We Can Help If You Are Injured on the Job

If You’ve Been Hurt on the Job . . .

Do You Know Your Rights?

Did You Know ...

• You have the right to receive medical care from a doctor of your choice.
• There are time limits. You must act within those time limits to make sure you don’t lose your rights to file a claim.
• Either the BWC or your employer can contest your benefits.
• Even if you missed no time from work, you could be entitled to benefits.
• If you are still feeling the effects, you could be entitled to benefits.
• You can file a claim for benefits up to two years from the date of your injury.
• You should keep copies of everything you sign -- if you don’t it can come back to haunt you.
• Even if your claim is allowed, you must still make sure that your medical bills are filed with the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation within time limits or they can be denied.
• Even if you return to work, you can be eligible for additional benefits.
• Simply reporting the accident is not enough, you must also file a claim.
• The responsibility for filing the claim is yours, not your employer’s.
• Your employer cannot discriminate against you for filing a claim.
• If your injury lowered your wages, you may still be entitled to benefits.

Why do I need an Attorney?

An attorney will work with your doctor to assure that all legal and medical aspects of your case are covered.

An attorney will work with your doctor to prove your claim.

An attorney will help you ensure that you receive 100% of the benefits you are entitled to under the law.

Your employer, the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation -- even your managed care organization -- all have representatives in the legal process.

An attorney will represent you at hearings.

Why Should You Choose E.S. Gallon & Associates?

We have more board-certified worker’s comp specialists than any other firm in the state of Ohio.

We represent only injured people. Some firms represent both injured people and employers -- we do not represent employers.

We have been representing injured workers for 40 years -- longer than any firm in the Miami Valley.

We have earned the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbel, the national law firm rating company.

What Should I do Next?

If you have been injured at work, contact one of E.S. Gallon’s Workers’ Compensation specialists. Your initial consultation is free. We will give you valuable information about your case and help you decide if our services could be helpful to you in your case. Call 461-4ESG today to arrange an appointment.

Questions and Answers About Workers’ Compensation

Q: How do the changes in the Workers’ Compensation system affect my claim?

A: The changes are designed to reduce the weekly benefits and medical care of the injured worker while increasing profits for the state, the managed care organization and the employer.

Q: What are some of the major reasons that claims are denied?

A: The major reason is lack of supporting medical evidence. The Bureau of Worker’s Compensation is very particular about the type of information it requires before approving a claim.

Another major reason is the acceptance by employees of applications filed by managed care organizations or medical providers that are not accompanied by the required legal medical evidence resulting in the claim being denied. Sometimes, these claims are even filed without the knowledge of the injured worker.

Q: Why do I need an attorney?

A: One major reason is that everyone else in the process will have legal representation. Your employer will. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will. Your Managed Care Organization will.

Workers’ compensation law is complicated. It is very easy for someone who is not familiar with the law to make a mistake. Don’t go into the process without your own expert.

Q: How can an attorney help me with my claim?

A: An attorney can help you develop your case from a legal-medical standpoint and work with your physician to see that the requirements of the law are met. Your attorney can represent you at hearings and give you direction on change of doctors or the medical requirements of a case. Your attorney will also develop the wage aspect of your case to insure that you are being paid the maximum amount provided by law.

Q: How do I select the best attorney for my needs?

A: Start by finding out what type of experience the attorneys their support staff, and paralegals have with workers’ compensation. There is also now a Workers’ Compensation Certification issued by the Ohio State Bar Association. Attorneys must meet certain requirements and pass examinations before receiving this specialty certification. Be sure to ask if an attorney has this certification.

E.S. Gallon has the largest number of Workers’ Compensation Specialists in Ohio.

Q: How would E.S. Gallon and Associates handle my claim?

First, we would spend some time with you on the telephone, getting to know the general outlines of your case. Next, we would invite you to our offices where you could meet the attorney who will be handling your case. At that meeting, we would get into more detail about your case. If you decide to hire us to represent you, we would immediately request all the information needed about your case from your doctor, employer, managed care organization and the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation that would help us develop your case.

After we have begun developing your case, we would work very closely with your doctors and the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation to make sure that things move along smoothly.

We would represent you at any hearing or other procedure before either the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation or the Industrial Commission. After a decision, we will review everything carefully for accuracy. If an appeal is necessary, we will file it for you and represent you at the appeal. Should you begin receiving payments from the Bureau of Worker’s Compensation, we will review them for accuracy. We will also notify you of any future benefits and give you advice regarding a full and final settlement. If you are eligible for permanent or total disability, we will help you file for those benefits.

Throughout the entire process, you will have easy access to a team of friendly, professional attorneys, paralegals and other support staff at any time.

Q: Are there things that I can be doing to make sure my case goes well?

A: Keep your attorney notified of any change of address or telephone number. Do not change doctors until you have counseled with your attorney. Work with your attorney in the development of your case. Understand the time limits involved. Make sure each doctor you see knows how the accident or exposure occurred. Notify all medical service providers of your industrial claim number. Assist your attorney in securing medical or other reports as needed.

E.S. Gallon & Associates, its professional staff + the injured worker = a team that is hard to beat.

Meet Our Workers' Compensation Attorneys

The following E.S. Gallon attorneys practice Workers' Compensation law:

David A. Saphire

Joseph R. Ebenger

Joan B. Brenner

James R. Piercy

Richard M. Malone

Natalie J. Tackett