One frequently litigated part of PA workers’ compensation law is whether an injured worker is within the “scope and course” of his or her employment at the time of the injury.  Often, this question is dealing with a situation where …
Continue Reading PA Workers’ Compensation Cases Involving Injury Before or After Work Are Fact-Specific

As we have noted previously, all hearings in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation matters have been held virtually, either by telephone or video, since last Spring.  We have now been told that the hearing offices within the PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation…
Continue Reading PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation System Reopening Announced

Most employees in PA are covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.  This is a topic that has been mentioned previously in this blog.  However, that thought begs the question – who is actually an “employee”?  This can be…
Continue Reading When is an “Employee” an “Employee” for PA Workers’ Compensation Purposes?

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has announced that The Honorable Ashley Drinkwine will be a new Workers Compensation Judge (WCJ) assigned to the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Hearing Office.  Judge Drinkwine will be taking the place of Judge Scott Olin,…
Continue Reading New Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judge Announced For Philadelphia Hearing Office

We apologize for having such infrequent posts these past several months.  Like much of society, things have slowed down since the pandemic arrived.  There seem to be fewer appellate decisions coming down, and those that do seem more frequently to…
Continue Reading PA Workers’ Compensation System Still Operating Remotely

It is a frequent call we receive.  “My check is late.”  Nobody wants to deal with a delay in getting their check, especially around the holidays.  Indeed, getting a check late means more than just difficulty in holiday shopping –…
Continue Reading PA Workers’ Compensation System Impacted by USPS Delays

As happens every year around this time, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has released the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) for the coming year.  For 2021, the SAWW is $1,130.00, an increase over the $1,081.00 of 2020.  The SAWW…
Continue Reading Maximum Workers’ Compensation Rate for Pennsylvania Raised to $1,130.00 for 2021