Ohio Workers' Compensation Attorney
Hurt at work in Ohio? Talk to a workers' comp attorney today.
Claim denied, delayed, or disputed by your employer or the Ohio BWC? Call Ronald J. Schafer, a Cleveland workers' comp lawyer representing injured workers across Northeast Ohio, for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay no fee unless you win.
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What a workers' comp lawyer can do for your claim
Ohio's system is “no-fault,” but employers and sometimes the BWC itself still challenge lost wages and medical treatment. These are the problems injured workers call about most.
Denied or disputed claims
Challenge unfair denials of your claim or of specific conditions.
Lost wages
Temporary total disability and wage loss benefits while you can't work.
Medical treatment
Getting treatment requested, approved, and paid for under your claim.
Permanent injuries
Permanent partial and total disability, loss-of-use and amputation awards.
Settlements
Evaluating whether a settlement is fair before you give up future benefits.
Death benefits for families
Helping eligible family members collect the benefits available after a work-related death.
Injuries we see include herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, fractures, amputations, burns, concussions and traumatic brain injury, carpal tunnel, lung disease, hearing and vision loss, PTSD, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions, plus occupational diseases that develop over time.
Serving injured workers across Northeast Ohio. From the office on Public Square in downtown Cleveland, Ronald J. Schafer represents injured workers in Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Portage, and Ashtabula counties, and takes cases anywhere in Ohio. Areas we serve · Just hurt at work? Start here
Why call before you decide anything
Once a final decision is made in a workers' compensation claim, it generally cannot be undone. Deadlines, paperwork, and what happens at hearings can decide whether benefits are paid or denied, even for a minor injury.
Ronald J. Schafer was admitted to the Ohio bar in 2012 and has represented injured Ohio workers in BWC claims for more than a decade.
He works directly with each client at Gallo & Gallo, guiding them through the BWC process, challenging unfair denials, and fighting for timely medical care and lost-wage compensation.
Call (216) 990-7951Client reviews
What clients say on Google
★★★★★
“I was incredibly impressed with Attorney Ron Schafer. He is accessible, down to earth and knowledgable. He took the time to make sure our questions were answered and we had everything we needed.”
★★★★★
“He answers all my questions, calls and always show up on time. Upfront honest to point.”
★★★★★
“Answered my phone call, filed my paperwork, kept me informed, handled all negotiations with insurance company, resolved the case. All in an acceptable timeframe. Stress free and professional.”
★★★★★
“Very knowledgeable, kind and caring. Responsive attorney.”
★★★★★
“Attorney Schafer assisted me with a personal injury case. It was a great experience. Attorney Schafer handled everything, I would hire him again and recommend others to use him.”
These reviews describe individual clients' experiences. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any other matter.
Ohio workers' compensation questions
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Ohio?
One year from the date of injury. For an occupational disease, up to two years after the disability began, or six months after a qualified medical provider diagnosed the condition.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Nothing upfront. Attorneys who represent injured workers in Ohio generally work on a contingency fee, and generally receive 33.33% of the money the injured worker receives as a result of the attorney's work. No fee is taken on ongoing temporary total disability benefits.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes. Injured workers in Ohio have the right to choose which doctor treats their work-related injuries, and can change their physician of record at any time. The BWC or your employer may require one examination by a doctor they choose for each issue.
Can I get fired for filing a claim?
No. An employer is prohibited from discharging, demoting, reassigning, or taking punitive action against an employee because the employee filed a claim or took part in workers' compensation proceedings.
How long until I get paid?
Sometimes it takes only a few weeks. In the best case, lost wages can be paid 4 to 6 weeks after the date of injury. But it can drag out, and employers and their insurers have ways of slowing a claim down by disputing it, questioning the injury, or appealing a decision. When that happens, an injured worker may wait several months. If your payments are late, call and ask what can be done.
If my employer offers light duty, do I have to take it?
Yes, if the job is within your medical restrictions. Refusing it can make you ineligible for temporary total disability benefits while you remain out of work.
Don't wait. The sooner you have guidance, the stronger your case can be.
Call Ronald J. Schafer at Gallo & Gallo for a free, no-hassle consultation. No fee unless you win. We’ll explain any case expenses up front.
Call (216) 990-7951Other cases we handle
Workers’ compensation is our main focus. These pages cover two related areas.
Social Security Disability
Unable to work because of a medical condition? Understand how SSDI and SSI claims and appeals work.
Visit the Social Security Disability pages →Personal Injury
Hurt because of someone else’s carelessness? Learn the basics of an Ohio injury claim and the deadlines.
Visit the Personal Injury pages →
