If a BWC order is appealed to the IC, a hearing is set before the District Hearing Officer (DHO). The hearing, which is held at the IC office nearest the injured worker's residence, allows involved parties to present any information regarding the dispute. After the hearing, an order detailing the DHO's decision is mailed to the parties.

If either party is dissatisfied with the decision of the DHO, an appeal must be made in writing and filed within 14 days of receipt of the DHO's decision.

Appealing parties should file an appeal online through ICON or file Form IC-12 (located on the Forms page) in the office where the hearing took place.

Ohio law guarantees injured workers and employers the right to appeal a DHO's decision to the Staff Hearing Officer level. A hearing is scheduled with the Staff Hearing Officer (SHO) so that the involved parties can present their dispute. After the hearing, an order detailing the SHO's decision is mailed to the parties.

If either party is dissatisfied with the decision of the SHO, an appeal must be made in writing and filed within 14 days of receipt of the SHO's decision.

Appealing parties should file an appeal online through ICON or file Form IC-12 (located on the Forms page) in the office where the hearing took place.

While injured workers and employers are guaranteed the right to District and Staff Level hearings, Commission Level hearings, which are heard by the IC's three Commissioners, are granted on a discretionary basis.

The Commissioners may refuse to hear the appeal or accept it for a hearing. Accepted appeals follow the same guidelines and rules as outlined on the Appeals Process page.

If the injured worker or employer is not satisfied with the decision of the IC, or if the IC refuses to hear an appeal filed from a Staff Hearing Officer determination, then the injured worker or employer may file an appeal in the appropriate state court (as long as the dispute does not involve a decision on extent of disability).