As we have noted in the past, generally, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation does not publicize when Workers’ Compensation Judges (WCJs) move from county to county, or even when they change into a different role in the Bureau. So, it falls to us to share with injured workers what seems to be happening from our view. Since none of this has actually been confirmed by the Bureau, all of what we are saying here is purely rumor.
Perhaps the most significant change is the appointment of Judge Joseph DeRita (who had been hearing cases in Easton and Doylestown) to the role of Director of Adjudication for the Bureau. We offer sincere congratulations to Judge DeRita in his new role. While we will miss his intelligent and patient view from the bench, his leadership will now benefit the entire Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
It appears that the Easton workers’ compensation hearing office will now feature Judge Brian Puhala, along with Judge Bruce Doman. Judge Thomas Kuzma, who had been in Reading, will assume half a case load in Allentown (and the remainder still in Reading). The Doylestown workers’ compensation hearings will be conducted by Judge Karen Wertheimer (who is the Judge Manager for the Eastern District), and Judge Robert Benischeck, who had been stationed in Bristol.
We will, of course, continue to provide updates, as we both hear of them and experience them.