Anyone who suffers a work-related injury in Ohio deserves to be treated fairly by BWC employees and to promptly receive the benefits to which he or she is entitled.  BWC believes every employee injured at work should receive appropriate and coordinated care with a goal of returning to work and quality of life. 

As an injured worker in Ohio, you have the right:

• To workers' compensation benefits if you sustain a work-related injury or contract an occupational disease.
• To quick access to high-quality health care from any BWC-certified health-care provider you choose.
• To have your approved medical bills paid and not to be billed an additional amount.
• To expect prompt, professional and courteous customer service from all BWC employees.
• To access your records either in person or online.
• To receive timely payments for the allowed conditions in your claim.
• To be considered for all benefits and rehabilitation services for which you may be eligible.
• To a quality independent medical examination when required in your claim.

NOTE: This information also appears on BWC’s main website as the BWC Pledge of Service at: www.ohiobwc.com/worker/brochureware/servicepledge/iwpledge.asp

Here some additional rights you have:

• You are entitled to compensation and medical benefits at a level competitive with other states.
• You have the right to hire a lawyer at your own expense.
• You have the right to prompt medical attention funded through the workers' compensation system.
• You have the right to prompt hearings and processing through the administrative appeal process.
• You have the right to compensation after the first hearing even if your claim is contested.
• You have the right to appeal administrative decisions.
• You have the right to contest claims in the court system.

Here are your official responsibilities in BWC's eyes:

• Remember to use your claim number every time you contact BWC, your managed care organization (MCO) or your self-insuring employer.
• Give your claim number to all doctors treating your work-related injury.
• Contact your Claims Service Specialist (CSS) in your local customer service office or your self-insuring employer when you have questions.  You can also call BWC toll-free at 1-800-OHIOBWC.
• Contact your BWC Claims Service Specialist (CSS) or your self-insuring employer if another insurance company or anyone else offers you payment for your injury.  Why?  Because in some cases, you may be required to repay BWC or your self-insuring employer for benefits.
• In many cases, you cannot work and collect full workers' compensation benefits at the same time.  It's illegal.  Call BWC immediately if you return to work, even part time.

NOTE: This information also appears on BWC’s main website at: www.ohiobwc.com/basics/guidedtour/generalinfo/generalinfo36.asp

Additional responsibilities you SHOULD take on for YOUR benefit:

In addition to the rights and responsibilities that BWC officially states above, there are some other responsibilities you should take on for your own benefit.

Even though BWC, the MCOs, your medical providers, and your employer want you to get better and back to full function, you have to actively help them do that.

The most important things you can do:

• Work hard to recover from your injury and get your life back to normal as soon as you can.
• Offer suggestions for how you can return to work.
• If you don't understand something, ask questions until you do.

Also, an entire section of this website has specific suggestions on how to play your role.  Read those pages at "How to Play Your Part" carefully so you can do the best job possible helping yourself.