Columbus Workplace Accident Lawyer

Were you or a loved one injured in a work-related accident in Columbus, OH? Getting fair compensation can be critical to your future. An experienced Columbus workplace accident lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you. Call us today at (614) 587 8423.

Our experienced legal team brings together over 71 years of combined practice, focusing on a range of cases from Columbus uber accidents to construction accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death claims, slip and falls in Columbus, workers’ compensation claims, and more. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing compassionate support while fighting vigorously for the compensation you deserve.

Workplace injury cases can involve multiple legal theories. To learn how an experienced attorney can help you maximize your compensation, contact our law offices in Columbus, Ohio, for a free consultation today.

Why Should I Call Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers For Help After a Workplace Accident in Columbus, OH?

Why Should I Call Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers For Help After a Workplace Accident in Columbus, OH?

Workplace injuries can be overwhelming. You’re probably entitled to workers’ comp benefits. But what if your claim is denied? What if your employer claims your injuries didn’t happen at work? How do you know whether you’re getting a fair deal?

Our Columbus personal injury attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to help with all the insurance and legal issues.

All of our attorneys have earned AV Preeminent ratings for our successful legal representation. We’ve also been recognized by Super Lawyers for multiple years running.

We can help with your case by:

  • Completing the paperwork and documentation
  • Identifying all sources of compensation 
  • Determining the level of workers’ comp benefits you should receive
  • Defending you if your claim is denied or undervalued
  • Protecting you if your doctor tries to push you to return to work too soon
  • Negotiating with the insurance companies for full compensation
  • Representing you at trial and in any hearings if necessary

Recovering compensation can be difficult. Our Columbus personal injury lawyers can handle the details. Just give us a call to learn more about your rights today.

How Common Are Workplace Accidents in Ohio?

Private employers in Ohio reported 88,600 non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022 alone. Unfortunately, 153 fatal work accidents were also reported.

How Do I Recover Compensation After a Workplace Injury in Columbus?

Work injury victims in Ohio have two possible sources of compensation: workers’ comp and personal injury lawsuits.

Nearly all Ohio workers are covered by workers’ compensation. 

To receive workers’ compensation, you must prove:

  • Your injuries were work-related and were suffered in the course of employment
  • You didn’t intentionally cause the accident and injury
  • You were an employee rather than an independent contractor
  • For wage replacement benefits, your injury prevents you from working at full capacity for more than seven days

Not all injured employees have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. You cannot sue your employer for damages in most cases. Workers’ compensation protects employers from lawsuits.

However, it’s always possible that your employer wasn’t responsible for your injuries. If someone other than your employer was responsible, you may still have a valid personal injury case.

In workplace injury cases, potential examples of third-party defendants include:

  • General contractors
  • Property owners who don’t maintain safe premises
  • Negligent drivers who cause traffic accidents
  • Vendors or suppliers
  • Manufacturers of defective work equipment, tools, or supplies

Our lawyers will evaluate every opportunity to help you get the full compensation you deserve after an injury. 

What Is My Columbus Workplace Accident Case Worth?

Your case value generally depends on:

  • How long your disability lasts
  • Your wages prior to suffering the disability
  • Whether you can earn some income during recovery and how much
  • The nature of your injuries
  • The identity of the responsible party

Workers’ comp should cover all of your medical expenses if you visit an approved doctor. However, disability benefits only cover about 72% of your average wages prior to the injury for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, you’ll receive about 66 ⅔ % of your average wages for the prior 52-week period.

What Types of Compensation Are Available to Workplace Accident Victims in Columbus, Ohio?

Your damages will depend on the legal theories that apply in your case.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation in Ohio provides the following benefits:

  • Medical expenses
  • Temporary total (TT) compensation benefits if you’re totally unable to work due to a temporary injury
  • Wage loss benefits if you lose income during recovery but can work in some capacity
  • Permanent partial disability for permanently reduced earning capacity
  • Permanent total disability for injuries that will permanently prevent you from working
  • Living maintenance benefits if you’re participating in an approved rehabilitation program
  • Lump sum awards in certain situations
  • Death benefits for survivors of fatal work accident victims

These benefits are similar to economic damages in a personal injury case.

Personal Injury Damages

In personal injury cases, you can seek additional economic damages not covered by workers’ compensation. You can also seek compensation for your non-economic – or personal – losses.

Those damages often include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation
  • 100% of your lost wages 
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Humiliation and trauma
  • Depression 
  • PTSD
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Disfigurement 
  • Loss of consortium

In rare cases, punitive damages may be available as punishment for especially shocking or intentional behaviors.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Columbus?

Our team at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. Instead of charging hourly rates, we receive a percentage of any compensation we recover in your case.

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Partly Responsible for a Workplace Accident in Ohio?

The value of your workers’ compensation benefits is not impacted by Ohio’s shared fault law. Workers’ compensation in Ohio is a no-fault system. You won’t even have to prove that your employer was negligent to receive benefits.

If you can file a personal injury lawsuit, the comparative negligence law limits your financial recovery if you share some fault. 

You lose your right to damages if you were at least 51% responsible for the accident. When you share less than 51% of the blame, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of blame allocated to you. 

You don’t lose your right to compensation just because someone is blaming you. They’ll have to prove you were, in fact, responsible. An attorney can protect you from unfair allegations in cases involving shared fault.

Workplace accidents can cause any number of injuries. These injuries can prevent you from earning a living, participating in your family, and enjoying your life. They can also result in considerable pain and financial stress.

Some examples of the types of injuries sustained by workers include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Burns
  • Back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Crushing injuries
  • Occupational diseases
  • Lung damage
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Concussions
  • Organ damage
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Wrongful death of a loved one

These are only some examples of the types of injuries employees can suffer on the job. If you or a family member were hurt in a work-related accident, contact us today to learn more about how we can help with the legal issues.

What Causes Most Workplace Accidents in Columbus?

Workplace injuries are much more likely when people are careless.

Some of the most common causes of work accidents include:

  • Ignoring Ohio and federal OSHA safety regulations
  • Missing fall protection equipment
  • Improperly installed scaffolding
  • Dangerous property conditions or premises liability
  • Negligent security, which can lead to workplace violence
  • Defective work equipment
  • Communication failures
  • Failure to properly train and supervise employees
  • Failure to conduct proper background checks 
  • Failure to regularly inspect and maintain worksites and tools
  • Lack of proper safety equipment
  • Slips and falls 
  • Trucking accidents and negligent driving
  • Fatigued and distracted workers and supervisors

Determining the cause of your accident is critical to maximizing your financial recovery. It’s the only way to know whether you have the right to seek compensation above and beyond what workers’ compensation covers.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim for Financial Compensation After a Workplace Accident in Ohio?

To preserve your right to workers’ comp benefits, notify your employer as soon as possible. After the initial notice, you have one year to formally report your workplace injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

The statute of limitations in Ohio personal injury cases is two years. Waiting longer means you lose your right to sue for damages.

Now, these deadlines don’t mean you should wait two years to call a lawyer. Your lawyer will need time to investigate and build your case. Calling a lawyer quickly is the best way to make sure you’ll get fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Columbus Workplace Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

Do you have questions about your legal options after a workplace accident in Columbus, OH? Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to offer solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how an experienced Columbus workplace accident attorney can help you fight for fair compensation.

Our Personal Injury law firm in Columbus also provides: