Truckers are unsung heroes. They are behind the scenes delivering the goods and products you see in stores. Truckers drive through the day and night and have long working hours, increasing the opportunity for injuries or accidents on the job. This makes trucking one of the more dangerous industries to work in.
In 2017, there were 107,000 commercial truck accidents that led to injuries. This shows how dangerous being a trucker is and how important knowing your options is if you are involved in an accident while on the job.
How does workers’ compensation work in Ohio?
Ohio is a no-fault state when it comes to workers’ compensation. This means that the employee does not have to prove that the employer was at fault to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If the injury occurred while on the job, workers’ compensation will cover you.
In return for this coverage, the employee gives up the right to sue the employer. The employee is also not eligible to receive any compensation for pain and suffering, which would be brought up in a lawsuit. In a workers’ compensation claim you may be eligible to receive the following benefits:
- Compensation for medical bills
- Repayment of lost wages
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
When should I make a claim?
If you become injured on the job, promptly filing a claim is key. The statute of limitations in Ohio for a workers’ compensation claim is one year from the date of the injury. Even though you legally have one year to file your claim, it is in your best interest to file the claim as soon as possible. Waiting too long may cause your claim to be denied.
Sustaining an injury on the job, worrying about your finances and future ability to work is stressful. Therefore, it is important to know your options. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process, contacting a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney may help.