The US government offers social security strategies to protect employees. The workers’ compensation law of the United States requires that benefits be paid to employees who suffer from work injuries or occupational diseases. A wage loss benefit due to an injury is a claim covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Read on to understand the benefits of wage loss benefits in workers’ compensation.
Employees facing significant income loss due to work injuries can claim a wage loss benefit and a worker’s injury claim. The WL benefit claim will provide monetary compensation for the employees.
The US Social Security Administration offers Wage Loss benefits in two categories. Let’s learn the types:
Workers who can start working again after a work injury with less pay due to medical restrictions can apply for a WWL claim.
This benefit is for those who cannot continue working due to work injuries. In this case, the worker is released from the job and is unable to get a new job due to the work injury. To get NWWL benefits, the employee must prove that they have been searching for a job but couldn’t get one due to illness.
People suffering from substantial income loss due to work injuries can claim WL benefits. However, several factors can influence whether the claim is satisfied:
Employees suffering from work injuries can apply for Wage Loss benefits simply by submitting a C-140 form. The applicant and their doctor must fill out and submit the form. You should submit detailed medical reports, employment history, educational background, and the form. Getting assistance from an attorney before submitting the form is advisable, as it can prevent claim rejection.
Several proofs are essential for supporting your Wage Loss benefit claim. These documents can prove your eligibility for WL benefits.
To prove your medical disability due to work injuries restricting you from working, you need to submit a comprehensive medical report to support your wage loss claims. Your healthcare provider should send these reports to the Bureau of Workers Compensation.
You should prove that you are searching for job opportunities and that your work injuries are restricting you from getting one. Any document supporting your job search can aid your Wage Loss benefits claim.
We understand that work injuries may reduce your quality of life and influence your earning ability. A successful Wage Loss claim can help alleviate some of your financial burdens. If you want a professional attorney to handle your WL benefit claims, the experts at Regas & Haag can assist you. Contact us now for an appointment.
Navigating the complexities of the Social Security Disability (SSD) claim process can be daunting, and receiving a denial notice can be disheartening. However, it’s important to remember that a denied claim is not the end of the road. If you believe you are eligible for SSD benefits and have been denied, appealing the decision should be your next step.
Read on as we go through the appeal process, explaining what to expect and providing valuable insights to help you increase your chances of success.
Receiving a denial notice is not something that can be taken easily. However, it’s essential to understand that many initial SSD claims are denied. There are several factors involved in the decision-making, so it is likely that this claim was caught up in one of those.
Some examples of reasons could be insufficient medical evidence, incomplete application forms, or technical errors. Reviewing the denial notice to understand its reasons carefully is important. This information will guide you in gathering additional evidence and strengthening your case for the appeal.
When appealing a denied SSD claim, know the time limits and deadlines. Generally, applicants have 60 days from the date of the denial to request an appeal. Failing to meet this deadline may result in starting the application process from the first step. It’s advisable to submit the appeal as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the review process.
There are four levels of appeal for a denied SSD claim: Reconsideration, Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), Appeals Council Review, and Federal Court Review. The first step is the Reconsideration level, where a different examiner reviews your claim. You can request a hearing before an ALJ if the reconsideration is denied. You may proceed to the Appeals Council if the ALJ denies your claim. Finally, if necessary, you can file a lawsuit in federal court.
One crucial aspect of appealing a denied SSD claim is gathering strong medical evidence to support your case. This includes medical records, doctor’s opinions, test results, and any additional documentation related to your disability. It’s important to ensure that all medical evidence is current and specifically addresses how your disability prevents you from working. Working closely with your healthcare providers and securing their support can strengthen your appeal.
Navigating the appeals process can be overwhelming, and seeking professional assistance can be beneficial. Consider consulting with a Social Security Disability attorney or an advocate experienced in handling SSD claims. They can guide you through the process, help you gather strong evidence, prepare you for hearings, and represent you at different levels of appeal.
