Worker's Compensation has been the focus of our practice from the very beginning. Bill Catalano was employed by the Industrial Commission of Ohio and learned firsthand what injured workers and employers dealt with after an accident at work. Industrial accidents can be devastating for injured workers and can cripple employers financially. The system works best when injured workers are fairly compensated, receive quality medical care and return to their former jobs. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Medical bills get denied. Compensation is stopped. Cases are contested. At Mitchell, Catalano & Boda, we are able to help at all levels, including court. Our practice focuses on representing claimants, but we do represent employers as well.

For more information about Workers' Compensation,
here are some of our most frequently asked questions:

Do I need a lawyer?
Yes, we believe it is in your best interest to be represented by an experienced attorney, although representation is not required.  Your claim representative at the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation may offer advice and tell you that an attorney is not needed.  Too often, they will give you inaccurate or ill-advised recommendations that cause problems later.  If your claim goes to a hearing, you will find that most employers as well as the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will be represented by their own attorney.

How much are attorneys fees?
Our firm charges a contingency fee of 25% of accrued benefits. In other words, you will not owe us a fee unless we are successful with your appeal. In most cases, the Social Security Administration will withhold the fee and, after approval, will send it to us directly.

Are there other costs?
It is common in workers compensation cases to have to spend money for records, reports or examinations. We will typically advance these costs and ask our clients to reimburse us when an award is received. Costs can be high for cases that are appealed to court and those issues are discussed fully with our clients beforehand.

Can you help me even if I don't need a hearing?
We are constantly helping our clients with getting treatment approved, bills paid, and many other issues that don't necessarily result in a hearing.

How long does a Workers' Compensation claim last?
A workers' compensation case is like an insurance claim. It is not a lawsuit. Some claims stay open for many years, while others are settled.

Attorney Profile
William A. Catalano

Bill Catalano was involved with Workers' Compensation before he was even a lawyer.

As a law student a Capital University, Bill worked as a clerk in the legal department at the Industrial Commission of Ohio. He was given more and more responsibilities and after graduating and passing the Bar, he became a hearing officer. Bill and Jack Allen, his Industrial Commission colleague then opened a law office dedicated to workers' compensation and social security. The firm now practices in other fields, but workers compensation remains a cornerstone of what we do. Bill is also the Vice President of the Upper Arlington Board of Education.