Helping injured workers navigate the complex process of workers’ compensation claims

Catastrophic Injuries And Permanent Total Disability Benefits

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) provides a range of compensation when a worker is unable to return to his or her job. If a work-related injury is so severe that it prevents the injured party from ever returning to work, he or she may qualify for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.

Under BWC guidelines, PTD benefits are given when a worker’s injuries result in “the inability to perform sustained remunerative employment” due to the injuries specified in the claim. A worker who applies for PTD benefits must receive an independent medical examination and attend a hearing before the Industrial Commission of Ohio to determine if he or she is eligible to receive PTD benefits. PTD benefits are payable for life.

A workplace accident that leaves you permanently disabled may be cause for a personal injury lawsuit in addition to collecting workers’ compensation benefits. We can review the facts of your case and help you determine if a personal injury claim is warranted.

Our Ohio Total Disability Attorney Will Work To Maximize Your Benefits

Loss of use of one’s upper extremities, lower extremities and loss of eyesight are examples of injuries that may qualify a worker for PTD benefits. Although these catastrophic injury cases may seem straightforward, in many ways they can be among the most complex to resolve. It is important to enlist the services of a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that your case is presented correctly in order to maximize the amount of benefits you recover.

At the Law Offices of Charles W. Kranstuber, LPA, in Columbus, we have represented injured workers for more than three decades. We understand the complexities that must be addressed when pursuing PTD benefits and how to collect the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.

We also know how to maximize the amount you recover. How much a worker who qualifies for PTD benefits receives is based on a formula that factors in the worker’s income. Benefits often equal two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly wage at the time of the injury, but circumstances may warrant more or less than that.

Get Answers To Your Questions And Insights On Next Steps

Like other workers’ compensation benefits, PTD benefits that have been granted can be contested by the BWC or a self-insured employer if the worker’s actions warrant a review. We invite you to meet with our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer during a free consultation to get answers to your questions and a recommendation on an effective course of action. Call 614-255-6134 or email us to schedule a meeting.