Nicole R. Hunter

For over 18 years, Nicole R. Hunter has focused her law practice on exclusively representing the interests of businesses and employers. She routinely defends businesses throughout Ohio and Kentucky who face pending or ongoing litigation related to employment issues, workers’ compensation claims, OSHA and workplace safety investigations, and general business matters.  She strives to develop personal relationships with her business clients to provide cost-containing solutions for existing matters and effective and practical risk management strategies for the future.

Nicole maintains a comprehensive workers’ compensation and risk management practice, serving clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky. She represents self-insured and state-funded employers, third-party administrators, and insurance carriers in all aspects of workers’ compensation program management. Nicole routinely advocates for employer interests in proceedings before the Industrial Commission of Ohio, the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims, and in courts throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Her diverse client portfolio spans a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, staffing, retail, service, and transportation. 

Nicole is a staunch advocate for her clients, and she defends employers in the full spectrum of workers’ compensation issues, including initial claim investigation, additional medical conditions, treatment and compensation matters, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) compensation, fraud investigations, Permanent Total Disability (PTD) compensation, death claims, and Violation of Specific Safety Requirement (VSSR) cases. 

Nicole works with employers to proactively develop policies and return to work programs that support employee engagement following workplace injuries while effectively reducing lost-time costs. She designs and implements Drug-Free Safety Programs for Ohio employers and provides guidance for employers regarding post-accident drug testing, safety protocols, BWC safety programs, and OSHA-related concerns.

Nicole also works closely with businesses to align their employment practices with organizational goals, fostering productive and compliant workplace environments. She regularly drafts and updates industry-specific employee handbooks to ensure adherence to both state and federal employment laws. Her practice also includes advising on key business matters such as non-competition agreements, confidentiality agreements, and the implementation of progressive discipline policies.

In addition, Nicole assists employers as they navigate policy and administrative complexities related to their Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation policy and program.  She frequently advises businesses regarding workers’ compensation policy and coverage questions, proper employee classifications, and self-insurance compliance issues.  She also works closely with and regularly advises third party administrators, professional employer organizations, and insurance companies regarding workers’ compensation policy, strategy, and legal issues.

Community & Professional

Anderson Township Economic Development Committee
Member, 2016 – Present

Cincinnati Bar Association
Workers' Compensation Committee

Ohio Self-Insurer's Association
Member, 2007 – Present

Ohio Manufacturer’s Association

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