Our Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Explains Temporary Total Disability and Receiving Medical Care
If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, particularly Temporary Total Disability (TTD). But what if you’re unable to work and need financial support before your doctor has had the chance to see you? Our workers’ compensation lawyer at Monast Law Office, will provide step-by-step guidance about how TTD works in Ohio and the important actions you need to take to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Understanding Temporary Total Disability
TTD benefits are designed to provide wage replacement when you’re injured on the job and temporarily unable to perform your duties due to a work-related injury or illness. These benefits are meant to cover the period during which you’re incapacitated but are expected to recover and eventually return to work. TTD benefits include:
- Payment for medical expenses related to the work-related injury
- Income replacement
- Assistance in developing a return-to-work plan
In Ohio, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) administers these benefits. To qualify for TTD, you generally need to meet these key criteria:
- Work-related injury or illness. Your injury or illness must be directly related to your employment.
- Medical certification. A licensed doctor must certify that your condition prevents you from performing your required job duties.
- Filing a claim. You must file a workers’ compensation claim with the BWC and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted.
Timeline for Receiving TTD Benefits
It’s a common concern whether you can start receiving TTD benefits before your first doctor’s appointment. The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors. Here’s what you need to do to start the process.
Make a Report
As soon as you’re injured, you must report the incident to your employer. This action documents your claim and starts the process.
Have a Medical Exam
While you may be worried about the gap between the injury and seeing your doctor and what it might do to you financially, getting medical treatment quickly is important. Even if you can’t see your primary doctor immediately, visit an urgent care center or emergency room to oversee your health and establish your need for TTD benefits.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Although you have a year to file your claim with the Ohio BWC, don’t hesitate; otherwise, your benefits will be further delayed. You can do it online, by phone, or by mail. The claim must include detailed information about the injury and any medical treatment you’ve received. Need some help? Our skilled workers’ comp team will assist you in filing a claim.
Obtain Medical Certification Requirement
For TTD benefits to be approved, the BWC requires medical certification of your disability. This certification must come from a licensed doctor who confirms that your injury or illness prevents you from working. However, you might face a delay in receiving this certification if you haven’t seen your doctor yet.
Receiving TTD Benefits Before Seeing a Doctor
In Ohio, TTD benefits are rarely payable until you have a medical certification from a doctor. This requirement ensures the BWC has official documentation verifying your inability to work due to your injury.
Exception for Emergency Situations
In some emergency situations, where an immediate inability to work is clear and well-documented through initial medical records (such as an emergency room visit), the BWC might provisionally approve TTD benefits pending further medical evaluation. This is less common and typically requires strong initial documentation of the injury’s severity.
What to Do If There’s a Delay
If you’re unable to see your doctor right away and are worried about a delay in receiving TTD benefits, consider these four steps:
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of your injury, initial treatment, and communications with your employer and the BWC.
- Keep the lines open with your employer. Ensure they know your situation and understand the urgency of your need for TTD benefits.
- Follow up diligently. Stay in close contact with the BWC and your healthcare providers to expedite the certification process.
- Seek legal assistance. If delays persist, consulting with our experienced workers’ compensation legal advisors can help you navigate the system more effectively and protect your rights.
At Monast Law Office, we offer skilled guidance and support, ensuring you receive the financial assistance you deserve while you focus on your recovery. As our client, Michael, noted, “I have to say, everyone at Monast Law Office has been more than helpful. They are polite, go above and beyond, and have exceeded my expectations. I can't think of one negative thing to say. They’re a great firm.”
Additionally, our client, Leslie, said, “These skilled professionals at Monast Law Office work hard on behalf of the injured workers that seek their help, myself included. I feel blessed to have found them in my greatest hours of need. They have navigated the entire legal course of action on my behalf so that I can focus solely on trying to heal. I highly recommend Monast Law Office to anyone seeking legal help due to a work injury.”
Read more of our client testimonials and case results to learn how we secure successful client outcomes.
