Chapter Three: Understanding Medical Payment And Benefits

Wage Replacement: What You’re Entitled To (And How It Works)

When you’re injured on the job and unable to work, Ohio’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of wage replacement benefits.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

This is typically the first benefit you’ll receive. It’s paid in place of your regular wages when:

• You’re unable to work due to your injury, or
• Your employer can’t accommodate the work restrictions set by your doctor.

Wage Loss Compensation

If you’re able to return to work but can’t earn the same wages because of medical restrictions, workers’ comp may cover part of the income difference. This benefit applies to both part-time work and lower-paying transitional jobs.

These benefits can be vital while you’re recovering, but they don’t always start automatically. They must be properly requested and supported with thorough documentation.

What Medical Treatments Are Covered?

Workers’ comp does not automatically cover every medical issue. It only covers treatments related to conditions that are officially allowed in your claim. For example, if your claim is allowed for a lumbar strain, but your doctor later diagnoses a herniated disc, the BWC won’t cover treatment for the disc until that diagnosis is formally added to the claim. Coverage is limited to causally related medical conditions, that is, those your doctor can directly connect to your workplace injury.

Bottom line: just because you’re injured doesn’t mean everything is covered. The details and the paperwork matter—a lot.

Rehabilitation And Retraining

The Ohio BWC offers vocational rehabilitation programs designed to help you return to work in a role that fits your medical restrictions, as well as retraining programs. In more limited cases, you may qualify for additional education or skill training via these retraining programs if you’re unable to return to your previous job.

You’ll need to qualify and work with a vocational counselor to take advantage of these programs, but they can be life-changing if your injury affects your long-term career path.

If Treatment Is Still “Pending”

Don’t delay treatment if your benefits haven’t been approved yet. It’s critical you:

• Stay engaged with your medical provider.
• Make sure your doctor knows the claim is pending.
• Have them structure your care with that in mind.

Getting timely medical attention not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim by creating a consistent, documented treatment record.

How An Experienced Attorney Can Help Maximize Your Benefits

Workers’ comp is paperwork-heavy, rules-based, and often confusing. After 35 years in this field, I’ve seen how small errors can lead to big delays. Our job is to spot incomplete or inaccurate paperwork before it becomes a problem, ensure your medical records tell the right story (the one that supports your benefits), and help you push back when claims are denied or underpaid.

We’ve handled just about every type of situation, and we know how to stay a step ahead of the process. That means fewer headaches for you and far more time to focus on getting better.