The Industrial Commission (IC) provides employees and employers the opportunity to resolve disputes over workers' compensation claims without the expense of going to court. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is a separate agency that reviews, investigates and processes applications for workers' compensation benefits.

Evidence needed for IC hearings includes signed medical reports, statements from witnesses, company reports and any other written documents relating to the issue to be decided. Medical evidence should include a diagnosis and a physician's opinion on the cause of a job-related injury or disease.

Several IC hearings are held each hour so plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes prior to the scheduled hearing time. Bring your hearing notice with you, as you will need to show this to the Industrial Commission parking lot attendant and reception desk employee. You will not receive reimbursement for travel to Industrial Commission Hearings. Please contact your representative immediately if his/her name does not appear on the notice of hearing.

You are encouraged to attend your hearing, however, you are not required to attend. You are urged to do so to testify and provide evidence. Your testimony can be extremely important in helping the hearing officer decide your case.

Industrial Commission hearings are informal, but are conducted by hearing officers who are IC attorneys. Hearing officers are experienced and trained in workers' compensation law and rules. It is the hearing officer's job to be neutral and impartial.

It is best to submit evidence prior to hearing. It is helpful to make extra copies ahead of time for the claim file and opposing party. Always keep a copy of the evidence for your records.

Industrial Commission hearing officers review evidence prior to hearing, consider testimony and evidence presented at the hearing and issue a written decision soon afterward. The hearing officer is limited to considering only the issue(s) listed on the hearing notice.

Parties who disagree with a hearing officer's decision may ask for another hearing. Appeals must be in writing or filed electronically within 14 days of the receipt of the order. Appeals should be submitted online through ICON or to the local office where the hearing took place.

For information about interpretive services, visit the Interpretive Services page.