What is Ohio Workers' Compensation 7228?
Ohio Workers' Compensation 7228 refers to the state‑specific regulation governing workplace injury claims for employees in Ohio. It outlines the rights of injured workers, the responsibilities of employers, and the procedures for filing and resolving claims. The number 7228 is often used by insurers and legal professionals to reference the statute within the Ohio Workers' Compensation Act.
- What is Ohio Workers' Compensation 7228?
- Eligibility Criteria for Workers in Ohio
- Types of Benefits Covered
- Medical Benefits
- Lost Wages & Disability Benefits
- Filing a Claim: Step‑by‑Step Process
- Important Deadlines and Timelines
- Common Questions & Misconceptions
- Employer Responsibilities Under 7228
- Resources and Where to Find Help
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Eligibility Criteria for Workers in Ohio
To qualify for benefits under 7228, an employee must:
- Be employed by an Ohio‑based business.
- Suffer a work‑related injury or illness.
- Have a documented medical condition linked to the workplace.
- File a claim within 90 days of injury notification.
Types of Benefits Covered
Ohio's workers' compensation system provides two primary benefit categories:
Medical Benefits
Covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medication.
Lost Wages & Disability Benefits
Provides temporary or permanent wage replacement based on the degree of disability:
- Temporary total disability (TTD)
- Temporary partial disability (TPD)
- Permanent total disability (PTD)
- Permanent partial disability (PPD)
Filing a Claim: Step‑by‑Step Process
1. Immediate Action: Report the injury to your supervisor and complete a Workers' Compensation Claim Form (W2).2. Medical Evaluation: Seek medical care from an approved provider; the doctor will complete a Medical Evaluation Report (MER).3. Submit Documentation: Send the W2 and MER to your employer's insurance carrier within 30 days.4. Investigation: The insurer will review the claim; you may be required to attend a medical exam or provide additional records.5. Decision: The insurer will approve, deny, or request more information. A denied claim can be appealed within 30 days.
Important Deadlines and Timelines
Below is a concise timeline of key dates under 7228:
| Action | Timeframe | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Injury Occurrence | Day 1 | Start of coverage period |
| Report to Employer | Within 24–48 hrs | Prevents coverage denial |
| File Claim (W2) | Within 30 days | Mandatory filing period |
| Medical Evaluation | Within 14 days of injury | Establishs injury severity |
| Decision by Insurer | Within 60 days of claim | Determines benefit eligibility |
Common Questions & Misconceptions
• Is the 90‑day filing limit strict? Yes; claims filed after 90 days may be denied unless an exception applies.• Can I keep my job while receiving benefits? You can remain employed, but you may be reassigned to safe duties if possible.• Are there out‑of‑pocket costs? Typically, most medical expenses are covered; however, copays for certain services may apply.
Employer Responsibilities Under 7228
Employers must:
- Provide a safe workplace and comply with OSHA standards.
- Maintain proper workers' compensation insurance coverage.
- Record and report workplace injuries to the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI).
- Assist employees in completing claim forms and facilitating medical care.
Resources and Where to Find Help
• Ohio Department of Insurance: www.odi.gov• Ohio Workers' Compensation Appeals Board: www.odi.gov/appeals• Legal Aid Ohio: Free legal assistance for eligible workers.