Will My Employer Pay Me Wage Benefits?

temporary total compensation

When you’re injured on the job, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to cover your medical bills. In addition, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) may grant you benefits including temporary total disability compensation.

If you’re approved for these benefits, your employer may offer to continue your salary in lieu of temporary total compensation paid by the BWC.

How does salary continuation work?

Occupational illnesses and injuries may require time off from work. Unfortunately, few people can afford to go weeks or months without pay. To offset living expenses, the BWC may approve wage benefits (temporary total compensation) during your recovery period.

After a workplace injury or illness claim is filed, an employer can continue to pay the employee’s salary as they recover. To do so, they must notify the BWC by filing Form C55. Both employer and employee must sign the form.

If you choose salary continuation, the BWC will not pay temporary total. Instead, you’ll get your regular paycheck during recovery. Workers often find this preferable, because they can continue to contribute to a 401(k) and pay for insurance automatically.

Salary continuation is voluntary. Your employer may offer to pay you less than your regular wage. You are not obligated to accept that. Instead, you can request temporary total disability benefits from the BWC. However, you cannot receive both salary continuation and BWC benefits at the same time—that is fraud. Filing the C55 form ensures that employees aren’t paid double for a claim.

What happens if my employer stops paying me?

If your employer decides to halt salary continuation for any reason (except your return to work), contact the attorneys at Dworken & Bernstein for assistance. We’ll notify the BWC of the issue. This triggers an investigation, in which the BWC will review your claim and determine whether you should be paid temporary total compensation.

The investigation process may require additional information from you or your employer. Working with our firm ensures that you’ll have a team of experienced lawyers on your side. We’ll do our best to expedite the investigation and help you recover the benefits you deserve. Whether the BWC immediately grants benefits or an appeal is required, we can help you navigate the process from start to finish.

Don’t miss out on your rightful workers’ compensation benefits. Call Dworken & Bernstein today.

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