The appeal for a denied Social Security Disability claim can be complex and challenging, but it offers hope for individuals seeking the benefits they deserve. When filing an appeal, make sure you understand the steps involved and what to expect. From gathering additional medical evidence to presenting a strong case at the hearing, perseverance and determination are key. Remember to seek professional guidance, such as an experienced attorney or advocate, who can navigate the intricate appeal process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Don’t navigate the Social Security Disability appeal alone. Trust Regas & Haag for expert guidance. Our experienced attorneys are here to fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
In Social Security disability cases, medical records are crucial in determining an individual’s eligibility for benefits. These records provide objective evidence of the claimant’s medical condition, treatment history, and the impact of their impairment on their ability to work.
Read on to learn about the role of medical records in Social Security disability cases.
The Social Security Disability (SSD) program, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides coverage for individuals with a severe and long-lasting medical condition that hinders their ability to work. To qualify for SSD benefits, applicants must have a medical condition that has been present for at least a year and prevents them from performing substantial gainful labor.
When applying for SSD benefits, claimants must provide ample medical evidence to confirm their disability claim. Medical evidence primarily includes medical records, diagnostic tests, laboratory reports, and statements from treating physicians. These records should provide a detailed account of the applicant’s medical condition, treatment, and the limitations it imposes on their daily activities and ability to work.
Complete and accurate medical records are critical for the success of a Social Security Disability case. These records serve as the foundation for establishing the existence, severity, and duration of the claimant’s impairment. They should document the diagnosis, treatment plans, medical tests, medications prescribed, and their impact on the claimer’s ability to perform work-related activities.
The treating physician’s opinion holds significant weight in determining disability. Their medical source statement outlines the claimant’s functional limitations and is crucial in establishing their inability to perform substantial gainful activity. The report should address their physical and mental limits, including their ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate, and interact with others.
Objective medical evidence refers to findings that can be independently confirmed and measured. It includes laboratory test results, imaging studies, physical examinations, and other diagnostic procedures. Objective evidence helps verify the claimant’s condition and provides a basis for evaluating the severity of the impairment.
Promptly submitting medical records ensures a smooth and efficient evaluation of a disability claim. Delays in obtaining medical records can hinder the claimant’s chances of securing benefits, as they may prolong the decision-making process or result in incomplete documentation.
If a claimant’s initial application is denied, medical records become even more crucial during the appeals. A comprehensive document, including any subsequent medical developments, can strengthen the claimant’s case during reconsideration or at a disability hearing.
Navigating the complexities of the Social Security Disability Law can be challenging. Seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals, such as Social Security Disability attorneys or advocates, can significantly improve the chances of success. These professionals can help gather the necessary medical evidence, ensure its completeness, and effectively present the case during the evaluation or appeals process.
Complete and accurate medical records, combined with the expertise of legal professionals, can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome. If you want talented personnel to handle your Social Security disability cases, Regas and Haag experts can help you. Contact us now to sail safely.
Mental health is integral to overall well-being, and its impact on the workplace cannot be overlooked. In this article, we will provide critical insights and information about mental health and workers’ compensation in Ohio.
Feeling overwhelmed and experiencing mental health problems can be caused by the nature of your job or the environment where you work. For example, some jobs like healthcare, law enforcement, and firefighting can be extremely stressful. The stress, anxiety, or depression you may feel could be a result of the demands and pressures associated with your work.
In some cases, a traumatic event at work could lead to a condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This can happen to anyone, not just people in high-risk jobs. For instance, if you work as a delivery driver and experience a severe accident while on the job, it could trigger PTSD due to the traumatic experience.
In Ohio, the workers’ compensation program is administered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Primarily, its objective is to provide medical and financial benefits to employees who sustain injuries while performing their duties. This covers physical injuries, conditions, and illnesses and extends to work-related mental health conditions as well.
While the workers’ compensation law in Ohio has specific criteria for mental health conditions to be considered injuries, it does provide opportunities for individuals whose mental health conditions are directly caused by a workplace incident or occupational disease. Claims related to stress and anxiety that develop over time due to work-related pressures may have more stringent requirements for acceptance by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. However, the BWC generally places emphasis on recognizing mental health disorders stemming from one-time traumatic events, as they can be more readily proven to cause evident psychological harm.
Although it can pose a more significant challenge to establish a causal relationship between the work environment or duties and the development of the condition, doing so is crucial to the process of receiving due compensation.
