A Columbus Workman’s Comp Lawyer Explains Your Rights if You Accidentally Hurt Yourself at Work

You accidentally hurt yourself at work. It happens. In fact, it happens more than you might think. While some on-the-job accidents involve co-worker negligence and other factors, many accidents involve one employee who is alone when he or she gets injured. So, now that it happened, what are your legal rights? Our Columbus workman’s comp lawyer explains:

Workers’ Compensation is a “No-Fault” System

In Ohio, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system. This means that fault is not a factor in determining your right to benefits (subject to certain exceptions, as discussed below). So, if you accidentally hurt yourself at work, this does not automatically prevent you from filing a claim. In fact, as long as you are an eligible employee, there is a good chance that a Columbus workman’s comp lawyer will be able to help you secure benefits for your medical bills and other covered losses.

Most job-related injuries are accidental, and many workers who need to file for workers’ compensation are responsible for their own injuries. To give yourself the best chance of recovering the benefits you deserve, you should see a workers compensation doctor promptly, and you should schedule a free consultation with a Columbus workman’s comp lawyer as soon as possible.

There are Some Exceptions to Ohio’s “No-Fault” Workers Compensation Rule

While fault generally is not a factor when it comes to filing for workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio, there are some exceptions. For example, you may not be able to collect workers compensation benefits if:

• You accidentally injured yourself while fighting with a co-worker
• You were doing something that violated your company’s safety policies
• You were doing something that violated the law

Also, keep in mind that while you don’t need to be able to prove fault, you do need to be able to prove that your injury is work-related. If you accidentally hurt yourself and no one was there to see what happened, you could have a difficult time proving that your injury is covered. With that said, there are various ways to prove how and when an injury happened, and reporting your accident and seeing a doctor promptly will both greatly improve your chances of securing benefits without unnecessary complications.

What if You Aren’t Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

But, what happens if you aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation? Even if you accidentally hurt yourself and you aren’t eligible to receive benefits, you could still have options available. 

For example, if you hurt yourself when a tool or piece of equipment malfunctioned, you could have a claim against the manufacturer. Likewise, if you slipped or tripped and fell, you could have a claim against the owner of the property. Filing for Social Security disability (SSD) or other government benefits may be an option as well. A Columbus workman’s comp lawyer can help you explore all of your options and make sure you seek the maximum compensation and/or benefits available.

Talk to a Columbus Workman’s Comp Lawyer in Confidence

If you accidentally hurt yourself at work, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 888-444-7440 or contact us online to speak with a Columbus workman’s comp lawyer in confidence today.