Written by: Michael H. Gruhin
Why Do I Need an Attorney If I’m Already Getting BWC Checks? This was a question asked by an injured worker today. No one wants to pay for something he/she can do on their own. That’s common sense. However, the OhioBWC is not the place where you want to get “on the job training”. The OhioBWC has its lawyers to protect its interests. And, the employer has attorneys to protect its interests as well. Who is looking out for you legal interests when you go it alone. So, the answer to the question is simple – this is what a Board Certified Ohio Workers’ Compensation Specialist Attorney will do for you, even if you are already receiving your BWC checks (temporary total for being off work):
1) I make sure that your claim is allowed for the complete and correct allowance – many times it is not when you go it alone or with a non-specialist attorney. Doctors, who diagnose a sprain/strain injury, many times do not want to take the time to seek additional allowances in the claim. The BWC is a paper intensive entity. Getting new conditions requires written reports, potential Industrial Commission hearings, etc. But you need to know that additional allowances can mean more compensation for the injured worker and additional and/or specialist medical treatment.
2) I make sure that your wages have been set correctly by the BWC. An inured worker is paid based on wages earned from ALL employers during the 52 week period prior to the injury. If you were unemployed for part of the time, there is a special circumstances statute that can be used to seek an increase to the setting of your average weekly wage. If granted, you can seek additional weekly money compensation in your claim while you are off work due to the injury. An increase in your wage computation may also increase your injury money award.
3) There are many other reasons to get a Board Certified Ohio Work Comp attorney to represent you in your claim.
To find out more, call Mike Gruhin, Board Certified Ohio Workers’ Compensation Specialist Attorney. But don’t wait – there are time limits.
If you are the victim of an Ohio Work Injury, call a Board Certified Ohio Workers’ Compensation Specialist Attorney to represent you. Protect yourself and your family.
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