Experienced legal services in Southern, Southwest, and Central Ohio.

Spears & Marinakis, LLC, provides comprehensive legal services across Southwest Ohio, Central Ohio, Southern Ohio, and the surrounding tri-state areas. Our focus spans workers' compensation, personal injury, social security disability, estates and wills, and real estate matters.

Over 70 years of service with rootsSouthern Ohio.

Thousands of successful claims handled.

Experienced in multiple legal areas.

Over 70 years of service with rootsSouthern Ohio. Thousands of successful claims handled. Experienced in multiple legal areas.

Commitment to excellence and personalized services.

We pride ourselves on our deep understanding across multiple legal areas. Supported by decades of combined experience and a robust knowledge of Ohio law, our attorneys are dedicated to achieving successful results for our clients.

  • Our firm has a significant focus on Workers' Compensation law in Ohio. We expertly handle claims that arise from workplace injuries, including those involving third-party negligence. Our extensive experience allows us to navigate complex cases effectively, ensuring that injured workers receive the compensation and care they deserve.

  • Personal injury law is a critical area of our practice, especially when workplace accidents involve third-party liability. We represent clients injured due to others' negligence, from auto accidents to slip and fall incidents, ensuring they receive just compensation for their injuries and losses.

  • We provide comprehensive support in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Our attorneys understand the complexities of the system and guide clients through the process, from initial applications to appeals, helping them secure their rightful benefits.

  • For clients who do not qualify for SSDI due to insufficient work credits, we offer assistance with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Our firm helps individuals establish eligibility and navigate the claims process to obtain financial support and medical benefits.

  • Our expertise extends to estate planning, including the drafting of wills and managing estate proceedings. We ensure that our clients’ final wishes are honored and that their estates are managed efficiently, reducing the burden on their loved ones.

  • Our legal services include handling deeds—ensuring clear, legally binding transfer of property ownership. Whether it’s drafting new deeds or resolving issues with existing ones, our firm stands ready to assist with all real estate transfer needs.

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    Personal attention

    Every case is given meticulous attention, ensuring a comprehensive examination of all relevant details.

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    Client interests first

    We prioritize your needs, tailoring our strategies and approach with your best interests in mind.

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    Stress reduction

    Our team manages complex legalities, significantly reducing the stress you experience during legal proceedings.

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    Strong representation

    With decades of practice, we know how to navigate the challenges of the legal system to achieve the best outcomes.

Dedicated service in your community.

With offices located in Ironton, Portsmouth, and Waverly, we ensure comprehensive coverage and accessibility for all our clients in these regions. Our local presence and knowledge of regional legal environments enable us to effectively advocate for our clients' rights and interests across a wide geographic area.

Workers Comp Lawyer Ashland OH | Dedicated to Your Work Injury Case

What would you do if a normal workday ended with a trip to the ER instead of home? Workplace injuries happen fast. One wrong step. One heavy lift. One noisy machine. Suddenly, you’re out of work, missing paychecks, and facing medical bills. In Ashland, Ohio, this happens more often than you’d think.

Support is here for you every step of the way. If you’ve been injured at work, a workers comp lawyer in Ashland OH can help you file a claim, deal with insurance, and fight for the support you deserve.

What Types of Work Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Ohio?

In Ohio, workers’ compensation is governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 4123.54. This law covers injuries and occupational diseases that happen “in the course of and arising out of employment”. This includes:

  • sudden accidents
  • repetitive motion injuries
  • illnesses caused by workplace exposures

Ohio law requires almost all employers with at least one employee to carry workers’ compensation insurance, including coverage for part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. Domestic workers (like babysitters, nannies, cooks, and housekeepers) are also covered if they earn $160 or more per quarter.

How Do I Start a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Ashland, OH?

Filing a claim doesn’t need to be hard, but it does require the right steps. Here’s what you should do:

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Report the Injury: There is no legal requirement in Ohio to report the injury immediately, but you should notify your employer as soon as possible.
  • File a First Report of Injury (FROI): The official claim process starts with the FROI form, which can be filed online, by mail, or fax with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
  • Deadline: For injuries, you must file your claim within one year of the injury date. For occupational diseases, the deadline is two years from the date of disability or diagnosis, or six months from the date of diagnosis, whichever is later.
  • Medical Care: See a BWC-certified provider and inform them the injury is work-related. Your medical records will be used to support your claim.
  • Appeals: If your claim is denied, you have 14 days from the date you receive the BWC’s written order to file an appeal with the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Challenges During the Claims Process

The system is supposed to help injured workers. But it doesn’t always go smoothly. You might face:

  • Claim denials: The BWC may say your injury isn’t job-related.
  • Payment delays: It can take time to get approved or receive money.
  • Benefit disputes: You may be told you can go back to work even if you’re still in pain.

