Role of the Industrial Commission

The Ohio workers’ compensation process can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when there is a need to contest a claim before the Ohio Industrial Commission (IC).

The State of Ohio charges the IC with the responsibility of resolving disputes that may arise between the parties of a workers’ compensation claim. Those parties are the injured worker, the employer and the administrator (Bureau of Workers’ Compensation).

The IC schedules an informal conference, referred to as a “hearing”, whenever one of the above noted parties files an appeal to a decision issued by the Bureau or if one of the parties to the claim files a motion requesting consideration of a specific action. Most hearings are scheduled within 45 days of the appeal/motion being submitted to the IC.

There are three levels to the IC hearing process –
• Level 1 is the District Level
• Level 2 is the Staff Level
• Level 3 is the Commission level

Once an issue is referred to the IC for scheduling the IC will send notices to all parties of the claim advising of the date and time of the scheduled hearing.

At Sedgwick, your hearing will be assigned to a Sedgwick Hearing Consultant who will review the claim file and attend the hearing. As the employer, you are always encouraged to attend any hearing where your testimony may impact the decision. Your Sedgwick Hearing Consultant can participate in a pre-hearing phone call with you to review the claim file information and their plan for the presentation to the IC hearing officer. Because the IC offers a call in option for all hearings you are able to attend the hearing without leaving your office.

It is important to remember that all hearings are scheduled for 20 minutes and that each party present for the hearing is allotted a portion of that time for their presentation. Any documentation that you wish to be considered that is relative to the scheduled issue should be submitted to the IC claim file and all other parties well ahead of the hearing date. This allows the hearing officer the opportunity to review the pertinent information beforehand and formulate any specific questions he or she may have relative to the information.

If you have any questions, contact our Sedgwick program manager, Julia Bowling at julia.bowling@sedgwick.com or phone (513) 218-4062.