Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Wrongful Death Claim Filed Against Pittsburgh Nursing Home for COVID-19-Related Deaths
In July, the family of a woman who passed away after contracting COVID-19 while working at a Pennsylvania nursing home filed a claim against the facility and its owner for wrongful death. The family claims that the home, which had a history of safety and sanitation problems, failed to provide employees with sufficient protective… Read More »
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Refuses to Consolidate COVID-19 Business Interruption Cases
Thousands of businesses across Pennsylvania have been forced to close their doors as a result of mandatory COVID-19-related statewide closures. In an effort to help offset resulting losses, many companies have begun filing business interruption claims with their insurance providers. Unfortunately, many insurers have refused to honor these claims, leaving business owners unsure of… Read More »
Why Nursing Homes Have Become Hotbeds for COVID-19
While a number of agencies and healthcare facilities have been criticized for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing homes have come under particularly intense scrutiny. These inquiries have often proved to be well-founded, as nursing homes have struggled for months with increasing rates of COVID-19 at their facilities. How the pandemic will affect… Read More »
Filing a COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance Claim
Business interruption insurance helps business owners cover the cost of lost income and expenses when their companies are unexpectedly closed due to a government order or disaster. If approved, these claims can help policyholders pay rent, taxes, employee paychecks, and loans. Unfortunately, many business owners who purchased business interruption insurance policies as a precautionary… Read More »
Reports of Distracted Driving in Philadelphia Reach Alarming Levels
Philadelphia, as one of the busiest cities in the state is regularly inundated with reports of distracted driving. In fact, in one recent report, Philadelphia was ranked as the third least focused state in the country, with drivers much more likely to use their phones while driving than in other cities. Unfortunately, distracted driving… Read More »
What it Means When Workers’ Comp Benefits are Suspended for Voluntarily Withdrawing from the Labor Market
Once an employee’s workers’ compensation claim has been approved, that individual’s employer will generally be required to continue to compensate the claimant until he or she has fully recovered. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, in which case, an employer or its insurer can suspend a person’s benefits indefinitely. For instance,… Read More »
Returning to Work After Collecting Workers’ Comp Benefits
Sustaining an injury while on the job can take an enormous physical and emotional toll on injured employees, many of whom have questions about transitioning back into the workforce after collecting benefits. Grappling with these types of issues can be complicated, so if you were recently hurt at work and have questions about your… Read More »
COVID-19 Scenarios and Potential Benefits
There are a number of scenarios in which a Pennsylvania employee might find him or herself if exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace. While much of how the state will handle these types of claims is still unclear, there are a few scenarios that employees can keep in mind during this time. We’ve included… Read More »
Governor Wolf Suspends Portions of the Workers’ Compensation Act
Last month, as part of a greater effort to reduce the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s workers’ compensation system, Governor Wolf suspended the notarization requirement for employers who suspend or modify an employee’s benefits. For help determining how these changes could affect your own work injury claim, please contact an experienced… Read More »
Will the COVID-19 Emergency Affect My Car Accident Case?
While there may be fewer cars on the road than usual in Pennsylvania, many of us are still required to drive, whether to the grocery store, to an essential job, or for emergencies. This means that although car accident rates may be lower, getting into a car accident is still possible. The COVID-19 pandemic… Read More »