Miller Law LLCTodd Miller Law LLC2026-07-19T16:38:32Zhttps://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[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. ]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[The location of a TBI can affect your long-term prognosis]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507802026-06-22T02:46:14Z2026-06-22T02:46:14ZIf you suffer a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) at work, workers’ compensation can be a huge relief. It can help you obtain the medical benefits you need while still maintaining at least some income while you heal.
However, it’s critically important that you understand as much as possible about how your injury will affect your future in the long run.
The location of the injury can dictate the damage
It is possible to recover from some traumatic brain injuries, but not all of them. If your injury is serious, a TBI can affect your ability to work for years to come, or even the rest of your life. Much of it depends on the part of your brain that was injured in the accident. If the damage is to the right side of the brain, it could leave you unable to perform tasks you regularly did as part of your job. Once-familiar tasks could suddenly seem strange to you. You may no longer be able to easily process visual data or information. That can affect everything from your hand-eye coordination to your ability to read.If the damage is to the left side of the brain, it can affect your ability to speak. You may also have difficulty understanding what others say to you. Your ability to think logically can also suffer. Without communication skills or the ability to break a task down into steps, you could have a real barrier to returning to your former job.If the damage is to the frontal lobe, it might result in you engaging in risks you never would have considered before. Impulsivity and a lack of self-control can affect your ability to get along with others and make good decisions. It can be difficult to estimate the true cost of a traumatic brain injury to you. It’s best to have someone with the necessary legal experience help you understand what you might need and be entitled to claim.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Can a preexisting back condition affect a workers’ comp claim?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507782026-06-18T09:22:22Z2026-06-18T09:22:22ZHow Ohio evaluates back injury with a prior diagnosis
In Ohio, workers' compensation generally does not cover a condition that existed before a workplace injury. However, benefits may still apply when a work accident or job-related activity substantially worsens that condition. The key issue is whether work caused a real change in your back. It cannot be just another day of the same pain.
In practice, a preexisting back condition can affect several parts of the workers' compensation process. Common issues include:
Your past records will likely matter: Insurance representatives often compare your earlier back problems with your symptoms after the work incident.
The cause of your pain may be disputed: The employer or insurer may argue that the old condition caused your symptoms, not the workplace event.
You may need additional testing: An MRI, X-ray or doctor’s exam may help show a new injury or measurable worsening.
Benefits usually focus on the worsening: Workers' compensation generally covers the work-related aggravation, not the baseline pain you had before.
These issues matter because Ohio law requires proof of substantial aggravation. Objective diagnostic findings, clinical findings or test results often become important when an earlier back condition exists.
Understanding your options after a workplace injury
A prior back condition can make a workers' compensation claim more complex. Records from before and after the incident can help show what changed. They can also show when it changed and how the injury affects your ability to work. Those records can play an important role if there are disagreements over the extent of the work-related aggravation.
If a dispute arises over whether your job substantially aggravated your condition, legal guidance can help you understand the evidence that may apply. It can also help you respond when an insurer treats a new work-related injury as only an old medical problem.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Is your commute eligible for workers’ comp.?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507722026-06-10T16:41:05Z2026-06-10T16:41:05ZNo, your commute is generally not covered when it comes to workers' comp. benefits. This is due to something known as the going-and-coming rule.What this rule states is that workers who are commuting to or from work do not qualify for workers' comp. benefits if they are injured in a car accident. If another driver rear-ends you at a stoplight, you may contend that you were only on the road to begin with because you had to commute to work. But even though that is true, since you were not on the clock and acting as an employee at the time of the car accident, you generally cannot seek workers' comp. benefits.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, one notable exception is if you are driving as part of your employment. Maybe you are a construction worker who has to drive between multiple job sites. If you are injured in a car accident while going from one site to the next, you are acting as an employee and may be on the clock at the time of the crash. This means you could be eligible for workers' comp. benefits because it is not your standard commute.Another exception is if your boss asks you to work during your commute. Maybe they tell you that you need to pick up certain supplies or materials and bring them with you to the office. Once you have been given this type of task, since you are performing a work-related duty, you may be able to seek workers' comp. benefits if you get into an accident.If you have been injured, you may have questions about whether or not you qualify for benefits and the legal steps you will need to take. It can help to work with an experienced attorney at this time.
]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[4 common serious workplace injuries in healthcare settings]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507692026-06-26T15:25:45Z2026-06-08T09:15:24ZUnderstanding the physical risks of the job
As a medical worker in Ohio, you face unique occupational hazards due to the physical demands of patient care. The most frequent physical harms that medical staff face include the following:
Severe back and shoulder strains: Overexertion causes pain when lifting or moving immobile patients. This stress can cause intense muscle tears and spinal disc injuries. These back issues often require intensive physical therapy.
Debilitating injuries from slips, trips and falls: Wet floors pose constant risks due to liquid spills on slick hospital tiles. Loose medical equipment cords and cluttered hallways may also cause accidents. Fractures and concussions can result from these sudden impacts.
Trauma from workplace violence incidents: Staff safety remains a challenge when combative patients or distressed visitors strike frontline clinical personnel. These chaotic situations can cause physical as well as emotional trauma.
