Denied a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio? Here’s What to Do Next

Getting hurt on the job is hard enough. Getting your Ohio workers’ compensation claim denied? That adds stress, confusion, and a ton of unanswered questions.

At Spears & Marinakis, LLC, we represent injured workers across Southern, Southwest, and Central Ohio, many of whom come to us after their claim has already been denied. And the truth is — it happens more often than you’d think.

But here’s what we tell every single person: a denial isn’t the end. It’s just the start of the fight.

Why Workers’ Comp Claims Get Denied in Ohio

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) can deny a claim for a long list of reasons — some valid, many not. Here are the most common:

  • Lack of medical documentation
  • Dispute over whether the injury was work-related
  • Missing deadlines or incomplete forms
  • Employer disputes the injury occurred
  • Pre-existing condition confusion
  • “Inconsistent statements” in your report or medical file

Sometimes, it’s as simple as an error on the FROI form or missing details in the injury report. Other times, employers actively fight the claim to protect their premiums.

At Spears & Marinakis, we dig into your specific case and identify exactly why the BWC denied it — then we build the strongest case possible to get it overturned.

Understand Your Denial

You should receive a letter from the BWC outlining why your claim was denied. This is called the Order and it’s key to moving forward.

If you’re unsure how to read or respond to the Order, we’ll review it with you for free.

We’ve helped workers in Chillicothe, Portsmouth, Lancaster, and Dayton understand their denials and get their appeals back on track — fast.

File an Appeal (Quickly)

You only have 14 calendar days from the date on the denial letter to file your appeal with the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Miss that window, and your claim could be closed for good.

Don’t wait. Let our legal team step in immediately.

We’ll file a formal appeal, gather all necessary documentation, and start preparing your case for the hearing. Every detail matters here — and our job is to make sure it’s done right

Prepare for the Industrial Commission Hearing

After your appeal is filed, a hearing will be scheduled in front of a hearing officer. This is your chance to present your case — but it’s not something you want to do alone.

These hearings are legal proceedings with strict formats and procedures. You’ll be up against experienced BWC reps and possibly your employer’s legal team.

Spears & Marinakis, LLC will represent you at the hearing, presenting medical records, employment details, expert statements, and evidence to support your injury claim.

We’ve argued and won cases in front of the Industrial Commission for injured workers across Southern Ohio — including Jackson, Hillsboro, and Circleville — and we know how to handle tough hearings.

Build a Stronger Case

Before the hearing, we’ll work with your doctors to tighten up your medical documentation. We’ll get independent medical exams (IMEs) if needed and clarify any pre-existing conditions or inconsistencies in your file.

We’ll also help with witness statements, job descriptions, and expert testimony if it strengthens your case.

Our job is simple: remove doubt, fix weak points, and present the truth clearly and effectively.

Explore Additional Legal Options

If your claim is still denied after the initial hearing, we can appeal to higher levels within the Industrial Commission — and eventually to court if needed.

We walk every client through these steps and only escalate when it’s the best course of action. Some cases get resolved quickly, while others require aggressive legal follow-through.

You’ll always know what to expect, and you’ll never fight the system alone.

Common Questions After a Denial

Q: Will I have to pay back benefits I already received?
A: No. If your claim is denied, you don’t have to repay benefits already paid unless there was fraud involved (extremely rare).

Q: Can I still get medical treatment while I appeal?
A: Sometimes. If your doctor agrees to treat you while the appeal is pending, we’ll help make arrangements and fight to get the bills covered once the case is approved.

Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer right now?
A: We don’t charge upfront. Our legal fees come out of any compensation we help recover. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us.

Why Choose Spears & Marinakis, LLC?

We’re not a massive law firm that outsources your case to someone else. We’re a tight-knit team of attorneys who specialize in Ohio workers’ compensation — and we fight for every injured worker like it’s personal.

  • Based in Southern and Southwest Ohio
  • 10+ years of workers’ comp experience
  • Proven track record with denied claims
  • Trusted by workers across Lancaster, Dayton, and beyond

Denied Doesn’t Mean Defeated

If your claim has been denied, don’t panic — and definitely don’t give up. You have options, and you have rights. Let our team step in, clean up the mess, and fight for what you deserve.

Call Spears & Marinakis, LLC today or schedule your free consultation. We’ll explain your denial, outline a strategy, and go to work — while you focus on healing.

Spears & Marinakis, LLC
122 S 4th St, Ironton, OH 45638
740-532-6913
https://www.spearsmarinakis.com/