Monast Law Office - February 2018

PROTECT YOUR WORK INJURY CLAIM: 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID

After a work injury, filing for and obtaining workers’ compensation benefits can be a frustrating, confusing process. With so much complexity at every step, it’s understandable that injured workers and their families sometimes make missteps along the way. But here are a few mistakes you can easily avoid to ensure your claim has the best chance possible. 1. Not Reporting the Injury Ohio law provides injured workers with up to a year to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the nature of the injury (with two years for occupational disease claims). But as time passes, it can become more difficult to successfully obtain benefits. That’s why it’s vital that all injured workers report their injury to their employers as soon as possible. 2. Not Seeking Medical Care This also applies to those who are not following the doctor’s treatment plan. If a worker doesn’t seek care following an injury, it may seem as though there is no injury at all. Additionally, failure to comply with a doctor’s prescribed plan will be viewed negatively by the BWC. 3. Talking to the Third-Party Administrator Make no mistake about the intentions of a third-party administrator (TPA) — they’re out to

protect the interests of their client, the employer, and not you. While they may seem friendly and nonthreatening, they will not hesitate to use anything you say against you later down the line. 4. Signing Documents Without a Lawyer Never sign your name on anything without having the document reviewed by an experienced attorney. Once you agree in writing to a settlement offer, for example, your claim is closed. It’s usually impossible to revisit your claim if you later discover you’re unhappy with the settlement. 5. Not Hiring an Experienced Attorney There are many reasons injured workers hesitate to hire representation. Perhaps they don’t know how to find one, think they won’t need one, or worry they can’t afford one. While it’s true that some simple cases can be handled on your own, the help of an attorney can ensure that you are able to obtain the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Additionally, most workers’ compensation lawyers, including us at Monast Law Office, work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay any attorney fees unless your claim is successful.

SUDOKU

ABBY’S APPETIZERS SWEET AND ZESTY DETOX SALAD Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.

INGREDIENTS

For the Dressing •

For the Salad •

1 large carrot, roughly chopped

3 cups chopped kale leaves

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

2 cups chopped broccoli florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped red cabbage

1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger

1 cup matchstick carrots

1 tablespoon honey

1 cup chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon white miso

1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

1/3 cup sliced green onions

1 diced avocado

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1.

To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season

to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.

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