These first few suggestions are some general ideas for how to manage the situation your injury has caused.

1.  Keep all the paperwork about your injury organized.

Put all the papers and letters about your injury and your workers’ compensation claim in one place so you know where it is when you need it.  You can use a manila folder or a large envelope.  (If you were called by an Early Injury Assistance staffer, they will mail you a folder to use.)

Take this folder with you to every medical appointment so your physician has all the written facts in front of him or her.  Have it open when you call your Claims Service Specialist at BWC or your case manager at the MCO.

It’s a good idea to write down the details of what happened before, during, and right after the accident that caused your injury – now while they’re fresh, since things get hazy over time. 

Keep a log or list of the dates when important things happen such as your medical appointments and other important events.  If you have any problem, write down what happened and the date.  And as you think of questions you want to ask someone, write them down – so you have them handy for your next appointment or phone call.

2.  When you need something, make a specific request in this way.

Use this technique to make it more likely you get what you ask for – it’s amazing how well it works!

1. Call the appropriate person (whoever it is) and introduce yourself.
2. Then briefly say why you are calling (to ask for help, get the answer to a question, etc).
3. Briefly describe what your particular concern is – like in a single sentence.
4. Then say what you need, specifically, including why you need it and by when.
5. If you know your request is unusual or might seem unreasonable, admit that – and then give the person you are calling the freedom to say yes or no.  If the person you are calling feels like you are pressuring them, they are more likely to say no.  And then explain why you are making the request anyway.
6. Ask the person if they are willing to grant your request.  If they say no, ask for an explanation in language you can understand.  If the reason is that something is missing, you may be able to supply it.

Be brief and to the point, but include all those things.  If you get voicemail instead of a live person, leave all that information on the voicemail, so they know what to do before they call you back.  And remember to leave your phone number (and your claim number if you are calling BWC or the MCO.)

3.  If you run into trouble of any kind, don't give up, and don't overreact - respond thoughtfully.

If someone doesn’t respond to your request, disappoints you, or lets you down, be thoughtful and consider what is best for you to do.  But don't just ignore the situation.  Remember these things:

1. Be realistic. People are people in workers’ compensation just like everywhere else in life.  They (or you) may sometimes have a bad day.  If you can't seem to get a reasonable response from one person, look for help from someone else on their team – or move “up the chain of command” to the person's manager.
2. Don’t take offense too easily.  Be tolerant and forgiving.  Workers’ compensation is complicated, and many supervisors and doctors are not too familiar with it either – just like you. If they do something wrong, it’s probably a plain old mistake – not because they actually want to hurt you. You can actually help educate them. Print out a copy of the Tips For Supervisors and give it to your supervisor.
3. Stand up for yourself.  Be a squeaky wheel. Remember, it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. The reason why you’re having trouble may be that they don’t know what you are dealing with, what you think you need and why. So when you talk to the people suggested below, remember to make your request clear and easy to understand.
• The first place to turn is the workers’ compensation person at your job, or your Claims Service Specialist at BWC, or your case manager at the MCO.
• If they are unable to help you, ask any of the other people involved in your case for help or advice: for example your boss or your doctor.
• If necessary, your next step is to call the main BWC customer contact line and ask to speak to a supervisor in the claims department. The number is 1-800-OHIOBWC (1-800-644-6292).
• If you are still unable to resolve your concern, get in touch with the Ombuds office by calling 1-800-335-0996 or emailing  ombudsperson@bwc.state.oh.us. It is an independent problem-solving service that answers complaints and general inquiries.
4. Yes, it IS all about YOU!  Remember this: All of the other people involved in your situation are supposed to be serving YOU – the point of this whole system is to help you recover and get back on your feet.  But it’s YOUR job to help these people help you by being a good communicator.  And no matter what happens, your attitude and the quality of your everyday life and future remain your responsibility.