Under Ohio’s workers’ compensation program, mental health compensation may be eligible under certain conditions. The following are some scenarios that qualify:
In determining eligibility for compensation, it is important to follow the same procedure as in the case of a physical injury or disability. Ensure that you seek a medical evaluation, report the incident to your employer, fill out the necessary forms, and gather supporting evidence. After this, submitting a claim to the BWC and cooperating with the investigation is of high importance.
Navigating this complex process while sustaining the injury can place a huge physical and emotional burden on the claimant, so it is advisable to seek legal guidance from an attorney for the most deserved outcomes.
We at Regas & Haag understand the complexities of the workers’ compensation system in Ohio and are here to help you. Contact us today for more information.
Social Security Disability Law can be complex and filled with misconceptions. These misconceptions can lead to confusion and incorrect assumptions about the disability application process. In this article, we will explore some of the common misconceptions about Social Security Disability Law and provide clarity on these important issues.
While it is true that many individuals do receive a denial on their initial application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, this does not mean that everyone will be denied. The process for determining eligibility for SSD benefits is complex and can involve several steps, including a medical review, work history review, and financial eligibility review.
If you are denied benefits on your initial application, you have the right to appeal the decision and request a hearing. This allows you to present additional medical and financial evidence, as well as to have a judge hear your case and make a determination. It is important to note that many applicants are approved for benefits on appeal, so a denial at the initial stage does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to receive benefits.
While it is true that you must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death to be considered disabled under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) standards, there is no strict requirement that you must have been disabled for one year prior to applying for disability benefits.
In fact, you can apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled and unable to work. The SSA will evaluate your medical condition and determine if it meets the criteria for a disability. If your condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and you have enough work credits to be insured for disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive SSD benefits.
While both SSI and SSDI are programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they have different eligibility requirements and purposes.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a disability program for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death and have sufficient work credits to be insured for disability benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is a needs-based program for individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and assets. To be eligible for SSI, you do not have to have a work history or pay into the Social Security system. Instead, your eligibility is based on your financial need.
If you are faced with a disability and need assistance navigating Social Security Disability Law, contact Regas & Haag today. Schedule a consultation call with us to learn more about your rights and take the first step towards securing your future.
While the importance of workers’ compensation cannot be denied, there are still a lot of employers who do not take it seriously. This is why you might want to watch out for some of the things that you can do to make sure that your workers’ company payments are up to date and that your employees are actually getting the benefits that they deserve.
A workers’ compensation hearing is a formal proceeding in which evidence and testimony are presented in order to determine whether an injured worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation claims are important because they allow injured workers and their dependents to receive monetary support, medical care, and rehabilitation services in a protected environment.
The hearing is presided over by a hearing officer, and both the injured worker and the employer (or the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier) have the opportunity to present their case. After reviewing the evidence and testimony, the hearing officer will issue a ruling on the case.
There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for a workers’ compensation hearing. First, it is important to have all of your documentation in order. This includes any medical records, documentation of lost wages, and any other supporting documentation. Second, it is important to be prepared to discuss your case in detail. This means having a clear understanding of what happened, how your injuries have impacted your life, and what you are hoping to achieve through the hearing. Finally, it is important to be professional and courteous throughout the hearing process. This includes being respectful to the hearing officer and other parties involved and being prepared to answer any questions that may be asked.
The place of a workers’ compensation hearing is typically at an Ohio Industrial Commission office. However, in some cases, the hearing may be held at a different location, such as the office of an administrative law judge. The location of the hearing will be specified in the notice of hearing that is sent to the parties.
It is important to hire an attorney for a workers’ compensation hearing because an attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that you are treated fairly. An attorney can also help you obtain the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
An injured worker is a lot more than an employee who misses work and needs medical treatment. For most employers, workers’ compensation is a required coverage that protects your business and its employees. While it’s easy to understand why you need workers’ compensation, there are other aspects of workers’ compensation that are less well known. By getting in touch with the expert legal team of Regas & Haag, you are sure to get a supporting pillar to take care of all your workers’ compensation rights. Contact us now to discuss things in detail and how we can help you.
