Author Archives: Jay Butchko
2021 PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATES
Every year, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry determines the maximum workers’ compensation rate for injured workers. For injured workers who suffer a work injury between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the maximum amount of workers compensation an injured worker can receive is $1,130.00. This represents an increase from the 2020… Read More »
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Most Americans know Dr. King as one of the greatest leaders of the civil rights movement of the 1960’s, however, Dr. King was equally as passionate in his devotion to the Labor Movement – for without economic opportunity, civil rights could not flourish. His commitment to the American worker followed him until the day… Read More »
Are You Required to Return to Work if You Haven’t Fully Recovered?
What to do if your workers’ compensation doctor released you to full duty but you have not fully recovered? Does Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law require workers to return to work before they are ready? Often, an injured worker may feel that their doctor, who was chosen from a list of providers recommended by the… Read More »
7 Factors That Affect the Value of Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania
If you were injured at work, you need to be aware of the factors that may affect the settlement value of your workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania. Typically, how much your workers’ compensation claim is worth depends on many factors, but the following seven are usually the most important ones. If you want to… Read More »
How Much is Your Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers are entitled to lost wage benefits equivalent to two-thirds (66%) of their weekly wage. The Act also sets forth minimum and maximum compensation rates for the calendar year in which the work-related injury or illness occurs. What is the Weekly Compensation Rate for Workers’ Comp in… Read More »
Car Accidents During Bad Weather: Who Can Be Held at Fault for the Crash?
Pennsylvania is no stranger to cold and tough weather conditions in winter. Bad weather conditions significantly increase the chance of a car crash, which is why Pennsylvania sees so many auto accidents on its roads every winter. Snow, ice, wet and slippery roads, precipitation, and other adverse weather conditions contribute to more car accidents… Read More »
Can You Choose Your Own Doctor for a Work-Related Injury When Seeking Workers’ Compensation?
If you sustained a work-related injury, you might wonder, “Can I go to my own doctor to seek medical attention?” If you do so, would you still be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits through your employer’s insurance? The answer is, “it depends.” Can You Choose Your Own Physician for an On-the-Job Injury? In… Read More »
Can You Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits if You Were Injured at Home?
The number of people working from home and telecommuting has increased significantly in recent years. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many employers across the United States to rethink workplace flexibility and switch to remote work. One of the most common misconceptions about injuries suffered by remote workers is that you are not eligible… Read More »
Reporting a Workplace Injury to Seek Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania: Everything You Need to Know
If you were injured in a workplace accident or were diagnosed with a work-related illness, it is critical to notify your employer as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny workers’ compensation claims when an injured employee fails to report their injury in a timely manner. Notifying your employer… Read More »
Are Independent Contractors Entitled to Workers’ Comp Benefits in Pennsylvania?
In recent years, an increasing number of businesses have been hiring freelancers and independent contractors rather than employees. However, many independent contractors have many of the same duties and responsibilities as employees. But are independent contractors entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when they suffer a work-related injury or illness? In Pennsylvania, employers will often… Read More »