Accidents happen, and injuries can impact all areas of your life. A serious injury can leave you burdened with costly medical bills and unable to work in the same position or capacity as before you were injured. This can take a serious financial toll on you and your family. You may need workers compensation or Social Security Disability benefits to help cover medical bills and other expenses while you are unable to work.

An attorney experienced in Ohio workers’ compensation law and Social Security Disability regulations can help ensure the filing or appeals process goes smoothly to get you the help you deserve after an work related injury. Manley Burke attorney George Moeller has more than three decades of legal experience and focuses his practice on Ohio workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability. George will provide aggressive representation and can assist you in every aspect of your case.

Workers Compensation

Everyone has the right to a safe workplace. However, some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. Construction sites, for instance, tend to be risky for workers — even when all safety regulations are followed. When employees are injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits cover their medical bills for treatment related to their injuries or occupational illnesses. In Ohio, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is involved in all workers’ compensation claims.

Injured workers must complete the First Report of Injury (FROI) online or mail it to a BWC office after checking to ensure their managed care organization has not already filed a claim on their behalf. There are two different types of claims: Injury and Occupational disease.

Within the injury category, the Ohio BWC also recognizes injuries that occur over the long term, known as a “gradually developing injuries.” In other words, the injury does not have to stem from one isolated accident or incident.

Ohio workers’ compensation law is complex. Employers are required to honor claims, but that does not mean they are always eager to do so. We can help ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the workers compensation benefits you have earned.

Social Security Disability

The Division of Disability Determination (DDD) is responsible for evaluating Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits claims for Ohio residents. While the application process for SSD benefits may vary by state, the eligibility requirements do not. Workers who have paid into Social Security for at least five of the past ten years but are now unable to perform any kind of work due to a physical or mental impairment may be eligible for Social Security benefits.

How the SSD benefits process works

Individuals applying for SSD benefits can do so online at www.ssa.gov, by calling 800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. After the application is submitted, the DDD reviews it to determine if the applicant meets the medical requirements for disability. In addition to the applicant’s medical records documenting his or her illness or injury, an independent medical assessment may be required. The DDD then uses the Social Security guidelines for disability to determine if the individual meets the criteria for disability. If SSD benefits are denied, the individual can file an appeal.

It is important to keep in mind that the application process for Social Security benefits is designed to discourage false or unnecessary claims. If your physician has determined that you are unable to work due to your medical condition, a skilled Social Security Disability lawyer like Manley Burke’s George Moeller can help.

Call us today to see how we can get you the help you deserve after a work related injury.