It is common for most of us to think injury or illness won’t affect us. To protect your family from financial strain, it would be prudent to think about the probability of falling sick or hurt and being unable to work and what you could do about it.
A lot of people have conditions that limit their capacity to work. Some may develop these conditions long before they retire. Programs like Social Security Disability Insurance are available to assist those living with disabilities or illness and their families in managing their lives should an unforeseen injury or sickness occur.
The Social Security Administration offers two programs that can ensure proper disability payments. The program would depend on your workplace and financial situation.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program, which is supported by payroll deductions, can be a resource for employees who have made contributions to the system. Conversely, people with lower incomes, kids, and visual impairments may benefit from Supplemental Security Income. Most disability benefits come in the form of payments meant to make up for lost wages.
It is possible to file a claim for disability benefits online, in person, or over a call. It would help to gather all required paperwork and data. Documents such as income tax returns, a list of all prescribed drugs, and dates for any operations and treatment appointments. Preparing well will make sure that everything goes smoothly.
The date on which the person became disabled and unable to work full-time is known as the disability onset date. It is one of the most important considerations in your claim. Documents of employment history claims made in the application, medical proof, and testimonies from family are used to make the determination.
A lawyer needs precise facts to comprehend a Social Security disability claim.
The lawyer will inquire about the status of the claim during the initial meeting. Without the assistance of a lawyer, the analyzing process is exceedingly complicated and challenging to manage. It is crucial to submit an appeal if a Social Security disability claim has been rejected.
A timely appeal of a Social Security disability denial is required to overturn the decision. Every state has a different set of regulations governing when to submit an appeal. It is important to note if an appeal is submitted past the due date, it can be rejected.
When you work with an experienced Social Security lawyer, they will help you navigate the application process, identify deadlines, and help you sidestep potential pitfalls so you can claim the benefits you deserve.
Have you been denied disability benefits? Contact Regas & Haag, Ltd. to learn how we can help. We handle every phase of your Social Security Disability case so you can get the benefits you are entitled to.
Losing a job and any source of income due to an occupational disease or illness can exacerbate an already bad situation for the person involved. However, there are resources for vulnerable and unemployed workers who have become temporarily or totally disabled due to a work-related disease or illness.
This guide will explain how occupational diseases are defined and what types of illnesses are compensable according to the state’s industrial commission.
According to the United States Department of Labor, ”An illness is an abnormal condition or disorder. Illnesses include both acute and chronic illnesses, such as, but not limited to, skin diseases, respiratory disorders, or poisoning. Additionally, illnesses are recordable only if they are new, work-related cases that meet one or more of the 1904 recording criteria. “
An occupational disease is any illness caused by hazards in the workplace. These hazards may include physical, chemical, and biological elements such as the following:
There is a list of compensable occupational diseases stipulated by state law, including the following
Occupational diseases can leave you temporarily or permanently disabled in some ways, limiting your ability to return to work. In such cases, you are entitled to file an occupational disease claim. This claim entitles you to certain compensation till the date you are unable to resume your work or unable to join the workforce again.
If you have been diagnosed with a workplace-related disease, you will need a diagnosis report from a licensed medical practitioner to ensure you receive fair compensation. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation requires a medical diagnosis to establish the link between the disease and the harmful effect of a hazardous element.
However, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation also states that mere exposure or contact with disease-causing elements does not automatically entitle anyone to compensation. If you are taking any preventive measures against the plausible disease, you will not receive any compensation.
The date for filing an occupational disease claim must be most recently after the disease’s diagnosis or medical treatment. According to state law, you are entitled to compensation at the following times:
Certain occupational diseases can take years to manifest or go unnoticed at first. It is incredibly tricky to establish the cause of the disease in any workplace situation. However, according to state law, a compensation claim must be filed within six months of the diagnosis or two years after the disability caused by the occupational disease begins. You may lose your claim for compensation if you file it after that.
Any person suffering from an occupational disease or their authorized representatives can file a claim.
You may be going through a lot to take proper action if you fell victim to an occupational hazard. Regas & Haag, Ltd is dedicated to assisting you in successfully navigating legal liabilities for fair compensation. Our attorneys at Regas & Haag, Ltd. will help you with everything from contacting your doctor for your medical records and reports to filing compensation claims and preparing you for necessary legal hearings.
