Since 1913, when the Ohio Constitution was amended to require a mandatory program to compensate injured workers, Dinsmore has counseled and defended employers on a broad spectrum of legal issues related to workers' compensation claims. Our practice has grown over the years to include companies across the region. Our clients include Ohio state-funded and self-insured companies in matters pertaining to premium rates, non-compliance or transferring risk experience. Our firm frequently renders assistance in maintaining self-insured privileges under Ohio's workers’ compensation laws. We also provide the same services in Kentucky. Our attorneys understand that workers' compensation claims impact our clients’ businesses through lost employee productivity, the cost of claims and the risk of litigation. We work strategically to reduce those costs.
Administrative Practice
Since a workers’ compensation claim often begins before an application is initially filed, the firm counsels clients on investigation of claims, response to workplace hazards, as well as the administration of contested and non-contested claims to reduce workers’ compensation costs. We advise and counsel our clients on safety standards and violations, inspections by the Bureau when a violation of a safety standard is alleged, and compliance with state workers' compensation rules and regulations.
When claims are filed, we advise our clients on length-of-disability, return-to-work issues and vocational benefits. We also coordinate with outside experts to research medical issues and pre-existing conditions related to individual claims. We advise our clients on preventative measures or best practices to avoid claims and provide onsite training when needed.
Civil Litigation
When matters need to go hearing or to trial, Dinsmore defends employers at the administrative level, the trial court, the appellate level and before the Ohio Supreme Court. In matters of policy, our attorneys are active in statewide and local bar associations and trade groups. Our attorneys also collaborate with legislators and and government agencies in proposed legislation and agency regulations.