Ohio Workers Compensation

History of Workers Compensation in Ohio

The history of workers’ compensation in the state of Ohio can be traced back to the early 20th century when the state legislature passed the Ohio Workmen’s Compensation Act in 1911, making Ohio the first state to enact a comprehensive workers’ compensation system.

Prior to this, injured workers had to rely on civil lawsuits to receive compensation, which were often expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain. The new system established a no-fault insurance program that would provide medical care and wage replacement to injured workers regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

The law was challenged in the Ohio Supreme Court in 1915, but it was ultimately upheld as constitutional. The system proved to be a success, and other states began to follow Ohio’s lead in creating their own workers’ compensation programs.

Over the years, the Ohio workers’ compensation system has undergone several changes, including the creation of the Industrial Commission of Ohio in 1915 to oversee the administration of the system and the establishment of a medical fee schedule in 2006 to regulate the fees charged by healthcare providers.

In 2017, the Ohio legislature passed a significant overhaul of the workers’ compensation system, which included changes to the definition of compensable injuries and a reduction in benefits for certain types of injuries. The changes were controversial and faced opposition from labor unions and workers’ advocacy groups.

Despite the changes and controversies, the Ohio workers’ compensation system remains one of the oldest and most comprehensive in the country, providing critical support to injured workers and their families.

What is Ohio Workers’ Compensation?

In Ohio, the workers’ compensation system is administered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The system provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job.

Employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees. The BWC is responsible for managing the insurance funds and administering claims.

When an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their job, they can file a workers’ compensation claim with the BWC. The claim will be reviewed, and if approved, the employee will receive benefits to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

The types of benefits available to injured workers in Ohio include:

1. Medical benefits: These cover the cost of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
2. Wage loss benefits: These provide a portion of the employee’s lost wages if they are unable to work due to their injury or illness.
3. Permanent disability benefits: If the employee’s injury or illness results in a permanent disability, they may be eligible for ongoing benefits.
4. Death benefits: If an employee dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits.

It is important to note that Ohio has a no-fault workers’ compensation system, meaning that benefits are available regardless of who is at fault for the injury or illness. However, there are some exceptions, such as injuries resulting from the employee’s intoxication or willful disregard of safety rules.

Employers in Ohio are also required to post a notice of their workers’ compensation coverage and provide information about the claims process to their employees.