Workers’ Compensation And Permanent Disability Benefits In Ohio
Suffering from a workplace accident, injury or illness is stressful and frustrating. When that accident, injury or illness is deemed a permanent total disability, it can be devastating. At Robert J. Dodd Jr., Co., L.P.A., in New Lexington, our lead workers’ comp attorney Maureen Dodd, is a board-certified specialist in workers’ compensation law, with over 25 years of experience. She continues the family legacy to help injured workers throughout Ohio secure workers’ compensation and permanent disability benefits.
What Does It Mean To Be Permanently Disabled?
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation characterizes permanent total disability as an inability to participate in sustained remunerative employment. In other words, it is unlikely or impossible for the employee to ever work again in the same capacity that they have been trained in, or use the skills that they have developed, nor are they able to retrained to perform a job within his/her physical and/or mental limitation. A worker who is deemed permanently disabled is considered incapable of ever sustaining a job.
Eligibility For Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
Medical evidence is important to substantiate a claim for PTD benefits. A medical doctor must find that the injury or illness has resulted in a permanent and total disability. An opinion from a vocational expert can also be helpful. A hearing will be scheduled before a Staff Hearing Officer of the Industrial Commission of Ohio to hear your application and issue a determination. In the event your claim is denied, there are avenues for appeal but prevailing on a Request for Reconsideration from a PTD denial is difficult and unusual, so retaining a workers’ compensation attorney before filing is your best chance for success.
Calculating The Amount Of PTD Benefits
The amount of PTD benefits are calculated by averaging the injured worker’s weekly wage at the time the injury or illness occurred. Several factors will also be considered to evaluate an applicant’s PTD claim, such as the worker’s age, education level, work history and what efforts the applicant has made toward rehabilitation.
Offering Assistance For PTD Claims
At Robert J. Dodd Jr., we understand how complicated it is to file for any type of workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits or permanent total disability claims. We offer an initial consultation appointment so that we can better understand the facts of your specific situation and assess which types of benefits you may be eligible to receive. Call us at 740-693-1208 or send an email through our website to book your appointment today.