Self-insured companies are employers in Ohio who have more than 500 employees and have elected to be self-insured rather than state-funded. They make this choice because they have decided it’s cheaper to administer their own workers’ compensation program than pay premiums to the state.
However, self-insured employers must follow the same rules and regulation as the small state-funded employers. In fact, self-insured companies have to file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf If you miss more than seven days of work. You should be wary when you employer wants to pay you a wage continuation. Your compensation comes directly from their pockets they contest these claims vigorously and argue against most everything.
Does Workers’ Comp Work Differently for Me with a Self-Insured Employer?
Even though your employer is self-insured, you have the same rights as other injured workers in Ohio:
- You are entitled to workers’ comp benefits from your employer if you suffer an on-the-job injury or occupational illness
- You are entitled to the same benefits as other Ohio workers
- If your claim is denied, you can appeal that decision to the Industrial Commission of Ohio
What if My Employer Doesn’t Pay My Claim or Goes Bankrupt?
If your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp coverage on the day you are injured, the state of Ohio will pay your claim and the attorney general will go after your employer for reimbursement. The state of Ohio considers the employer a non-compliant employer, but that does not impact your rights in any way. However, you still need an attorney to pursue your claim. The only difference is once the claim is properly recognized, benefits come from a different fund.
If your employer goes bankrupt, the state of Ohio will step in as the guarantor of your payments.
At the law firm of Taubman Law, we represent the rights of injured and disabled workers against self-insured employers. Contact us today for free consultation to discuss your rights and options.