What to Expect at Your Workers’ Comp Hearing A FEW RULES TO FOLLOW
After you file a workers’ compensation claim, one or possibly two state agencies will be involved in your case. The first of these government bodies is the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) — the State Insurance Fund — while the second is the Ohio Industrial Commission (IC). The BWC makes initial determinations on claims involving employers with their workers’ compensation coverage through the state (as opposed to self-insured employers, who pay claims directly). Many claims, particularly those involving only payment of an emergency room visit and no ongoing treatment, are favorably decided by the BWC and your contact with the system is essentially finished. The IC usually steps in for matters in dispute. IC hearings are held in rooms about the size of a company break room — and about as well-decorated. The hearing officer sits at the head of a long table. The employer and their representative typically sit on one side of the table, and the injured worker and their legal counsel sit on the other side. Each IC district has its own tradition of who sits on which side. If you are represented, follow your attorney’s lead. If not, let the other side go in first, see where they sit, and then go to the opposite side.
Each hearing officer has their own way of conducting hearings, but no matter your situation, there are a few simple
guidelines you should follow. Dress appropriately — you needn’t wear a suit, but you shouldn’t be wearing a ball cap or looking like you were just attacked by a pack of wolves. When the hearing officer asks you questions, look them in the eye as you answer and present
your case. And whatever you do, tell the truth. Don’t hide any previous injuries, and always respond to the best of your knowledge, clearly and succinctly.
If you have an upcoming hearing, talk to coworkers who’ve been there before you. Or, even better, call us and ensure your case has the best possible chance of success!
SUDOKU
ABBY’S APPETIZERS
HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS
INGREDIENTS
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3 packages unflavored gelatin 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup light corn syrup
Powdered sugar, to coat
DIRECTIONS
1. In a mixing bowl, combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit while you make the syrup. 2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. 3. Raise heat to high and bring syrup up to 240 F, using a candy thermometer to check for temperature. 4. With an electric whisk on low speed, slowly whisk syrup into gelatin mixture. Switch speed to high and whip for 15 minutes, until very thick. Fold in vanilla after whipping. 5. Dust a nonmetal baking dish with powdered sugar and spoon mixture into dish. Smooth mixture, top with more powdered sugar, and let stand uncovered overnight. 6. Cut into squares, decorate, and serve.
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