THE OHIO LEGISLATURE IS AT IT AGAIN – TAKING AWAY INJURED WORKER BENEFITS!Written by: Michael H. GruhinThere comes a time when "enough is enough". What we need is a coalition of injured workers and Ohio Unions to get on the band wagon and let the elected representatives in Ohio that their jobs will be on the line come election time. Injured workers' rights have been reduced and , unfortunately, the onslaught against benefits is continuing. In the past, when an injured worker suffered a loss from amputation, contracture, or ankylosis, the BWC paid out the loss award in bi-weekly amounts until the complete award was paid in full. Approximately, 1 year ago, the OhioBWC realized the inequity of that payment process and changed the payout to a lump sum.But then the Legislature and Governor Kasich came along and passed a bill that will go into effect in in about 1.5 months from June 30, 2012. Tucked into that bill, a provision to go back to the old pay-out method. Shortly, an injured worker will again have to suffer with over a 3 year wait to obtain the total loss award.For the loss of a hand in 2012, the total award is $141,575.00. Instead of receiving the total payout in a lump sum, upon the effective date of the new legislative bill, the injured worker will soon be paid $1,618.00 every 2 weeks until the entire $141,575.00 is paid. This is over a 3 year wait to get paid for the loss of the hand.Is that fair to the man or woman who has suffered the devastating loss of a hand? I think not. This same situation will be suffered by anyone who loses fingers, a hand, an arm, a toe, a foot, a leg, and/or the loss of eye.We, the electorate, must inform our elected officials that they just can't keep "dancing to the tune of the Lobbyists", paid by the Employers' Coalitions, which hurt the already injured worker.Want to tell your Ohio Legislator that you're fed up and you just won't take it anymore? By clicking this link - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/ - you can find out who your elected officials are - and by clicking on their names you can send them an email or letter via U.S. Mail. We need to let them know that "We're Fed Up and We Won't Take It Anymore". Protect Your Rights After a Workplace - Contact a Board Certified Specialist Attorney to Discuss your work injury case.Given the time limitations surrounding the filing of a workers' compensation claim against your employer, it is important to act promptly. Speak to a Board Certified Ohio Work Comp Specialist Attorney. You need an experienced work comp lawyer to protect you in your workers' compensation claim.To receive fair compensation for a serious on the job injury, consult with a Board Certified Ohio Workers’ Compensation Specialist Attorney. Don’t think that all attorneys are work comp specialists. Ask the attorney you contact if he/she is Board Certified. If not, look elsewhere. Don’t wait, there are specific time limits.Call Mike Gruhin, The Comp Specialist, to discuss any aspect of an Ohio Workers’ Compensation Claim. Act now, Call now!Additional ResourcesGruhin&Gruhin, AttorneysGruhin&Gruhin Facebook Fan PageMike Gruhin’s Personal Facebook Page
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