A workers comp lawyer in Ashland OH knows how to handle these roadblocks. They can gather proof, speak with doctors, and help push the BWC or your employer to do what’s fair.

What Compensation Can I Expect From a Workers Comp Case?

Workers’ comp helps cover costs when you can’t work due to an injury. You might be eligible for:

  • Medical Benefits: Payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury.
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you cannot work at all, you receive a portion of your average weekly wage.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For lasting injuries, you may receive a lump sum or ongoing payments.
  • Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you can never return to work, you may receive ongoing benefits.
  • Wage Loss: If you return to work at reduced pay, you may receive compensation for lost wages.
  • Scheduled Loss Awards: For the permanent loss of use of a body part.
  • Death Benefits: For dependents of workers who die from work-related injuries or illnesses.

How Settlements Are Calculated:

Settlements are based on your average weekly wage, the severity and type of injury, your ability to return to work, and medical costs. Ohio law does not allow for pain and suffering damages in workers’ comp cases.

What Affects the Amount You Receive?

  • The type of injury
  • How long you’re off work
  • If you can return to any job
  • Whether you need long-term care
  • How much money you made before the injury

A lawyer can explain what you should expect and help make sure you’re not shortchanged.

How Does Our Ashland OH Legal Team Support Your Recovery?

Getting hurt on the job is stressful. We believe in keeping things simple. When you contact us:

  • We listen: You tell your story. We take notes.
  • We explain: No fancy talk. Just clear steps.
  • We act: We file paperwork, talk to the BWC, and handle the tough stuff.
  • We stay in touch: You’ll always know what’s happening in your case.

You don’t pay unless we win. And your first meeting is always free.

Ready to Discuss Your Case? Contact Our Workers Comp Lawyer Ashland OH

At Spears & Marinakis, LLC, we bring a legacy of legal excellence to every case we handle in Central and Southern Ohio. As a family-founded law firm, our roots run deep in the region, and our commitment to integrity and client-focused service has only grown stronger through the years.

Our attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your workers’ compensation claim with honesty and clear communication. Recognized for our ethical practices and strong advocacy, we work hard to get the best results for our clients. If you’ve been hurt at work, let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help.

Discover Ashland, Ohio: Community, Neighborhoods, and Things to Do

Ashland, Ohio, known as “Someplace Special,” is a welcoming city with a population of about 19,225 people. Nestled between Cleveland and Columbus, Ashland offers the charm of small-town living with easy access to big-city amenities. The community is known for its friendliness, strong local spirit, and a tradition of helping neighbors. Education is a point of pride here, with quality K-12 schools and Ashland University anchoring the city’s academic life.

Neighborhoods and Local Life

Ashland’s neighborhoods each have their own character. Areas like Ashland North feature a mix of historic homes and newer builds, with many families and a strong sense of community. Nearby towns such as Mifflin, Savannah, and Bailey Lakes offer quiet, rural living while still being close to the city’s resources. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living and a relaxed pace, making Ashland a great place to raise a family or settle down.

Things to Do and Attractions

There’s always something happening in Ashland. The annual BalloonFest draws crowds from across Ohio, filling the sky with colorful hot air balloons and offering food, music, and family fun. Outdoor lovers can explore Brookside Park, the Audubon Wetlands Preserve, or take a short trip to the Mohican-Memorial State Forest for hiking and nature walks. History buffs enjoy the Ashland County Historical Society, while shoppers and foodies flock to Grandpa’s Cheesebarn for local treats.

A local lawyer knows the Ashland way of life. They understand what your job means to you and how hard it is to miss a paycheck. And they know how to work with nearby doctors, employers, and courts to help fix what went wrong.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Whether you’re dealing with a new legal issue or require ongoing support, our team is prepared to help you secure the best possible outcomes for your case.

Fill out our online form or give us a call at 740-532-6913 to get started.