Garvin & Hickey, LLC

When it comes to navigating the complexities of workers' compensation in Ohio, having the right legal partner can make all the difference. For businesses across the Buckeye State, particularly in the Columbus area, Garvin & Hickey, LLC stands out as a dedicated and highly experienced law firm. Specializing exclusively in workers' compensation defense for employers, this firm has built a reputation for providing thorough, strategic, and effective legal representation.

Garvin & Hickey, LLC understands the unique challenges employers face when managing workers' compensation claims, from initial injury reports to complex litigation. Their approach is rooted in a deep understanding of Ohio's workers' compensation laws and a commitment to helping businesses minimize costs and navigate the intricate administrative and judicial processes. This overview will delve into what makes Garvin & Hickey, LLC a suitable choice for Ohio businesses seeking expert workers' compensation legal support.

Garvin & Hickey, LLC is conveniently located at 181 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This central Columbus location offers excellent accessibility for businesses and individuals throughout the Ohio region. Situated within a vibrant part of the city, the office is easily reachable by car, with various routes leading directly to their doorstep. For those utilizing public transportation, numerous bus lines serve the area, providing convenient access from different neighborhoods in Columbus and beyond. The firm's location in the state capital also positions them strategically to interact with relevant state agencies and courts, streamlining the legal process for their clients. Ample parking options are typically available in the vicinity, ensuring a hassle-free visit for those traveling to their office. This ease of access ensures that clients can readily connect with their legal team without unnecessary logistical challenges.

Garvin & Hickey, LLC provides a comprehensive suite of legal services specifically tailored to employers dealing with workers' compensation matters. Their expertise spans various aspects of this specialized field, offering robust defense and strategic counsel.

• Workers' Compensation Defense: The core of their practice, Garvin & Hickey, LLC provides diligent representation for employers at all administrative hearing levels of the Industrial Commission of Ohio, hearings before the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), and in jury and non-jury trials across all Ohio counties. They work closely with company personnel and Third Party Administrators (TPAs) to reduce workers' compensation costs. This includes advice on all aspects of claim management, from certification of claims and defense strategies to returning employees to work, utilization of rehabilitation consultants, and settlement of claims.
• Self-Insurance Guidance: For employers who are self-insured, the firm offers specialized guidance and representation to ensure compliance with Ohio's self-insurance regulations and to manage claims effectively within their self-insured programs.
• Medicare Set-Asides/Compliance: They assist clients with Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs) and ensure compliance with Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) provisions, which are crucial for resolving workers' compensation claims that involve future medical expenses for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Audits: Garvin & Hickey, LLC helps employers navigate workers' compensation audits, ensuring that their records and practices align with state requirements and minimizing potential liabilities.
• Defense of Violations of Specific Safety Requirements (VSSRs): The firm defends employers against claims alleging violations of specific safety requirements, which can result in additional compensation for injured workers if proven.
• Intentional Tort Actions: They also provide defense against intentional tort actions arising out of industrial injuries, protecting employers from lawsuits alleging that an employer intentionally caused an employee's injury.
• OSHA Citations Defense: Garvin & Hickey, LLC has experience representing employers in the defense of OSHA citations, ensuring that workplace safety compliance is addressed and penalties are minimized.
• Wrongful Discharge Actions: They defend wrongful discharge actions that arise from industrial injuries, helping employers navigate complex employment law issues related to workers' compensation claims.

Garvin & Hickey, LLC distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that underscore their commitment to excellence and client success:

• Exclusive Workers' Compensation Focus: Unlike many general practice firms, Garvin & Hickey, LLC is solely dedicated to workers' compensation defense for employers. This specialized focus means they possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in this complex area of law.
• Highly Rated Attorneys: The firm’s attorneys, Preston J. Garvin and Michael J. Hickey, have received significant recognition within the legal community. Preston Garvin has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America," "Ohio Super Lawyers," and "Columbus Monthly Magazine's Top Lawyers in Columbus." He was also named "Lawyer of the Year" for Workers' Compensation Law – Employers in the Columbus metropolitan area in 2014 by Best Lawyers in America. Both partners hold the highest possible AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, a testament to their legal ability and ethical standards. Michael J. Hickey has also been consistently selected to "Super Lawyers" for many years.
• Extensive Experience: Preston Garvin's background includes serving as a Hearing Officer and Legal Director for the Ohio Industrial Commission, providing him with invaluable insight into the inner workings of the workers' compensation system from both sides. This experience, combined with decades of private practice, offers clients a distinct advantage.
• Client-Centric Approach: The firm emphasizes working closely with clients and their Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) to develop effective strategies, reduce costs, and achieve favorable outcomes. Their testimonials often highlight their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to make clients feel supported throughout the legal process.
• Thought Leadership and Community Involvement: Preston Garvin has served as Special Counsel to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce for workers' compensation matters and has been involved in various committees and task forces shaping Ohio's workers' compensation laws. He also serves on the board of Kids Chance of Ohio, an organization that provides financial support for the education of children of Ohio workers who have been killed or permanently disabled due to workplace injuries, demonstrating a commitment to the broader community.

While specific, publicly advertised promotions or special offers from Garvin & Hickey, LLC are not commonly found, this is typical for law firms specializing in B2B legal services. Their value proposition lies in their deep expertise and proven track record in minimizing workers' compensation costs for employers, rather than consumer-style promotions.

It is common for law firms to offer initial consultations to potential new clients to discuss their specific needs and how the firm can assist. While details are not always made public, interested businesses in Ohio seeking workers' compensation defense should inquire about a consultation to understand how Garvin & Hickey, LLC's services align with their requirements. Any significant cost savings or benefits for long-term clients would typically be discussed directly during client engagement.

To connect with Garvin & Hickey, LLC and discuss your workers' compensation defense needs, you can reach them through the following channels:

• Address: 181 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
• Phone: (614) 225-9000
• Mobile Phone: +1 614-225-9000

Their office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM, providing ample opportunity for businesses to reach out during standard work hours. It is always advisable to call ahead to schedule an appointment to ensure the appropriate attorney is available to address your specific concerns.

For local businesses in Ohio, Garvin & Hickey, LLC represents a highly suitable and strategic choice for managing workers' compensation legal matters. Their singular focus on employer defense in this specialized area means they possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge, experience, and insight into Ohio's specific workers' compensation system. This specialization translates into more efficient and effective legal strategies, helping businesses navigate complex regulations, reduce claim costs, and mitigate potential liabilities.

The firm's convenient Columbus location, combined with the distinguished reputations of its founding partners, Preston J. Garvin and Michael J. Hickey, provides local employers with confidence and trust. Their long-standing presence in the Ohio legal landscape, coupled with their involvement in shaping workers' compensation policy, demonstrates a profound understanding of the challenges faced by businesses in the state. By choosing Garvin & Hickey, LLC, Ohio businesses can ensure they have a dedicated advocate who is not only familiar with the nuances of local regulations but also committed to protecting their interests and fostering a safer, more productive work environment. Their professional, yet approachable, demeanor makes them a reliable partner for any Ohio business seeking expert workers' compensation defense.