Ohio Work Comp Hearings: Why Your Lawyer Should be There

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is the State Insurance Fund that makes the initial determinations on employer claims for coverage. For the smaller types of claims such as those that only entail an urgent care or emergency room visit, the BWC will typically give a favorable decision. These types of claims would not require any more involvement from the employee or the employer. 

Workers’ Compensation Hearings 

The Ohio Industrial Commission (IC) will oversee hearings for matters in dispute, such as issues related to medical treatments, diagnostic testing and payments for claims of compensation. These hearings are typically held in a conference room rather than a courtroom and the hearing officer, an attorney who has been trained by the IC to decide over disputed matters, acts as the judge. The employer will be present with their legal representation and the injured employee will be present with their legal representation, which should be an attorney with experience in workers’ compensation claims. 

Your Work Comp Attorney Protects Your Rights

While these types of hearings are usually kept civil, they can be emotionally charged, especially if your employer is disputing your injuries or working capacity. In the event that this happens, your work comp lawyer will most certainly address this behavior and stand up for your rights. Your attorney will help to keep the hearing focused on the facts and not let an angry employer try to divert attention away with unfounded allegations. 

Schiff & Associates is an experienced workers’ compensation law firm, with a positive track record for more than 35 years. We have helped thousands of people in the state of Ohio to recover millions of dollars due to them under the law for workers’ compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, car accident claims and many others. We work for you on a contingency basis, meaning you owe nothing until we make a recovery for you. 

Schiff & Associates understands how devastating an on-the-job injury can be. We represent you in all matters from administrative hearings to court appeals. Contact us to have a highly skilled attorney on your side to guide you through the complex system of workers’ compensation claims.

Motorcycles and Car Accidents: Why You Need a Lawyer

The freedom of the open road and the wind in your face is a thrill that motorcycle riders love. Unfortunately, the thrill can also lead to very dangerous situations and debilitating or deadly accidents. When a motorcycle rider is in an accident, either with another vehicle or skidding off a road, they are much more likely to encounter more severe injuries or death as opposed to a driver of an automobile. 

If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident and experienced slight or serious injury, it is important that you consult with a car accident attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents. Severe injuries may occur from a motorcycle accident such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs or loss of life. 

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are various causes of motorcycle accidents as well as car accidents, although the outcomes can be very different. Some of the most common cause of motorcycle accidents include:

• Unsafe road conditions – roads that are slick or wet may be risky when riding a motorcycle, as well as roads that have been damaged and are not repaired.

• Animals in or crossing the road – coming across an animal in the road suddenly could cause a motorcycle accident.

• Drunk or impaired driving – impairment from alcohol either on the part of the motorcycle rider or the driver of a vehicle are often the cause of an accident.

• Road rage – driver aggression is a common cause of many accidents on the road and riders of motorcycles encounter the same driver aggression as drivers of automobiles.

• Illegal turning – this is a common cause of a motorcycle accident and happens when someone is turning left and does not signal their intention. A rider may continue straight through an intersection only to be hit by a driver who did not signal their turn.

Determining who was at fault after a motorcycle accident can be tricky. Proving fault may not always be clear and could be difficult to prove. This is one of the biggest reasons for obtaining an experienced automobile and motorcycle accident attorney.

Schiff & Associates for all Motor Vehicle Accidents

Schiff & Associates is recognized as a leading car accident attorney in Ohio, with over 35 years of experience. We provide the legal expertise you need to win your claim including investigative services. We’ll get to the bottom of who was to blame and hold any negligent party responsible. 

Our experienced team is skilled in all negotiation and litigation, standing by your side every step of the way until you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have experienced any type of personal injury, car accident or an accident at work, Schiff & Associates will get the settlement you deserve.

Schiff & Associates has the experience and the expertise necessary to help you through any accident case for the compensation you deserve. We know that your financial recovery is critical to your physical recovery. Contact us for a free consultation and learn more about what your case is worth and how we can help with motorcycle and car accident claims.

Spinal Cord Injury from Car Accident: Ohio Attorneys

Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, including a spinal cord compression. Motor vehicle accidents put tremendous pressure on the spinal cord causing compression and damage to the nerves. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include: 

• Loss of sensation in your feet

• Weakness in your foot that causes a limp

• Pain in your back and neck

• A burning sensation in your legs and arms

• Trouble with hand to eye coordination

Symptoms of a spinal cord compression can have a profound effect on your personal life and could make it nearly impossible to work. These effects can be temporary or permanent and create significant financial difficulties for you and your family. The cost of medical visits, treatments, therapies, rehabilitation and lost wages can be devastating. Constant pain and financial burdens can also affect a person psychologically and lead to major depression. 

It is critically important that you speak with a personal injury lawyer if you have experienced a spinal cord injury or any type of injury from an automobile or workplace accident. 

Spinal Cord Compression Treatment

Treatment for a spinal cord compression injury includes a variety of physicians such as orthopedic doctors and surgeons, neck or back surgeons, physical therapists and neurologists. Treatments may include injections in the spine, physical therapy or surgery depending on the severity of your injuries. Victims of spinal cord injuries face a long road to physical recovery, on top of mounting financial burdens. 

