Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What You Should Know About Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Some employees who are injured on the job collect their workers’ compensation checks until they are able to return to work. With more severe injuries, however, an employer may attempt to settle a workers’ compensation claim by making one lump sum payment to the injured party in lieu of further payments. Settlements have a… Read More »
Requesting Commutation of Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Many injured employees are tempted to enter into a settlement agreement rather than wait for weeks or even months to begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits. While this route could be in an employee’s best interests, injured workers should be careful to assess their settlement agreement carefully before agreeing to anything, as they may have… Read More »
How Much Can an Employee’s Dependents Recover in Death Benefits After a Workplace Accident?
While some employees who are injured at work are fortunate enough to escape their workplace incident with only minor injuries, many are not so lucky. In fact, a tragically high number of people lose their lives while on the job every year in the U.S. The loved ones of those who die after workplace… Read More »
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Weekly Wage for 2021 Announced
Earlier this year, the Department of Labor & Industry announced that the average weekly wage for workplace injuries that occur in Pennsylvania in 2021will be $1,130 per week. For help determining how the new schedule could affect your own wage loss benefits, please call an experienced Pennsylvania 2021 wage loss benefits lawyer today. 2021… Read More »
What if My Employer Didn’t File My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim requires employers, employees, and insurers to comply with a host of rules and procedures. Failing to abide by these rules can have serious consequences on the outcome of a claim. Those who fail to file a claim on time, for instance, could end up losing their right to seek… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Benefits now include all Volunteer Firefighters and EMS/Rescue Providers
Wolf signed Senate Bill 94 into law. Senate Bill 94 is the most recent change to Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws and represents an attempt by lawmakers to expand the availability of benefits to volunteer emergency responders across the board, including those who don’t actively respond to emergency calls. For help determining whether you fall… Read More »
Controversial COVID-19 Drug Administered at Pennsylvania Nursing Home
A Pennsylvania nursing home recently came under fire after it was discovered that the facility had administered hydroxychloroquine to residents battling COVID-19, without first obtaining approval to conduct an experimental treatment. Although touted by some as being a legitimate treatment for COVID-19, the FDA recently warned against the use of hydroxychloroquine in non-hospital settings… Read More »
The Physical Loss Requirement of COVID-19 Business Interruption Claims
As long as a virus exclusion is not included in a company’s business interruption policy, most disputes arising from COVID-19-related claims will depend on whether a claimant can prove that the closure of a business property (due to contamination or threatened contamination), qualifies as physical loss or damage. This could prove to be an… Read More »
Were Coronavirus Nursing Home Deaths Preventable?
While the coronavirus has affected the health of millions of people, certain individuals have proven to be at an especially high risk of contracting the virus. For instance, the New York Times reports that while only seven percent of U.S. COVID-19 cases have occurred in long-term care facilities, deaths in these same facilities account… Read More »
Federal and State Agencies Launch Investigations into Pennsylvania Nursing Homes
Recently, FBI investigators and officials from the Attorney General’s office raided two Pennsylvania nursing homes where hundreds of residents and employees had tested positive for COVID-19. Both nursing homes in question are located in the Pittsburgh area, operated by the same company, and accused of neglect, fraud, and abuse, especially in regards to violations… Read More »