Congressional investigators recently determined that approximately 200 administrative judges have been approving a far higher rate of applications for certain federal benefits than they seemingly should be. Specifically, investigators insist that these judges are essentially “rubber-stamping” applications for Social Security Disability benefits that they are charged with overseeing. While several targeted judges are defending their… Read more
A Pennsylvania appellate court held that a convenience store worker who suffered fatal injuries while chasing a thief was eligible for workers’ comp benefits.Walter Wetzel died in April 2010, several months after he was run over in his employer’s convenience store parking lot while trying to stop a thief. Three years later, a Pennsylvania appellate… Read more
Amazon, the Internet retailer known for bringing Americans goods as varied as books, lawn care supplies and infant accessories, is under scrutiny following two deaths at fulfillment centers, including one in Pennsylvania. One of the deaths raises questions about temporary worker safety in the U.S. The most recent death happened in Carlisle, Pa., on June… Read more
You wouldn’t want to work in conditions that could injure, sicken or kill you. That’s why the law has put in place protections to ensure your safety. Importantly, the law also protects your right to report such hazards-without losing your job or being punished for speaking up. It’s all part of the Occupational Safety and… Read more
In March 2014, three more Martin Law partners took the Workers’ Compensation Certification exam held for the second time by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. We are proud to announce that all three, John Dogum, Amit Shah and Joseph Conlan, have been certified as a specialist in the practice of workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania… Read more
“How do you calculate workers compensation?” If you have been injured at work, you are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including a weekly benefit to replace wages. Under Pennsylvania law, you are entitled to about two-thirds of your weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. The actual amount that you are owed is based… Read more
A year ago this month, a building under demolition in Center City collapsed and crashed onto the Salvation Army Thrift Store next door. Six people died and 14 were injured in the collapse. Afterward, the mayor announced a series of measures designed to prevent a similar building collapse from happening again. But some say the… Read more
June 2-6 has been designated national “Stand Down” for safety in construction week by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). And with today being the anniversary of the tragic Philadelphia Market Street building collapse, there is no better time to consider safety precautions that will protect workers and make job sites safer in any… Read more
Temperatures are rising in Pennsylvania. The average high temperature in Philadelphia in June is typically in the 80s and will only go up in July and August. For outdoor workers, hot weather is a real threat. Heat related illnesses are also preventable. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says there were 4,120 heat-related worker illnesses… Read more
May 28, 2014 (Philadelphia, PA) Martin Law partners Joseph C. Huttemann and Alfred J. Carlson will present educational sessions at the 13th Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference on June 2-3 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. The event is hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The conference features… Read more
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