Information received indicates that, effective 1-1-2010, the Ohio BWC will impose NEW rules regarding BWC settlement offers:
1) A response must be made within 7 days. Failure to respond will result in settlement application dismissal;
2) Once the settlement figure is agreed, the BWC will issue a C241 form to confirm the settlement amount. If the Injured Worker does not sign and return the C241 within 14 days of the BWC mailing, the settlement application will be dismissed.
Of course, there is no limit on how long it might take BWC to make an offer. .
At times, an Injured Worker can wait 3-6 or more months before the BWC will even make an offer. What is good for the Goose should be good for the Gander. But not in reality. Is this just another example of the Ohio BWC “concern” for Ohio’s Injured Workers?
Currently, we are seeing very low offers to settle claims. We believe it is due to the 2008 Internal Audit of the BWC, which stated their procedures needed modification. This audit resulted in no settlements being made for a very long period of time.
Furthermore, we believe that the BWC is “low-balling” settlements to take advantage of the economy and the Injured Workers’ need for funds due to layoff, etc. The settlement offers being made are in many cases egregiously low.
Citizens of Ohio must make their elected officials aware of the “anti-worker” sentiment that is now rampant in the Ohio BWC. This situation must be remedied.