Author: Karl Voigt IV, Esq.

by Karl Voigt, Esquire On July 7, Pennsylvania Governor Corbett signed House Bill 797, which enhances the workers’ compensation claims of firefighters who have certain cancers. Prior to the Bill’s passage, career and volunteer firefighters were entitled to a presumption that certain cancers caused by exposure to Group 1 carcinogens were work-related. The new legislation … Continue reading Workers’ Compensation Legislative update: July 7, 2011 →

by Karl Voigt, Esquire Maybe not! We often tell clients who walk in the door for the first time that they don’t need to hire an attorney. Which can be a surprise coming from an attorney. But it doesn’t mean we don’t want to be their lawyers. It means we don’t have to start the … Continue reading Do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer? →

Once again the Pennsylvania legislature is working to limit injured workers’ rights. This time it’s not with broad sweeping changes, but in small increments, almost as if they do not want to be noticed. Namely, they’re seeking to double the length of the “captive period” from 90 to 180 days. Just so we’re clear, 180 … Continue reading New proposed change to the PA Workers’ Comp Act →

The Protecting America’s Workers Act, most recently introduced on January 5, 2011 in the US House of Representatives, is our federal legislature’s most recent effort to strengthen OSHA and protect US workers. The new legislation, if adopted, would: -Enhance protection from retaliation for whistleblowers who report dangerous work conditions; -prohibit employers from discouraging employee reports of injury; … Continue reading Protecting America’s Workers Act →

Our clients are often faced with a huge obstacle to getting the medical care they need for a work injury: their workers’ compensation case is denied. This can result in an inability to get needed treatment. Most doctors insist on getting paid for their services. It’s not uncommon for doctors – particularly specialists – to … Continue reading Denied Workers’ Compensation…and healthcare? →

Anyone who’s been on workers’ compensation knows it’s no bonanza. First and foremost, an injured worker can’t sue his employer, so huge punitive awards or pain and suffering damages are simply out of the question. Second, the insurance company has a toolbox full of ways to stop or reduce the little compensation an injured worker … Continue reading Workers’ Compensation Fraud: myth or reality? →

Every year, the Department of Labor and Industry is required to calculate the maximum weekly workers’ compensation benefit available to an individual injured in that year. The 2010 maximum was $845. For 2011 injuries, the Department has announced that the maximum rate is $858.