You can contact us by visiting our website or calling 330-649-9102 to get started.
Workplace injuries are common and can occur in even the safest workplace. There are laws governing the compensation of injured employees. However, it can be challenging to get your compensation as most companies are not thrilled about making these payments.
TTD benefits refer to compensation as a result of a disability obtained from a workplace injury. The two categories of TTD are temporary total disability and temporary partial disability. This means an employee has incurred an injury at work that has left them disabled either temporarily or permanently. The company agrees to pay part of the employee’s salary for as long as they are out of work.
To be eligible for TTD, convincing evidence that the injury was incurred at work is necessary. Additionally, you will require an assessment from a medical doctor to ascertain that you cannot go back to work in the condition. The TTD payments will eventually end when the doctor confirms that you are well enough to return to work.
In some circumstances, the disapproval of the insurance company can also lead to loss of payment. This can occur if the assessing doctor is questionable. However, once you have been allowed back to work with restrictions that your company cannot accommodate, you remain eligible for TTD.
You can request TTD payment in Ohio by submitting a Physician’s Report of Work Ability (MEDCO-14) and C84 forms. Submit the two documents to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for assessment.
The first 12 weeks of TTD payments are a sum of your earnings for the 6 or 7 days before the injury. Your TTD will be 72 percent of the total weekly wage. If you cannot return to work after 12 days, the TTD will shift to the average weekly wage rate. This is calculated using your earnings for the one year preceeding the date of the accident.
At this point, the TTD rate will be around 66 percent of the average weekly wage. The TTD payments cannot exceed the state’s maximum rates set in place by the state of Ohio. Unfortunately, you cannot perform or take up any other job while on TTD. This equates to a crime punishable by the laws of the state of Ohio.
At Regas and Haag, we understand how tedious the compensation process can be. You do not have to go through the process alone. Our legal team is equipped and competent in handling the compensation process through the BWC. We will gladly schedule a meeting at no fee to discuss your rights. Because we have your best interest at heart, no attorney’s fee will be charged until we win the case. Give us a call today!
While there is a downward trend in workplace injuries due to the increased health and safety measures, it isn’t down to zero yet. Many people still suffer from workplace injuries that force them to take a temporary or permanent break from work.
After seeking medical advice for your injuries, you should get legal advice on what your next steps should be. This article highlights some of the most common workplace injuries and what you should do if you suffer from one.
Slips and falls are among the most common workplace accidents and are the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims. Slips and falls can occur during many circumstances, including:
Businesses should follow OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Association) fall protection rules to ensure that their employees aren’t harmed on the job. If you’re injured on business premises that don’t meet the required safety standards, you should consult an attorney to file for compensation.
Overexertion injuries, such as muscular strains and RSI (repetitive strain injury), can result in long-term chronic discomfort and productivity loss. This sort of workplace injury is caused by:
Your organization should provide mandatory instruction on executing physical tasks healthily without straining your muscles. If they don’t, you can follow OSHA’s ergonomics guidelines. In addition, to minimize overexertion and long-term bodily injury, make sure you take frequent pauses and use that time to relax and stretch.
However, if you’ve already faced an extreme level of such injury, you can plan your recovery and look for ways to file a lawsuit against the organization for inadequate safety and rest measures.
Walking into a sharp edge of a counter or hitting your head against low-hanging equipment is pretty serious. Being struck by equipment can lead to severe hand injuries, amputations, stress fractures, traumatic head injuries, mental trauma, etc.,
You can get injuries from equipment when:
Talk to an attorney to learn how you can charge for compensation, even for minor fractures, and not just amputations of body parts.
Workplace injuries aren’t an uncommon sight, but if you’re injured due to negligence from your employer, you deserve to be compensated for your troubles. To ensure that you receive just compensation for your workers’ compensation claim, you require an experienced attorney who will be by your side until the claim gets approved. We at Regas & Haag Ltd specialize in handling workers’ compensation claims in Ohio and can offer comprehensive legal assistance that you may need for workers’ insurance claims. Contact us through our website or call us at 330-649-9102.