Avoiding workers’ compensation claims and controlling costs are primary concerns for employers.
Ice Miller's active, multifaceted approach to workplace safety is geared to avoiding claims whenever possible, winning if litigation is unavoidable, and seeing to it that our clients have the most economical and effective workers’ compensation program whether they are insured or self-insured.
ADVISORY SERVICES
Ice Miller lawyers answer employers' questions and address issues early in the process to help employers and insurers decide whether to accept particular claims, and how to investigate and manage claims. Ice Miller's Workers’ Compensation Group is a part of the Workplace Solutions Group, so our team can counsel employers on the full range of employment issues raised by work injuries, from the FMLA to wrongful discharge to the ADA. We also handle sensitive cases involving serious injury and death, which raise both workers’ compensation and OSHA questions.
LITIGATION SERVICES
If litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys work closely with clients to develop an appropriate litigation strategy and thoroughly develop the case to provide the strongest possible defense. As workers’ compensation cases have become more complex and more expensive, Ice Miller's strength and experience in litigation have enabled us to serve our clients well. We represent workers’ compensation clients during the administrative hearing process, as well as in court litigation and related appellate proceedings. We also represent clients in defending employment-related intentional tort actions and counsel clients in responding to workplace violence and harassment/bullying issues.
CONSULTATION SERVICES
Ice Miller's practice includes all aspects of workers’ compensation law, not just litigation. We advise our clients on issues involving workers’ compensation premium rates, including experience modifier issues and classification, and assist them with administrative issues and appeals. We work with clients on risk management issues such as health and safety programs to reduce losses and help assess the benefits and feasibility of self-insured status. We represent clients seeking self-insured status before the appropriate state agencies and self-insured clients who encounter difficulties with those agencies. Our clients include self-insured companies, public and private institutions, and third-party administrators.