Thomas S. Connor
Tom Connor is arguably the most knowledgeable, experienced, and respected leader in workers’ compensation in Ohio.
When injured workers face a complicated workers’ compensation claim, experience matters. When that experience includes helping oversee the entire workers’ compensation system for an entire state, it becomes invaluable.
Thomas “Tom” Connor brings a perspective to workers’ compensation law that few attorneys in Ohio can match. After spending nearly three decades in executive leadership positions at the Industrial Commission of Ohio, Tom now dedicates his extensive knowledge and insight to helping injured workers navigate one of the most complex legal and administrative systems in the state.
Throughout his career, Tom has viewed workers’ compensation from virtually every angle imaginable. He has represented injured workers, served as Chief Regional Attorney for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and spent almost 30 years in leadership at the Industrial Commission of Ohio. As Director of Adjudication, Tom oversaw the policies, procedures, and adjudicative processes that governed workers’ compensation claims statewide. He supervised more than 300 employees, including hearing officers throughout Ohio, and worked directly with the Industrial Commissioners on matters impacting thousands of claims each year.
That unparalleled experience provides Tom with a deep understanding of how workers’ compensation decisions are made, how claims are evaluated, and where opportunities exist to strengthen a client’s case. He understands not only the law itself, but also the practical realities behind the decision-making process.
At Plevin & Gallucci, Tom plays a critical role in developing hearing strategies and helping attorneys evaluate complex workers’ compensation claims. His insight is particularly valuable in cases involving disputed medical issues, complicated legal questions, permanent disability claims, and matters requiring strategic planning at multiple levels of the system.
Tom is also widely recognized as an educator and thought leader in the workers’ compensation community. He is frequently invited to speak before attorneys, judges, legislators, labor organizations, and community groups on workers’ compensation issues and the protection of injured workers’ rights. His ability to explain complex concepts in practical terms has earned him respect throughout the legal profession.
What distinguishes Tom is his belief that workers’ compensation should work as intended: protecting workers who have suffered injuries while earning a living. After decades helping administer the system, he now uses that knowledge to advocate for the people it was designed to serve.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Cleveland State University and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, now Cleveland State University College of Law.
Outside the office, Tom enjoys live music, Cleveland sports, Ohio State athletics, and spending time with his dog.
For injured workers facing difficult claims, Tom offers something truly unique: the insight of a former architect of Ohio’s workers’ compensation system and the commitment of an advocate focused on helping workers secure the benefits they deserve.
