Initial entitlement, loss-of-earnings (LOE), non-economic loss (NEL), return-to-work disputes, occupational disease, traumatic mental stress, and full Appeals Resolution Officer (ARO) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) hearings. Six-month limit to object — earlier is better.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) administers Ontario's no-fault workplace injury insurance under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. It covers medical care, loss-of-earnings benefits, return-to- work support, non-economic loss awards for permanent impairment, and survivor benefits. Initial decisions are made by Case Managers and Nurse Consultants; reviews go to Appeals Resolution Officers (ARO) within the WSIB.
If you disagree with an ARO decision, the next step is an appeal to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) — an independent adjudicative body that reviews the file fresh. The 6-month objection window is strict, and the documentary record is everything. We act for workers and employers, on entitlement, recurrence, mental stress, occupational disease, and labour-market re-entry (LMR) disputes.
WSIB disputes split into "did this even happen at work" (entitlement) and "how much do I get and for how long" (benefits). Both have well-developed policies and case law — and both turn on the medical record.
Is the injury or condition compensable?
What you're owed once entitlement is allowed.
Realistic timeline: ARO decision typically 6–12 months from filing the objection. WSIAT appeal: another 12–18 months. Plan the file for the long haul; build the medical record once, use it at both levels.
We read the WSIB decision letter, identify the issues in dispute, and confirm the objection deadline (6 months for most decisions, 30 days for return-to-work and LMR issues). Missing the deadline is fatal — file the Intent to Object first, refine later.
We request the complete WSIB Access to Claim File package and read every page. We identify gaps in the medical record and arrange supporting reports — treating physician, specialist consultations, functional capacity evaluations.
Most WSIB appeals are decided on written submissions to the Appeals Resolution Officer; some go to oral hearings (especially complex causation). We draft the submissions tying the medical and policy to the issues in dispute. ARO decisions usually issue in 3–6 months from completion of the appeal record.
ARO decisions can be appealed to WSIAT within 6 months. WSIAT is fully independent and reviews the file fresh — written submissions or in-person/video hearing depending on the issues. WSIAT decisions are final, subject only to limited reconsideration or judicial review.
WSIB and WSIAT cases turn on the medical record paired with the facts of injury. We order the file early and identify the medical gaps long before any hearing date.
Neither the WSIB nor WSIAT charges filing fees. Workers who can't afford representation may qualify for free help from the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) ↗; small-business employers can access the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) ↗. Costs for medical reports and specialist opinions are usually borne by the party ordering them — though the WSIB will sometimes reimburse where the report turns the outcome of the appeal.
Send us the decision letter, your WSIB claim number, and a short description of the injury. We'll come back within one business day with the deadline, the issues, and the path forward.