Personal Injury Attorneys are Key to Recovery

It is imperative that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer with expertise in spinal cord injuries and automobile accident law. Schiff & Associates consists of the leading personal injury attorneys in Ohio, fighting for your rights and the financial settlement you deserve. We help you every step of the way with your financial recovery so that you can focus on what’s most important, your physical recovery. 

Schiff & Associates is a leading personal injury attorney in Ohio, helping our clients to receive maximum compensation due under the law for more than 35 years. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients with personal injury and car accident claims. Contact us for a free consultation and learn how we can help you on the road to recovery after a spinal cord injury or car accident in Ohio.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Legal Representation

A spinal cord injury can be devastating and may cause nerve damage leading to permanent loss of bodily function either below the injured area, partial or full paralysis. Victims of a spinal cord injury may experience a loss of sensation and strength and may never make a full recovery. 

Complete loss of motor and sensory functions can lead to the inability to control bowel and bladder functions, unusual muscle spasms, constant pain, difficulty breathing, prolonged respiratory problems and many other medical symptoms. Some people may experience a lack of mobility that requires assistance with daily living and makes working impossible. The physical pain and psychological scars may last a lifetime. Seeking financial recovery for your injuries with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney may ease the financial burden so you can focus on what is most important. 

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Ohio

Many types of accidents may lead to spinal cord injuries. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Car accidents – the leading cause of spinal cord injuries are motor vehicle accidents

• Falls – falling from heights is the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, this may occur on construction sites or at a workplace

• Sporting activities – extremely physical sports put athletes at a greater risk for a spinal cord injury

• Medical malpractice – medical negligence and errors during surgical procedures can cause a spinal cord injury, paralysis, stroke or even death

No matter the cause, the party at fault should hold financial responsibility for a spinal cord injury to yourself or a loved one. Any spinal cord injury (SCI) that leads to any type of ongoing medical issues, partial or complete paralysis requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney skilled in spinal cord injury cases. 

Schiff & Associates Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Schiff & Associates is experienced in all personal injury law cases, including spinal cord injury claims. If you or a loved one has been injured through the negligence or fault of another person or organization, you need the representation of an experienced attorney to obtain the financial recovery you deserve. We have helped people in Ohio for over 35 years to recover maximum settlements to cover the wide range of costs and expenses you will incur. 

You are entitled to recover compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering and the many types of medical expenses that have been incurred and that will be ongoing such as physical, vocational and mental therapy and assistance with daily living needs. 

Schiff & Associates is Ohio’s foremost spinal cord injury lawyer, with experience in pursuing the maximum compensation that you deserve. We offer a free initial case evaluation and work for your rights on a contingency basis. Contact us to learn more about your rights and compensation due for any spinal cord injury.

Scaffolding Safety to Avoid Workers Comp Claims in Ohio

Construction workers are often put in challenging positions and unsafe environments on a regular basis, all in the name of speeding up jobs for profitability. Construction employers who put profits over safety are risking much more than complaints from workers or even OSHA fines. Serious accidents and wrongful death may occur from unsafe work practices when it comes to scaffolding and employees must be aware of the dangers and required safety practices. 

Construction workers can take steps on their own to protect themselves against serious workplace accidents, especially when working on scaffolding. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe and avoid unstable and unsafe working conditions:

• Always follow safety training practices – be sure to complete all training and know the requirements for safety in erecting structures and scaffolding. Training will help you to identify any potential hazards with a structure before risking a collapse that may cause serious injuries or worse. OSHA requires professional inspections of all scaffolding rigs although a personal inspection is always in your best interest.

• Be aware of new hazards – scaffolding may be safe one day and not the next. Regularly check for new hazards that may have been caused by wind or rain that may jeopardize the stability of a rig.

• Never become complacent – complacency on construction worksites has led to serious accidents and even death. Avoid complacency and always remember, safety first!

• Take your time – never let a deadline make you feel rushed to where you avoid following your training and safety precautions.

• Identify risks of electrocution – always be on the lookout for power lines and keep your distance. Never climb a scaffold that is near any electrocution hazards.

• Evaluate scaffold safety after each reposition – do not forget to go through your safety checklist every time your scaffold is repositioned.

In spite of following the best safety practices you have been trained for, a construction site accident with unsafe scaffolding may occur. The negligence of another worker or your employer may cause a debilitating injury. If this occurs, filing a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio is best done with the help of a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. 

Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Ohio Helps Through Complex Claims

Schiff & Associates is an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Ohio, with a track record of helping people recover a fair settlement since 1982. We are skilled in dealing with the complex Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and interacting with all parties involved. Our attorneys represent you in all administrative hearings and any necessary court appeals to protect your rights. 

If you’ve experienced a workplace injury in Ohio, remember to call Schiff & Associates for experienced legal representation to guide you through the complex workers’ compensation system. We have recovered the maximum settlement for people in Ohio for a variety of accident claims including: 

• Construction accident claims
• Car, truck and motorcycle accidents
• Personal injury including brain and spinal cord injuries
• Drunk driver accidents
• Commercial vehicle and semi-truck accidents
• Many others

Schiff & Associates has provided the people of Columbus, Ohio and surrounding area with trusted legal representation for over 35 years. We have recovered millions of dollars in claim settlements, getting you the financial outcome you deserve. Contact us for assistance with any workers’ compensation issue from an experienced Ohio worker’s compensation attorney.