Proactive Guidance, Defence, and Advocacy for Ontario Employers Navigating WSIB Claims, Costs, and Compliance
Navigating Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) system is a challenge for every employer. A single workplace accident, claim, or misstep in compliance can escalate quickly into significant costs, higher premiums, and operational strain. At Pearsall Marshall, our WSIB Law team works exclusively on the employer side, helping businesses of all sizes manage claims efficiently, minimize financial exposure, and defend their rights at every stage of the process.
Our lawyers combine decades of experience in WSIB claims management, appeals, and workplace reintegration with a practical, cost-conscious approach. Whether it’s controlling the trajectory of a claim from the first Form 7, advising on accommodations and return-to-work obligations, or representing employers before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT), we are committed to proactive strategies that protect your bottom line and keep your workplace running smoothly.
WSIB Law Team
- Susan McBride — Associate (Practice Lead)
- Michael Wills — Partner
- Michael DiRisio — Associate
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WSIB Law Services
WSIB Law
WSIB Claims Management – Employer Guidance from Initial Reporting to Claim Closure — We help employers manage Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims from start to finish. Our team handles accident reporting, objections, benefits disputes, cost relief strategies, and return-to-work compliance to reduce premiums and protect your bottom line.
WSIB Form 7 and Workplace Safety & Insurance Reporting – Employer Filing Assistance — Employers face strict reporting duties under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). We provide hands-on assistance with Form 7 completion, injury reporting, documentation, and timely filing to prevent penalties, protect appeal rights, and control future WSIB claim costs.
Employer Representation at WSIB and WSIAT Appeals – Protecting Your Business Interests — We represent employers in appeals before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). From written objections to full hearings, we defend employer rights, challenge costly decisions, and work to reduce liability exposure.
Return to Work and Work Reintegration – Employer Planning, Meetings, and Compliance — Our WSIB lawyers assist employers with all aspects of return-to-work and work reintegration. We prepare plans, attend WSIB meetings, advise on modified duties, and ensure compliance with re-employment obligations to reduce claim costs and protect workplace operations.
Workplace Accommodation and Re-employment Obligations – Employer Guidance Under WSIB Law — We guide employers through accommodation and re-employment obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and human rights law. We assess restrictions, craft suitable work, attend return-to-work meetings, document compliance, address refusals, and reduce penalties and premiums.
WSIB Cost Relief and Secondary Injury Fund (SIEF) Applications for Employers — We help employers pursue WSIB cost relief, including Secondary Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) applications. Our team reviews medical evidence, prepares submissions, and challenges cost assignments to reduce premiums, shift liability, and protect your business’s financial position.
Experience Rating, NEER, CAD-7 and Premium Rate Assessments – Employer Advocacy — We assist employers with WSIB experience rating issues including NEER, CAD-7, and premium rate assessments. Our lawyers review calculations, prepare objections, and develop strategies to minimize surcharges, maximize refunds, and lower long-term WSIB costs for your business.
Independent Medical Examinations and Functional Abilities Evaluations – Employer Support — We support employers in arranging Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and Functional Abilities Evaluations (FAEs). Our team coordinates assessments, reviews reports, and uses medical evidence to challenge WSIB decisions, confirm work capacity, and control ongoing claim costs.
Physical Demands Analyses, Ergonomic Assessments, and Job Shadowing for WSIB Compliance — We assist employers with Physical Demands Analyses, ergonomic assessments, and job shadowing to meet Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) compliance. These tools help confirm suitable work, support return-to-work plans, reduce disputes, and protect against costly claim penalties.
WSIB / WSIAT Objections and Written Submissions – Employer Advocacy at All Levels of Appeal — We prepare detailed WSIB / WSIAT objections and written submissions on behalf of employers at every appeal stage. From entitlement disputes to cost relief requests, our team builds strong evidence-based arguments to challenge adverse decisions and protect your business from escalating costs.
WSIB Offence Defence – Representation for Employers, Directors, and Supervisors — We defend employers, directors, and supervisors charged with offences under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Our lawyers provide strategic advice, manage investigations, and represent you in proceedings to reduce penalties, safeguard reputations, and ensure fair outcomes.
Employer Classification, Payroll Audits, and WSIB Liability in Business Sales or Restructuring — We advise employers on WSIB classification, payroll audits, and liability issues arising from business sales, asset transfers, or restructuring. Our team ensures accurate assessments, challenges unfair findings, and minimizes ongoing WSIB costs during corporate changes and reorganizations.