Needlestick and sharp punctures: Sharp tools require extreme care to avoid skin punctures. A busy nurse might pierce their skin with contaminated syringes, exposing them to dangerous bloodborne pathogens. This makes diagnostic testing immediately necessary.
Following a workplace accident, gathering solid evidence can help with the pursuit of workers' compensation benefits. Among the key pieces of evidence are hospital logs, witness statements, medical records and internal incident reports.
Additionally, it is vital to prove that your harm occurred directly within the course and scope of your job duties. It is also important to collect evidence thoroughly and promptly to reduce the chances of delays or even denials.
Advocating for your rights as you focus on healing
Health remains life's most precious asset, yet a medical workplace accident can ruin your well-being. With legal support, you may handle the workers' compensation process with greater knowledge and confidence. In addition, having legal counsel may help you advocate for your rights as you focus on your healing.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Same level falls in construction can lead to serious injuries]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507662026-05-28T12:19:34Z2026-05-28T12:19:34ZConstruction workers face a multitude of hazards when they’re at work, one of which is falls. Some people may think of falls from heights when they hear about construction workers falling, but that’s not always the ones that are dangerous.
Same level falls happen on a surface the worker is already standing on. They often involve slipping, tripping, losing their balance or stepping into a hole. While these situations may not seem serious, they can lead to serious injuries.
Where can same level falls occur?
Same level falls at construction sites are likely to occur in busy areas where there are tools, cords, materials, loose debris, wet surfaces, poor lighting or uneven ground. Construction sites can change throughout the day, which means that even areas that were clear at one point during the day may not be clear later in the day. Because of this, construction workers should always be careful as they move around; however, the onus isn’t on them to ensure safety on the job site. Construction companies must have proper protocol, rules and procedures for all construction sites. It’s not enough to just casually mention those to workers. Reminders, proper signage around the site, and protective equipment are all part of a proper safety plan. When a construction worker falls on the same level, they may suffer from broken bones, brain injuries, damage to the spinal cord or a host of other injuries. Getting medical attention is critical, and workers’ compensation should cover the costs. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial for these employees so they can protect their rights and get the benefits they need.
]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[Can you file a workers’ compensation claim for repetitive stress in Ohio?]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507642026-05-21T09:29:00Z2026-05-21T09:28:14ZUnderstanding repetitive stress injuries at work
Repetitive stress injuries develop gradually over time. They do not result from a single accident. These conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. They also include other musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders are caused by performing the same motions repeatedly. Assembly line workers may develop these injuries. Office employees may develop them too. Cashiers are at risk. Warehouse staff can also be affected.
In Ohio, the workers' compensation system recognizes that not all workplace injuries happen in dramatic accidents. If your job duties have caused a repetitive stress injury, you may be eligible to file a claim. However, you will need to demonstrate that your work activities directly contributed to your condition. This often requires medical documentation linking your injury to your specific job tasks.
Steps to consider when filing your claim
It is critical to formally report your condition to your employer and file your claim immediately upon realizing your injury is work-related. Under Ohio law, you generally must file an occupational disease claim within one year from the date your disability began or within six months of a formal medical diagnosis.
Early reporting may strengthen your case and ensure you receive timely medical attention. Your employer should provide you with the necessary claim forms. They should also provide information about approved medical providers.
You will likely need to see a doctor who can evaluate your condition. They could also provide a medical opinion about whether your work caused or aggravated your injury. It might help to keep detailed records of your symptoms and medical appointments. You may also want to document how your job duties may have contributed to your condition.
The claims process for repetitive stress injuries can be more complex than claims for acute injuries. This is because you must establish the connection between your work and your condition.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from repetitive work tasks, addressing it sooner rather than later is important. Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees who suffer work-related injuries, including those that develop gradually over time.]]>On Behalf of Todd Miller Law LLC<![CDATA[How Ohio workers’ compensation laws protect employees]]>https://www.toddmillerlawllc.com/?p=507602026-05-14T15:47:03Z2026-05-14T15:46:02ZWorkplace injuries can happen in almost any industry, from office settings to construction sites and warehouses.
Ohio workers' compensation laws are designed to help employees recover financially and medically after a work-related injury or illness.
What workers' compensation covers
These laws provide benefits for employees who suffer injuries or occupational illnesses connected to their job duties. Coverage may include medical treatment, hospital care, medication and rehabilitation services.
Reporting a workplace injury
One of the most important steps after a workplace injury is reporting it as soon as possible. Employees should also notify their employer immediately and seek treatment from an approved medical provider.
How claims are reviewed
After a claim is submitted, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation reviews the details of the case. The agency examines medical records, accident reports and employment information before deciding whether to approve or deny the claim.If approved, benefits are generally based on the seriousness of the injury and the employee’s lost wages.
Employer responsibilities under Ohio law
Ohio employers are generally required to maintain workers' compensation coverage. Employers must also report workplace injuries within the required timeframe once they become aware of them.These rules are intended to ensure injured workers have access to medical care and financial support while recovering.
Protecting your rights after an injury
A workplace injury can create stress and uncertainty for both employees and their families. Understanding your rights under Ohio workers' compensation laws can help you make informed decisions during recovery.Also, seeking professional legal guidance may help you better understand the claims process, deadlines, benefit options and potential next steps if challenges arise.]]>