Karl J. Sutter (Porter Wright) – Columbus, OH

Defending Employers and Ensuring Workplace Safety

Karl J. Sutter is a highly experienced partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Columbus, Ohio. Since earning his law degree in 1982, Karl has dedicated his career to the defense of employers in Workers’ Compensation and workplace safety matters. He is the attorney businesses call when they are facing complex claims or regulatory scrutiny. Karl understands that a safe workplace is a productive one, but he also knows that meritless claims can drain a company’s resources. He represents self-insured and state-funded employers at all levels, from administrative hearings to the Supreme Court of Ohio. If you need to find a lawyer who can navigate the bureaucratic maze of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), Karl Sutter is a proven authority.

Comprehensive Employer Defense

Karl’s practice is laser-focused on protecting the interests of management and business owners. His key services include:

• Workers’ Compensation Defense: Vigorously defending against fraudulent or exaggerated injury claims to keep insurance premiums low.
• Workplace Safety (OSHA): Advising companies on compliance with federal safety standards and representing them during OSHA inspections and citations.
• Employment & Labor Lawyers: counseling employers on FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accommodation to avoid discrimination lawsuits.
• Litigation: representing employers in court when administrative remedies have been exhausted.

Recognized for Excellence

Karl’s expertise has earned him a reputation as a "go-to" lawyer for industrial and commercial clients. He is a recipient of the Reginald Heber Smith Fellowship and is frequently invited to speak on workers’ compensation strategies. His approach is proactive-helping clients implement safety programs and return-to-work policies that prevent disputes before they arise. As a partner at Porter Wright, he brings the resources of a large firm to every case, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Strategic Location

Operating out of the Huntington Center in downtown Columbus, Karl is perfectly positioned to represent clients before the Industrial Commission of Ohio and local courts. His office is just steps away from the key government agencies that regulate employment in the state. When you hire a lawyer like Karl Sutter, you are securing a defense strategist who has spent over 40 years mastering the intricacies of labor and safety law.