Though we handle PA workers’ comp cases primarily in Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania, we still like to keep a watch on the entire PA workers’ compensation system. It was in this regard that we learned Workers’ Compensation Judge Nathan Cohen, who presided in Pittsburgh, retired from the bench yesterday. We…
A few months ago, we learned that the Northeast Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Hearing Office would be closing shortly. We were advised that all hearings for Philadelphia would then be held at the Center City Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Hearing Office located at 110 North 8th Street. Today, I had a hearing…
It has certainly been a busy time for Workers’ Compensation Judges (WCJs) in Pennsylvania. We just recently discussed filling the vacancy in the Allentown Workers’ Compensation Hearing Office, and now we have learned of three additional WCJs on the move. Leaving the bench will be The Honorable Nancy Goodwin, who…
Several months ago, we reported that four PA Workers’ Compensation Judges (WCJs) had stepped down from the bench, while only two new WCJs had been named by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. This left a difficult void in some hearing offices, such as that in Allentown. We are now…
For some time now, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has been working on a new electronic system to make interacting with a Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) and the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB) a more efficient and accessible process. The Bureau is unveiling the process, known as the Workers’…
In a surprising development, we have learned that the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will be closing the Northeast Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Hearing Office (currently located on Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia). This decision came as somewhat of a shock, since only a couple of weeks before, a high ranking…
As attorneys who represent injured workers in PA, we are often told by our clients that their doctor or physical therapist is not being paid by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Moreover, the client is receiving bills from the provider, maybe even notices from a collection agency. This is a…
When we attended the Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference in Harrisburg, presented by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, more was discussed than just the status of workers’ compensation laws in PA. Though we did certainly have sessions regarding many topical issues with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, including scope and…
Through the efforts of concerned citizens, and attorney groups united to support injured people, such as the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, there has been no legislation really harmful to the injured workers in Pennsylvania passed since 1996. Unfortunately, it appears there is now a new threat on the horizon, and…
PA Workers’ Compensation Judges (WCJs) are like other employees in many ways. Just like we see turnover in any industry among its work staff, we see WCJs leave the bench for retirement or other opportunities. Recently, we discussed two new WCJs being named to the bench by the Pennsylvania Bureau…