Pennsylvania Workers Comp Archives

Pennsylvania Workers Comp / Workers Compensation

New Office in Lancaster, PA

Mooney Law just opened a new full-time office in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With the firm's Lancaster area clientele growing, the timing was right for the firm to make a strong investment in Lancaster. The new office is located at 36 East King Street in downtown Lancaster in the well known Cipher Building. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I personally have always represented clients who were injured at work in Lancaster. However, with…

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October 4, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp / Workers Compensation

What is ‘mechanism of injury’ in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation?

A phrase we throw around in workers’ compensation circles is the ‘mechanism of injury’. What exactly does ‘mechanism of injury’ mean in workers compensation cases? Simply put --- mechanism of injury is the manner in which the injury occurred. In other words, how an injured worker was actually injured. If your workers compensation claim is denied and you have to file a claim petition to fight for benefits, you will be asked several questions about the mechanism of injury during…

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September 23, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp / Workers Compensation

Workers Comp Back to Virtual Hearings

On August 16, 2021, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation authorized Workers' Compensation hearings to be back in-person. Due to the COVID-19 Delta Variant, that lasted just 10 days. Word has come down from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry today that all hearings, besides 'essential' hearings, will revert back to virtual hearings, either by phone or video. Back we go to the world of virtual law.

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August 26, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Joint Replacement and Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Joint replacement surgeries as a result of a work-related injury are not all that uncommon, especially in older workers. Often times, when an injured worker is recommended for a knee replacement, a shoulder replacement, or a hip replacement, the workers’ compensation claim suddenly becomes a nightmare, with the insurance carrier denying further medical treatment, including the joint replacement surgery. Knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and hip replacements are by far the most common involving work-related injuries. Knee Replacement Over the years,…

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June 30, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Why do I have to resign if I settle my workers compensation case?

One of the hard ‘facts’ of a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation settlement is the ‘requirement’ to resign from employment to accept a settlement. Is it a requirement under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act? No. It is usually a requirement of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and/or the employer. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation settlements are done by Compromise and Release Agreements. They are negotiated with the insurance carrier and employer. They value each case differently based on a multitude of factors. You can…

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June 11, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

In Pennsylvania, Seven DO NOTS When Attending an IME

Independent Medical Examinations are frequent in workers compensation cases in Pennsylvania. Just a few quick words about an IME. First, they are not ‘independent’ exams. These are exams scheduled by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier, with a doctor they choose, and scheduled most often for very specific reasons. Those reasons may include attempt to get a full recovery opinion, to deny medical treatment, or to return the injured worker back to work. You can read more about IMEs right here.…

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June 10, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

What happens if my employer has no workers compensation insurance?

Unfortunately, I still get calls from clients who were injured at work, but their employer advised they cannot file for workers compensation benefits because they do not have workers compensation insurance. Then what? First, that is not correct. If you are an employee and have been injured at work, then you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. What must happen is the injured worker must file a Notice of Claim with the Pennsylvania Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF). Then,…

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May 17, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Does Pennsylvania Workers Comp Require Pre-Authorization?

Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act DOES NOT require pre-authorization for medical treatment. I get that question time and time again. The answer is always the same. No pre-authorization is required in Pennsylvania. Quite frankly, this issue arises when a more expensive procedure/treatment is recommended by the treating doctor. That usually includes an MRI, surgery, or various types of injections. It arises when a treating doctor advises the client (patient) that this is the recommended treatment and we will get it scheduled after…

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February 18, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp to Stay Virtual to June 30

I attended a Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation continuing legal education seminar today to get an update on the “new Workers Comp Normal .” It was a much anticipated seminar for attorneys to determine where workers’ compensation is headed in Pennsylvania, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system is administered through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. PA Department of Labor & Industry is an executive government agency operating under the…

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February 10, 2021

Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Winter Weather on the way

Winter weather is on the way for Central Pennsylvania. Mooney Law urges workers across Pennsylvania to be careful walking through parking lots, between buildings, on loading docs, and getting out of vehicles. Snow and ice cause a multitude of work injuries every year in Pennsylvania. If an unfortunate work injury does occur because of a slip and fall on snow and ice, do these few things right away. First, report the injury to your employer right away. Ask for an…

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December 14, 2020