If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or occupational illness in Ohio, the first step is to file a workers’ compensation claim. This isn’t always straightforward; applying for benefits involves rules and requirements that you may find difficult to handle if you’re already dealing with pain and stress. However, knowing how to properly complete the claims form can help you avoid delays and get the assistance you need sooner rather than later.
This guide will walk you through each stage of filling out the First Report of Injury (FROI) form so that you know how to submit it correctly. We’ll also explain how to respond to a denial and how an Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer can help with any legal issues that arise.
What is the Ohio First Report of Injury (FROI) Form?
The First Report of Injury (FROI) form is the starting point for all workers’ compensation coverage claims in Ohio. Whether your company contributes to the state workers’ compensation system or is a self-insured employer, the process begins the same way – by reporting your injury or illness to your employer and filing the FROI form with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
While you, your employer, or your employer’s managed care organization can fill out this form for you, Plevin & Gallucci recommends that you have them fill out the form or assist you in doing so. This will ensure that the form is completed accurately and your rights are protected.
In some cases, if you’ve already received medical treatment for a work-related injury, a workers’ comp claim may have been filed on your behalf by your healthcare provider. However, it’s essential to double-check with the BWC to ensure that a claim has been submitted. If not, you can do it yourself.
The Ohio First Report of Injury form is a key document that initiates your workers’ compensation claim and sets the wheels in motion for you to receive benefits. Accuracy is key when completing the form, as incomplete or incorrect information could delay your injury claim.
How Long Do You Have to File?
It’s important to know that there are strict time limits for filing your workers’ comp claim. Injured workers generally have one year from the date of their job-related accident to submit the FROI form and two years for occupational diseases. If your claim involves the loss of a family member due to a workplace injury or illness, you also have one year to file a death claim. Acting promptly ensures that your claim is considered within the legal time frame.
Information to Include on the FROI Form
A complete and accurate FROI form will minimize delays in processing. Let’s break down the key sections of this workers’ compensation claim form and what information you’ll need to provide:
- Injury or Illness Details: You’ll need to provide the exact date you were injured or, in the case of an occupational disease, the date you were diagnosed or treated by a medical professional. If the illness forced you to stop working, you must indicate the most recent date of any of these events.
- Last Day Worked: It’s important to note the last day you worked before you had to stop due to an injury or illness. This information helps calculate wage replacement benefits.
- Description of the Event: In this section, provide a detailed description of the incident or exposure that led to your injury or illness. Be as specific as possible to give the Ohio BWC a clear understanding of what happened.
- Medical Treatment: Your healthcare provider will complete this section to verify that the injury or illness is work-related. This may include details about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Employer’s Signature: Your employer must also sign the form, confirming that the information provided is accurate and that the injury occurred during work-related activities.
You can submit the form online (an electronic version is available), by mail, or by fax to the Ohio BWC. If any section is incomplete or incorrect, your claim may be delayed as the BWC requests additional information.
Providing Additional Information
After you submit the Ohio First Report of Injury form, the BWC has 28 days to investigate your claim. During this period, they may request more information from you, your employer, and your healthcare providers. You will need to respond promptly to these requests to avoid delays. The BWC may ask for medical records, employment information, or further details about the circumstances of your injury or illness, so make sure to:
- Attend All Medical Appointments: Follow through on any evaluations or treatments to ensure your condition is well-documented.
- Accurately Report Your Symptoms: Communicate openly with your doctors about your injury or illness. Misreporting or underreporting symptoms could negatively affect your claim.
If your claim is approved, you’ll begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical bills and lost wages. If it is denied, don’t worry – you have the option to appeal the decision. In such cases, it’s often helpful to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Ohio First Report of Injury Form
Filing a workers’ compensation coverage claim is straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that could cause delays or denials:
- Providing Vague or Incomplete Information: When describing your injury or illness, be as specific and detailed as possible. Avoid using general statements like “I hurt my back” or “I’m sick.” Instead, explain how the injury occurred and how it has impacted your ability to work.
- Missing Deadlines: Remember that there’s a time limit for filing a claim – one year for injuries and two years for occupational diseases. Don’t wait until the last minute to file your FROI form.
- Not Following Up: After filing the workers’ compensation claim form, it’s important to follow up with the Ohio BWC and your employer to confirm that your claim is being processed. Keep track of any requests for additional information and respond as quickly as possible.
- Forgetting to Include Supporting Documents: Include all necessary medical records and other supporting documents with your claim to avoid delays.
After You Submit the FROI Form
Once your form is submitted, the Ohio BWC will review it along with any supporting documentation. They will also investigate the claim by reaching out to your employer and medical providers for additional information. Be patient during this part of the workers’ comp process, but also stay proactive by checking in with the BWC from time to time online.
If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits to cover medical expenses and, in some cases, compensation for lost wages. Workers’ comp benefits can provide a financial safety net while you recover and get back to work. However, if your claim is denied, it’s not the end of the road – you have the right to appeal the decision.
How Our Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Filing the Ohio First Report of Injury form may seem straightforward, but any errors or missing information can lead to delays in receiving benefits. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer will help you complete the form so that all the required details about your injury, illness, or workplace conditions are included. They will also ensure that your claim is submitted within the legal deadlines, thereby protecting your right to benefits.
Your Ohio workers’ comp attorney will also:
- Gather Necessary Evidence: Proving that your injury or illness is work-related is essential for the approval of your claim. A workers’ compensation lawyer will help you gather all the necessary medical documentation, witness statements, and other evidence that demonstrate how the injury occurred and how it affects your ability to work. This is particularly important if your claim involves a long-term illness or if your employer is disputing your version of events.
- Negotiate with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation: During the claims process, you may need to provide additional information to the BWC or your employer’s managed care organization (MCO). An experienced attorney will handle these communications on your behalf. If there are disputes over your claim, they can step in to negotiate with the BWC or insurance companies to secure a fair outcome.
- Represent You in Appeals: If your claim is denied, your workers’ comp lawyer can help you appeal the decision. The appeal process can involve submitting additional evidence, attending hearings, and making legal arguments to demonstrate why the denial was incorrect.
- Maximize Your Compensation: Workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio can cover medical care, rehabilitation, and wage loss benefits. However, the amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your injury and how it affects your ability to earn a living. A lawyer will fight to maximize the benefits you receive, so that all your medical bills are covered and that you receive appropriate compensation for lost wages or permanent disabilities.
Some workplace injuries lead to long-term or permanent disabilities that prevent you from returning to your job. In these cases, the workers’ compensation process can become more complicated, as you may need ongoing medical benefits or vocational training to transition to a new career. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you secure these long-term benefits and advocate for you during any disputes over your eligibility.
Speak to Plevin & Gallucci About Your Ohio Workers’ Compensation Case
If you’re dealing with a work-related injury or illness, are you finding it difficult to fill out all the necessary workers’ compensation forms? At Plevin & Gallucci, we have decades of experience helping injured employees secure the benefits they need to cover their medical bills and ease their financial burden. We have successfully represented thousands and thousands of injured employees at all levels of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation system. Whether you need help filing your claim, gathering evidence, or taking a denied claim through the appeals process, we will handle your case with diligence and dedication.
If you need assistance with your Ohio workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Call 855-4PLEVIN or fill out our contact form on this page. We look forward to making a difference in your case.
