Author Archives: Jay Butchko
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 »
Workers’ Compensation for Delivery Drivers in Pennsylvania: Everything You Need to Know
Delivery drivers seem to be in a hurry all the time. They are no strangers to pushing themselves to the limits due to unrealistic deadlines. Often, they do it at the expense of their own safety. The desire to make on-time deliveries can put a delivery driver in harm’s way. Unfortunately, car crashes involving… Read More »
How to Determine Fault in Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Pennsylvania?
Multi-vehicle crashes are those that involve more than two automobiles and are often referred to as chain-reaction accidents and pile-ups. Due to the large number of motorists involved, determining fault and assigning liability for a multiple-vehicle accident can be quite complicated. Since Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state, liability is often divided between… Read More »
Can a Pennsylvania Worker Refuse to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania workers fall into two broad categories: Those who cannot work due to the state’s stay-at-home order (or worse, were laid off or furloughed); and Those who have to report to work despite the risk of coronavirus exposure. While there is little you can do if you cannot work due… Read More »
Is Your Pennsylvania Employer Required to Inform Employees of Positive COVID-19 Cases in the Workplace?
While Pennsylvania’s non-essential businesses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers are still required to come to work despite the risks associated with the virus. In light of this, many employees are wondering, “Is my employer required to inform employees if there is a positive coronavirus case in the workplace?” Are Employers Required… Read More »
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation is moving forward with New Claims, Hearings and Mediations Following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
With the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pennsylvania’s Governor, its legislature, and administrative bureaus and courts have been scrambling to handle the legal aspects of the pandemic. Instantly, Governor Wolf signed an executive order relaxing the statutory regulations regarding Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation cases as the Commonwealth deals with providing relief for injured workers with… Read More »