Get the Education You Need About Workers’ Comp Benefits for University Workplace Injuries From Our Trusted Legal Team
Were you injured while employed at a post-secondary institution? If so, you may be uncertain about what steps to take next or what options you have to recover compensation. At Monast Law Office, we’re ready to guide you through this challenging time, helping you navigate the Ohio workers’ compensation process. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Risks for Job-Related Injuries at Ohio Colleges and Universities
From slipping on wet floors to developing repetitive strain injuries, college campuses aren’t without their hazards.
Some of the most common injuries for university employees include:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents. Rushing through a campus's busy hallways and staircases can be dangerous, especially during inclement weather or when floors are wet from cleaning. These slip, trip, and fall accidents often cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and back pain.
- Overexertion and repetitive strain injuries. University employees often spend long hours hunched over computers, performing repetitive tasks like typing and data entry. This leads to various musculoskeletal issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and chronic back pain.
- Exposure to hazardous substances. Depending on the department, university employees may be exposed to various chemicals, fumes, or other dangerous materials. This can result in respiratory issues, skin irritation, or even more severe health problems.
- Assault and workplace violence. While not as common, the possibility of assault or workplace violence is a growing concern for some university staff, particularly those who work in security or student-facing roles.
Eligibility for Workers' Compensation
If your injury happened while working at a college or university, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, helping to ease the financial burden while you recover. However, navigating the Ohio workers' compensation system can be confusing and intimidating. The entire team at Monast Law Office is here to support you.
You must prove that your injury was work-related to be eligible for benefits. We work to establish a connection and guide you through the claims process, help to gather all required documentation and advocate to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What You Can Recover Through University Injury Workers' Compensation
Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may be able to secure the following workers' compensation benefits:
- Medical expenses. This includes coverage for hospital visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any other necessary treatment related to your work injury.
- Lost wages. You can receive part of your lost income if your injury prevents you from working.
- Temporary total disability. If your injuries prevent you from doing your job for a while, but you’re expected to recover and eventually return to work, temporary total disability benefits can help replace lost wages.
- Permanent partial disability. You may be entitled to ongoing compensation if your injury results in permanent impairment.
- Vocational rehabilitation. Sometimes, you may be eligible for job retraining or other assistance to help you return to work once you recover.
Monast Law Office: Supporting Your Recovery Every Step of the Way
Dealing with a workplace injury is challenging, especially in a university setting. We’re dedicated to fighting for the best outcome for you. For example, we successfully assisted one of our clients, a Muskingum University employee who suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling from a pickup truck while doing his job. Thanks to our efforts, he was granted permanent total disability after only receiving years of temporary total disability benefits. His claim included compensation and medical benefits totaling several million dollars.
While every workplace injury is different, our commitment remains to stand by your side and help you get the compensation and medical treatment you need to move forward. You focus on recovery—we’ll handle the rest.
