5 Surprising Statistics About Workers’ Comp Claims in Ohio

When Ohio workers are injured on the job, they often assume the compensation process will be simple. However, filing a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio can be far more complicated than most expect.

Ohio’s unique rules, state-run compensation fund, and regulatory environment have led to some surprising trends and stats worth knowing about.  

If you’ve been hurt on the job, an experienced Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue the benefits you need to heal and move forward.

1. High Denial Rates for Initial Claims

Many assume that most workers’ compensation claims are approved without issue, but a significant number are initially denied.

For example, in fiscal year 2022, Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) received 1,254 COVID-19-related claims from state fund employers. Of those, the BWC: 

• Accepted 476 claims
• Denied 177 claims

That’s a 14% denial rate for COVID-19 claims. While this data reflects a specific type of claim, it shows that denials are far from rare.

Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has 28 days to decide whether to approve or reject a claim after it’s filed. Some of the most common reasons for denial include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: The BWC may deny claims if there isn’t enough medical documentation to support the existence and severity of your injuries.
• Lack of Work-Related Connection: Some claims are denied because there is no evidence linking the injury or illness to the workplace or work conditions.
• Delayed or Missed Treatments: If you did not seek medical care on time or didn’t attend some of your medical appointments and treatments, the BWC may question the severity of your injuries and deny your claim.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: The BWC may deny your initial claim if it determines the condition for which you seek compensation existed before your workplace injury.

If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision to the Industrial Commission of Ohio within 14 days. It’s advisable to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to handle the appeals process.

2. Education and Health Sector Leads in Injury Rates

Although construction and manufacturing are often linked to workplace injuries, it’s the education and health sectors that report the highest rates of injuries and illnesses in Ohio.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), education and health services in Ohio reported 3.4 injuries per 100 workers in 2023. This number exceeds the manufacturing industry (2.7) or the transportation industry (2.6), which are typically viewed as more dangerous.

This highlights that workplace injuries can happen in any setting, not just to those in physically demanding jobs.

3. Settlement Amounts Vary Significantly

Workers’ compensation settlements in Ohio can vary. Some cases settle for a few thousand dollars; others can exceed a million. But just because you get a settlement doesn’t mean it will cover all your costs.

Several factors can influence settlement amounts:

• Injury Severity: The type, severity, and number of workplace injuries play a role in determining your settlement. Cases involving serious or long-term harm, such as permanent disabilities or chronic conditions, often result in the highest payouts.
• Average Weekly Wages (AWWs): In Ohio, workers’ compensation benefits are usually based on a percentage of your AWWs.
• Impact on Earning Capacity: Workers often receive higher compensation if their injury results in the loss of use of specific body parts or makes it impossible for them to return to work.

4. Younger Workers File More Claims, But Older Workers Incur Higher Costs

A 2023 study analyzing over 18,000 Ohio workers’ compensation claims over 13 years revealed some unexpected insights into filing trends and claim costs.

Here’s a breakdown of what the study uncovered:

• Younger Employees File More Claims: The study found that the claim rate for younger workers was 593 per 10,000 vs. only 261 per 10,000 for older workers. This means younger employees file claims more than twice as often as older colleagues.
• Older Employee Claims Are More Expensive: For claims that resulted in a payout, the BWC spent a median of $1,002 for older workers, compared to just $522 for younger ones.

5. Injuries Common in the First Year of Employment

A large share of workplace injuries in Ohio involve employees in their first year on the job. A 2024 nationwide report by The Travelers Company, Inc., the largest insurer of workers’ compensation in the U.S., found that up to 35% of claims come from first-year workers.

Industries in the Cleveland area that frequently hire new or temporary staff, like healthcare and warehousing, often see more injuries among workers still adjusting to unfamiliar equipment or fast-paced environments.

How Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Can Help You Obtain Fair Compensation

Navigating Ohio’s workers’ compensation system can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with claim denials, settlement disputes, or confusing paperwork.

At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we’ve been helping injured workers across Ohio since 1928. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the claims process, and our track record includes major victories, like a $2 million worksite settlement for a client injured on the job by electrical hazards.

If you’ve been injured on the job, contact us for a free case consultation. Let us protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

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