Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | December 4, 2025 | Personal Injury \ Workers’ Compensation
If your workers’ compensation claim was denied in Ohio, you are not alone. Many valid claims are initially rejected by employers or the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). However, a denial doesn’t always mean the end of your case.
Learning why your claim was denied can help you determine your next steps and protect your right to benefits.
Common Reasons for a Workers’ Compensation Claim Denial in Ohio
There are several reasons why a workers’ comp claim might be denied in Ohio. Sometimes, the issue comes down to missing paperwork or a simple misunderstanding. Other times, the denial is based on a dispute over the facts of the case.
Here are some of the most common explanations:
The Injury Wasn’t Reported on Time
Ohio law requires employees to report a workplace injury or illness to their employer within one year in most cases. However, it is best to do so much sooner than that to make your claim as strong as possible.
Your Employer Disputes the Claim
To name a couple of examples where this might occur, your employer might try and argue that your injury didn’t occur on the job or that it happened because you violated a company rule.
There Is a Lack of Medical Evidence
The BWC or your employer may deny your claim if your medical records don’t clearly link your injury or illness to your job. For example, if you can’t show that your back injury developed from repetitive lifting at work, they might argue it’s unrelated.
You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
If you have a prior medical condition, your claim might be denied because your current symptoms stem from that earlier issue rather than your work activities. However, you can overcome this in some cases nonetheless.
The Injury Occurred Off-site or Outside Work Hours
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system covers injuries that happen while performing work duties. If your injury happened during your commute or while running a personal errand, your claim might be rejected.
You Have Engaged in Substance Abuse or Misconduct
If you were under the influence when you were injured or if the accident resulted from reckless behavior, your claim could be denied under state law.
What Does My Denial Notice Mean?
If the BWC denies your claim, it will issue a formal written notice explaining the reason. This is called a BWC Order, and it’s one of the most important documents in your case.
The notice should include:
- The specific reason your claim was denied
- The evidence that was reviewed
- Instructions on how to appeal the decision
It’s critical to read this letter carefully. Sometimes, the problem can be fixed with additional medical documentation and clarification from your doctor. In other cases, you’ll need to provide more substantial evidence to support your appeal.
How to Appeal a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ohio
If your claim was denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process in Ohio is managed by the Industrial Commission of Ohio (IC).
Here’s how it works:
- File your appeal quickly: You have 14 days (unless both you and your employer waive that requirement) from the date of the denial letter to file a notice of your appeal. Missing this deadline will likely prevent you from challenging the decision.
- Prepare your evidence: Your appeal should include as much supporting documentation as possible. This may include medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and any other evidence that helps prove your injury was work-related.
- Attend your hearing: Your case will be reviewed in a hearing before a district hearing officer (DHO). You and your attorney can present evidence and argue why the denial should be overturned.
- Further appeals: If the DHO doesn’t rule in your favor, you can appeal again to a staff hearing officer (SHO), and then to the full Industrial Commission if necessary. If all administrative appeals are exhausted, you can take your case to court.
The process can take time, but many denials are successfully reversed during these hearings.
What Benefits Can I Receive Through Workers’ Compensation?
Once your claim is approved, Ohio’s workers’ compensation program can provide several forms of financial support, depending on your situation. These include:
- Accrued compensation
- Change of occupation
- Death claims benefit
- Facial disfigurement
- Living maintenance
- Lump sum advancement
- Lump sum settlement
- Percent of permanent partial
- Permanent partial – scheduled loss
- Permanent disability
- Temporary total compensation
- Travel reimbursement
- Violation of a specific safety requirement
- Wage loss
- Wages in lieu of temporary total compensation
Understanding which benefits apply to your case can help you calculate what your claim might be worth and what you risk losing if a denial isn’t appealed.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help Me
Filing for workers’ comp is complicated enough on its own. When a claim is denied, however, the legal process becomes even more technical. Having a lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
An experienced Ohio workers’ compensation attorney can:
- Review your denial notice and identify exactly why the claim was rejected
- Collect and organize evidence to strengthen your appeal
- Communicate with doctors and specialists to get supporting medical reports
- Represent you during hearings before the Industrial Commission
- Negotiate with your employer or the BWC on your behalf
- Ensure all of the necessary paperwork and deadlines are handled correctly
Attorneys who handle workers’ compensation claims are familiar with the tactics that employers and insurers employ to minimize payouts. By building a strong, evidence-based case, they can help you pursue the full benefits you’re entitled to under Ohio law.
Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Port Clinton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If your workers’ compensation claim was denied in Ohio, don’t assume that’s the final word. Many employees have successfully appealed denials and secured the benefits they deserve with the help of an attorney.
A qualified lawyer can evaluate all of the facts of your situation and develop a plan for moving forward as best as possible. As noted above, you only have a limited time to appeal, so it’s best to act quickly.
Contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a free consultation with an Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer.
For more information, contact the Port Clinton Workers’ Compensation law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884