If you’ve filed a claim for service-connected compensation and your claim has been denied, you’re probably wondering what you did wrong, or could have done differently. All too many times I speak with veterans who believe that their claim for service-connected compensation is a “slam-dunk.” They have, or are still being treated at the VA… Read more
Social Security defines disability as an “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity” because of a physical or mental impairment. In short, to be disabled, you must be unable to work. However, Social Security defines work in such a way that it’s possible to work and earn a certain amount of money and still… Read more
ERISA is the acronym for The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. ERISA is a comprehensive and complicated federal law that was originally intended to protect employee pension plans. Since ERISA was enacted it has been amended extensively. One of many such amendments permitted ERISA to regulate the administration and operation of employer sponsored… Read more
Initial Level There are multiple steps in the SSDI/SSI application process. When you submit your initial application to the Social Security Administration (SSA), your claim is “developed” by an SSA employee known as an “adjudicator.” It is the adjudicators responsibility to request your medical records, send you the necessary paperwork, and request further medical exams… Read more
If you have become disabled and need to file for disability, the application process can be overwhelming. However, there are ways to get through it. Your first step is to identify the most important questions that need to be answered before you apply: • Which program will I be eligible for? • What programs are… Read more
As an injured worker, you are entitled to receive payment of reasonable medical expenses as well as wage-loss benefits. In order to receive compensation, you must notify your employer within 120 days of the injury. However, if you wait too long after the injury occurred to, you run the risk of having the claim denied…. Read more
“Can you get pain and suffering with workers compensation?” This is a common question we hear from our clients, and it is a good question to ask because, ultimately, it determines what type of compensation you can receive. The short answer is no, there are only three types of benefits you can receive from the… Read more
(Philadelphia) –Martin Law partner Joseph Huttemann just recently secured a $3.2 million worker’s compensation settlement for his client. The $3,200,000 settlement was obtained for a 21 year old automotive technician, who became a paraplegic after suffering a cervical fracture and arterial dissection from a car accident on his way to a training seminar. The insurance… Read more
The most significant judicial decision to change workers’ compensation law in the last 20 years occurred on June 20, 2017 when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued Protz v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (Derry Area School District), __Pa. __, A.3 __ (No. 6 WAP 2016 and No. 7 WAP 2016, decided June 20, 2017). In Protz,… Read more
(Philadelphia) –Martin Law partner Matthew Wilson is the faculty planner and moderator of the PBI’s upcoming CLE Workers’ Compensation: Best Practices and Recommendations on May 17, 2017. The panel will include Workers’ Compensation judges and practitioners from across the state. Matthew Wilson is a partner of Martin Law and practices exclusively in the area of… Read more
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