Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Governor Wolf Issues Executive Order to Promote Equal Pay
On June 6, 2018 Governor Tom Wolf issued Executive Order 2018-18-03 addressing “Equal Pay for Employees of the Commonwealth.” The Order recognized the problem of pay disparity in the work force which particularly affects women and minorities. It further recognized that a common hiring practice involves Employer’s asking applicants about their salary history during… Read More »
To Those Who Have Served And To Those Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones In Our Armed Forces Thank You For Your Service And Your Sacrifice.
The Law Offices of Ira Weinstock PC
GOVERNOR WOLF VETOES SENATE BILL 936
In a previous article we discussed Senate Bill 936 and its potential impact on Pennsylvania injured workers. This bill deals with access to medical treatment by allowing a “formulary” or in other words a state approved list of medications. Under this bill, only medications on an approved list would be covered by the Workers’… Read More »
Pennsylvania Court Addresses Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation When Employee is Hurt Off of the Employer’s Property
In a previous post we discussed the requirements that an Employee be in the course and scope of employment while injured to be eligible for Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation benefits. In the recent case of U.S. Airways v. WCAB, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court addressed a course and scope case involving an Employee who was injured… Read More »
How Do I Become a Medical Marijuana Patient In Pennsylvania?
Becoming a medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania is not difficult, provided that you suffer from one of the medical conditions for which treatment with medical marijuana is permitted. If you are on Social Security Disability or suffer from a severe work injury, there is a good chance that you have a qualifying condition. Many… Read More »
Participating in Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program as a Health Care Provider
The steps to participate in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program as a health care provider are more simple and straightforward than in some other states. Hundreds of physicians across the state have qualified so far in the early stages of the program. However, there are still some qualifications and hoops that are necessary to go… Read More »
Medical Marijuana and Social Security Disability
If Social Security finds that you are disabled and have medical evidence of your drug addiction or alcoholism, they will then determine whether your drug addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor material to the determination of disability. If so, they may find you ineligible for benefits. This has ramifications for those using marijuana… Read More »
My Workers’ Compensation checks are late; Is there anything I can do?
Our office often receives this question. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, your Employer or Workers’ Compensation Carrier is required to either accept or deny Your Work Injury claim within 21 days of Notice of the injury and begin issuing benefits. If your claim is accepted within this 21 day period, your first Workers’… Read More »
Is an Employer’s Medical Evidence Sufficient to Terminate Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation Benefits?
In a previous article we discussed the importance of having unequivocal expert testimony supporting your claim for Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation. In a recent Commonwealth Court case, the Court addressed the burden an Employer has in terminating benefits that had previously been granted and the requirements for their medical evidence. In the case of Vasser… 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 »