by Karl Voigt Injured workers: Pennsylvania Republicans want a loan...from you! On June 29, the Pennsylvania Senate approved a $31.6 billion budget. The legislature is even today, Sunday, meeting to work out the details. Somewhat shortsightedly, they have yet to figure out exactly how to fund their new budget. One idea tossed out by Republican … Continue reading Injured workers: Pennsylvania Republicans want a loan…from you!
Author: Karl Voigt IV, Esq.
CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
by Karl Voigt You may have seen in the news, or perhaps even here, that the Center for Disease Control has published new Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. This is seemingly in response to not just the addictive nature of opioids, but also the quadrupling of deaths from prescription opioid overdose over the … Continue reading CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
Pennsylvania Announces 2016 Average Weekly Wage
by Karl Voigt Pennsylvania's Secretary of Labor and Industry has announced the 2016 Statewide Average Weekly Wage.This figure serves as the basis for determining the maximum and minimum weekly Workers' Compensation benefit rates in Pennsylvania. The figure has increased to $978 from the 2015 average of $951. This increase affects the weekly rates paid to … Continue reading Pennsylvania Announces 2016 Average Weekly Wage
PA Appellate Court Curbs Workers’ Compensation Impairment Rating Evaluations
by Karl Voigt In a late-breaking development, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has severely limited the use of Impairment Rating Evaluations by insurance companies. This ruling may affect ongoing Workers' Compensation claims, as well as those that have been affected in past years. Workers' Compensation insurance companies have, since 1996, have the ability to subject an … Continue reading PA Appellate Court Curbs Workers’ Compensation Impairment Rating Evaluations
What are the first things to do if you get hurt at work?
by Karl Voigt Karl just answered this Pennsylvania workers’ compensation question on Avvo.com: "I was at work and fell at customer site. I tripped and fell on rebar and 2 inch wide bolts sticking out the ground. I bruised my left forearm, cut open my right hand and rehurt my old shoulder injury. Hurt … Continue reading What are the first things to do if you get hurt at work?
Pennsylvania H.B. 916 Would Extend WC Coverage to Emergency Management Volunteers
by Karl Voigt The Pennsylvania legislature is once again attempting to amend the Commonwealth's Workers' Compensation Act, this time in the form of House Bill 916, which aims to extend insured status to emergency management volunteers. As a matter of public policy, the Act has long extended insurance coverage to volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance corps, … Continue reading Pennsylvania H.B. 916 Would Extend WC Coverage to Emergency Management Volunteers
Can I choose where to get a functional capacity evaluation?
by Karl Voigt Karl just answered this Pennsylvania workers’ compensation question on Avvo.com: “Off work collecting WC 9 months with knee. Doc wants me to do an FCE. Can I choose who I want to go to? Had left menisectomy on July 29, 2014. Had PT, cortisone, Euflaxxa, and more therapy. I am in pain … Continue reading Can I choose where to get a functional capacity evaluation?
“What happens when I reach MMI and I have permanent restrictions?”
by Karl Voigt Karl just answered this Pennsylvania workers’ compensation question on Avvo.com: “What happens when I reach MMI and I have permanent restrictions? Its been a year since my work injury and i just had second IME and the report stated that I have reached MMI and that my restrictions are permanent. Does this … Continue reading “What happens when I reach MMI and I have permanent restrictions?”
“What does a Notice of Ability to Return to Work Mean For Me?”
by Karl Voigt Karl just answered this Pennsylvania workers’ compensation question on Avvo.com: “What does an Ability to Return to Work Mean for me? I was back to FT work light duty but MMI. Now laid off.” We would generally need more facts from you in order to better answer your question. However, I see … Continue reading “What does a Notice of Ability to Return to Work Mean For Me?”
“Do Nurse Case Managers Have the Right to Talk To My Doctors?
by Karl Voigt Karl just answered this Pennsylvania workers’ compensation question on Avvo.com: "Gentlemen I know has been going to MHR 10 months now. He has an ICM case worker who wants him to sign papers that its ok for her to talk to his doctors. He's very smart at somethings. Should he sign these … Continue reading “Do Nurse Case Managers Have the Right to Talk To My Doctors?
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