Severance Agreements and COVID-19

A workers' compensation denial can feel devastating, but an injury lawyer can help. If this has happened to you in Columbus, OH, give us a call at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP here in Columbus right away. The Basis for Workers' Compensation Denials When the Bureau of Workers' Compensation turns down a claim, they are usually arguing either that the injury doesn't seem work-related or that your medical records don't clearly connect it to your job. How does this happen in legitimate injury cases? Well, there's a couple of common issues: Paperwork can arrive late or be incomplete Employers sometimes dispute the facts or timing The Bureau may simply make a mistake Starting Your Columbus, OH Appeal You can appeal the denial with the Ohio Industrial Commission, and your lawyer will need to file this appeal within 14 calendar days after receiving the BWC denial. Once that's been done, the case goes to a hearing before a district hearing officer who reviews all the evidence and testimony before issuing an order. Either side may appeal to a staff hearing officer and then to the full Industrial Commission, and this path can continue on up to the court of common pleas in your county. At every level of new appeal, that 14-day appeal clock gets reset. Working with an Injury Lawyer An injury lawyer who handles these cases regularly knows how to build a record. To get your claim accepted, your lawyer may seek more complete medical files and will often arrange for a physician to write a narrative report that explains causation more clearly. Your attorney may also get statements from your coworkers or supervisors, along with accident reports, time cards, and safety logs, to add important context to your medical evidence. Preparing all this takes sustained attention, experience, and excellent communication skills. It's hard for most people to manage their pain and recovery, plus their finances, while also dealing with all this preparation. A lawyer can take this off your plate.  Along the way, you'll also likely have to attend at least one hearing, and your lawyer can speak for you and formally present your evidence at any hearing. What if a third party is actually at fault? Ohio law makes workers' compensation the exclusive remedy (you cannot sue your boss or coworkers), but that protection does not block you from bringing a claim against third parties. A personal injury lawsuit against them can get you recovery for pain and suffering plus fuller economic losses that the workers' compensation system does not cover. Preparing to Talk to Your Attorney When you set up a consultation, bring your denial order and any earlier Bureau letters, complete medical records with test results and bills, names and contacts for witnesses, a simple log of your missed work dates, and your recent pay stubs or tax records. That way, your lawyer can assess the strength of your appeal quickly and identify possible third-party claims. If your claim has been denied, reach out to a lawyer who knows the Ohio process. Contact us at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP in Columbus or in Pittsburgh, PA for a free consultation.

By: Bob DeRose, Wage and Hour Attorney for Employees As someone who has spent years advocating for workers’ rights, I’ve seen firsthand how small changes in tax or labor law can have massive ripple effects on working families. The recently proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which seeks to exempt overtime wages and tips from federal income tax, is one of those changes that sounds great on the surface—but deserves a closer look. more The Good: More Money in Workers’ Pockets There’s no denying the immediate appeal: Tipped workers —like restaurant servers—could save thousands annually. Overtime earners —like healthcare and logistics workers—would see a boost in take-home pay. For many, this could mean finally catching up on bills, saving for emergencies, or just breathing a little easier. In fact, some estimates suggest a single mother working overtime could save over $2,000 a year. That’s not pocket change—it’s rent, groceries, or a child’s school supplies. ⚠️ The Catch: What’s the Real Cost? But here’s where I urge caution. As with many sweeping reforms, the devil is in the details: Overwork Incentives: The bill could unintentionally pressure workers to take on more hours, even at the expense of their health or family time. Wage Suppression: Employers might cut base wages, knowing workers will rely on untaxed income to make up the difference. Loopholes for the Wealthy: High earners could exploit it by restructuring compensation to appear as “overtime.” Massive Revenue Loss: The federal government could lose up to $866 billion over 10 years. ⚖️ So, What Should Workers Think? As an advocate for employees, I believe in policies that empower workers without exposing them to new risks. While the “Big Beautiful Bill” offers short-term gains, it may also: Undermine wage stability Encourage burnout Shift tax burdens in ways that hurt the very people it claims to help Whitehouse.gov. The estimates were from the Tax Foundation and the Budget Lab at Yale. https://www.pgpf.org/article/heres-how-no-tax-on-overtime-would-affect-federal-revenues-and-tax-fairness/ Ohio is doubling down, House Bill 209, would exempt tips from state and local income taxes. 🗣️ Final Thoughts If you’re a worker, stay informed. If you’re an employer, don’t use this bill as an excuse to cut corners. And if you’re a policymaker—listen to the people on the ground. This bill may be “beautiful” in name, but beauty, as we know, is only skin deep. Bob DeRose, Partner at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP

Workers’ compensation laws are in place to protect employees who are injured on the job. However, navigating the process can be confusing and overwhelming for people unfamiliar with the system. This is where a workers’ compensation law firm in Ohio like Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP. comes in. An experienced Ohio workers’ compensation law firm can help you understand your rights, file a claim, and fight for fair compensation. It’s important to know when to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to get the help you need to protect your rights and get the benefits you deserve. Why Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney? A workers’ compensation law firm provides valuable assistance to those who have been injured on the job. Workers’ compensation attorneys have a deep understanding of the workers’ comp laws and the claims process, which can assist you in receiving fair compensation for your injuries. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will assist in negotiations with your employer on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to. Furthermore, if a dispute arises in the administrative system, a workers’ compensation attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights through effective litigation. In short, a workers’ compensation attorney can provide both peace of mind and be a strong advocate during this difficult time. The Benefits of Contacting a Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Hiring a workers’ compensation law firm offers several benefits you may miss out on if you choose to represent yourself. Nobody has more expertise in the field of workers’ compensation than an experienced Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer. Practicing workers’ compensation lawyers have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding your claim that they can use in securing you fair and just benefits. Another benefit to hiring an experienced workers’ compensation law firm is that they will represent and speak on your behalf during negotiations with your employer, defense attorneys, and third-party administrators to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. While you could represent yourself in your workers’ compensation claim, we don’t recommend doing so. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney provides you with the expertise, representation, and resources you need to receive fair and just compensation for your injuries. Why You Should Act Fast After Your Injury The best time to contact a workers’ compensation attorney is as soon as you are injured. Workers’ compensation claims in Ohio must be filed within a year of the injury. Failing to do so will bar you from pursuing any workers’ compensation benefits. Not only that, but gathering evidence becomes more difficult the further you are from the injury. Contacting a Columbus workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you suffer an injury ensures your claim is filed correctly, before the statute of limitations expires, and that you are able to gather all the evidence you need to support your claim. Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyers That Work for You If you have been injured on the job or have developed an occupational illness, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A workers’ compensation law firm will help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. We can also help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system, negotiate with involved parties, and represent you in court if necessary. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the help you need. Contact the Ohio workers’ compensation lawyers at Barkan Meizlish DeRose Cox, LLP. today to request your free consultation.