When an Ohio employee suffers a workplace injury accident, he or she expects to receive some type of benefits to cover medical expenses and other damages. However, not every worker receives workers' compensation benefits for on-the-job accidents. Some employees - such as those who work for the state or federal government - are covered under different plans. Read on to find out how you may be covered in the event of a workplace accident.
If you work for the city, county or state government, state laws will generally determine your coverage. You should be able to find posters around your work area that discuss what to do in the event of a workplace injury. Look for your information in your break room or other common area. If you're ever in doubt, you may contact your human resources department or union representative if applicable.
Those who work for the federal government have a separate plan available to them called the Federal Employee's Compensation Act. This plan offers compensation for lost wages and medical expenses, as well as training for those who have become partially disabled while on the job. All federal employees have this benefit, no matter how long they have been in the federal government or what position they hold.
While not everyone is covered under the workers' compensation program - for example, state officials are usually not covered - there are remedies available, under separate plans, to many injured workers. This frequently applies to firefighters and police officers. If you were injured on the job and do not understand your benefits, or feel you were wrongly denied workers' compensation benefits, it may be advisable to seek legal assistance to protect your rights as an employee.
Source: FindLaw, "Public Employees and Workers' Compensation," accessed July 11, 2015
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