Protect your business and employees with Ohio workers' comp
Having workers' compensation in Ohio is essential for many small businesses. This coverage offers financial and medical support to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Workers' comp also helps companies in the Buckeye State limit liability, support their staff, and meet regulations.
Because Ohio is a monopolistic state, workers' comp must be purchased from a state-run fund, not a private insurer. Talk to one of our agents to get answers to your Ohio workers' compensation insurance questions.
Who needs workers' compensation insurance in Ohio?
Under Ohio workers' compensation law, businesses with one or more full-time, part-time, or seasonal employees are generally required to have coverage. Workers' comp may also be required to satisfy some professional licenses and contracts.
Ohio workers' compensation insurance exemptions
Some exemptions to Ohio workers' compensation coverage include:
- Sole proprietors
- Partnerships
- Independent contractors
- Individuals incorporated as a business
- LLCs acting as sole proprietors
- LLCs acting as partnerships
- Family farm corporate officers
- Ministers of religious organizations
What are the penalties for not having workers' comp in Ohio?
Since it's required, there are penalties for not having workers' compensation insurance in Ohio. Having the right coverage prevents serious financial consequences, like costly fines.
The best way to avoid these risks is to follow Ohio laws and get workers' comp insurance.
How much does workers' comp cost in Ohio?
Several factors can influence your Ohio workers' compensation rate, such as payroll, location, number of employees, industry, and claims history. Each of these elements helps determining the overall cost of your insurance.
Be sure to review the details of your policy to make sure you're meeting all Ohio workers' comp insurance requirements.
How can you get workers' comp in Ohio?
There are two ways to get Ohio workers' compensation insurance:
- State-run fund: Most companies get Ohio workers' comp policies through a state-run fund. This government program guarantees consistent coverage and benefits for all workers. Operating on a non-profit basis, the state fund aims to keep expenses manageable and is regulated by the state to ensure fairness and efficiency.
- Self-insurance: In limited cases, Ohio businesses have the option to apply for self-insurance. With approval, self-insurance can reduce their premiums by using reserved funds to manage workers' comp claims and payment. However, they need to be ready to assume all financial risks and administrative responsibilities.
Both options are available through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Visit their website to learn more about how to get workers' comp coverage.
How does workers' comp work in Ohio?
Ohio workers' comp coverage supports employees suffering from job-related injuries or illnesses. All Ohio workers' comp claims must go through the BWC.
If approved, the employee will start receiving financial support. The duration of benefits depends on the severity of the case.
Some workers' comp benefits in Ohio include:
- Medical expenses
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
- Death benefits
It's important to note that Ohio workers' comp operates as a no-fault system. This means employees can receive benefits regardless of who caused the injury.
Ohio workers' compensation statute of limitations
Employees typically have one year from the time of injury or death to file an Ohio workers' compensation claim. This timer starts from the latest of these dates:
- When the employee was first diagnosed
- When the employee first received medical treatment
- When the employee first stopped working
If diagnosed by a licensed physician, the employee has six more months to file a claim, even if this extends beyond the one-year limit.
