Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Can You Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?
If you were fired after filing a workers’ compensation claim following your work-related injury or illness, you are probably wondering, “Did my employer fire me legally or was it retaliation?” This is a good question to ask a knowledgeable Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer. Can Your Employer Fire You for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim… Read More »
COVID-19 and Workplace Injury Risks for Pennsylvania’s First Responders, Grocery Store, and Warehouse Workers
First responders risk their lives to protect citizens. Since first responders are often exposed to hazards on-the-job, they are likely to suffer injuries while performing their duties. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how important first responders are and how dangerous their job is. First responders were not the only ones who served a critical role… Read More »
Social Security Disability (SSDI) and the Workers’ Compensation Offset in Pennsylvania
If you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits while also receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) in Pennsylvania, the so-called “workers’ compensation offset” may apply. When your SSDI benefits are subject to the workers’ compensation offset, they are basically reduced. Generally, the workers’ compensation offset does not apply when an individual is receiving Supplemental Security Income… Read More »
Pennsylvania Legislators to Strengthen Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Laws
Intoxication is still one of the leading factors in fatal boating accidents in Pennsylvania and all across the country. This was the finding in “2019 Recreational Boating Statistics” published by the U.S. Coast Guard. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are aimed at curbing fatal boat accidents involving the use of alcohol by strengthening the state’s boating… Read More »
IN-PERSON PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS COMPENSATION HEARINGS TO RESUME IN CERTAIN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES
The Director of Adjudication for the Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation Office of Adjudication has announced effective June 19, 2020, that the Office of Adjudication will begin to conduct limited in-person hearings in counties that have been designated by the Governor as entering the “green” phase of reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited in-person hearings will… Read More »