Abigail White

E-mail • vCard Abbie is a shareholder and director practicing in the OSHA and Workers Compensation defense groups at Auman, Mahan & Furry. Abbie represents employers of all sizes in matters related to occupational safety and health and workers compensation. She also counsels employers regarding employment-related matters. OSHA Compliance In her OSHA practice, Abbie believes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Abbie often works with clients to develop and improve their company safety and health programs, and routinely counsels clients in issues related to compliance with OSHAs constantly evolving safety and health regulations. She frequently speaks to clients, employers and trade groups to educate them about the latest regulatory developments that affect their businesses. OSHA Inspections Abbie recognizes that no matter how safely an employer operates its business, it may face an OSHA inspection or even a citation. Abbie routinely guides employers through all stages of the OSHA inspection process—including the opening conference, walk-through, employee interviews and closing conference. Abbie also consults with, and assists employers in determining whether injuries must be reported to OSHA, in reporting serious injuries to OSHA and in responding to Rapid Response Investigations. OSHA Litigation When citations cannot be avoided, Abbie has significant litigation experience representing employers across the United States in proceedings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and before the various state agencies that administer OSHA-Approved State Plans. Abbie has represented employers in Alabama, California, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin, to name a few. Workers Compensation Claim Investigation and Consultation In her workers compensation practice, Abbie routinely counsels Ohio employers in the cost-effective management of workers compensation claims. Abbie represents both state-fund and self-insured employers from a variety of different industries, including construction, manufacturing and healthcare. Abbie understands that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to defending a workers compensation claim, and that numerous factors play into the approach an employer should take. A single claim might have devastating consequences for a small, state-fund employer, necessitating an aggressive defense strategy. At other times, it may be best to take little action, and simply monitor a claim. A thorough investigation of a claim at the time of the injury is a must when deciding upon an employers best course of action. Abbie frequently consults with employers early in the life of a claim—often before a claim is even filed—to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of contesting the claims compensability. In addition to determining the who/what/when/where and why of an alleged injury, factors such as the employees medical history, credibility issues, potential claim costs and premium impact must all be considered when deciding upon an appropriate defense strategy. Workers Compensation Litigation In workers compensation, familiarity with the administrative system is vital. Abbie has attended hundreds of Industrial Commission hearings throughout the State of Ohio, including hearings before the full panel of Commissioners in Columbus. Abbie routinely defends employers with regard to issues involving claim allowance, additional conditions, extent of disability, requests for treatment and wage loss issues. Abbie has litigated workers compensation claims appealed into Ohios Common Pleas Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Ohio. Abbie is licensed to practice law in Ohio and is also admitted to practice before both the United States District Court for the Southern District and the United States District Court for Northern District of Ohio. Abbie is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Dayton Bar Association. Abbie has been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer Rising Star annually since 2014. Abbie received her undergraduate degree in English from Xavier University, and her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. In law school, Abbie participated in moot court and was chosen by her peers to receive the Order of the Barristers Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy.