The Risk Roundtable

Will COVID-19 end the exclusive remedy provision in the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act? Workers' Compensation partners, Christian (Chris) A. Davis and Sherri L. Dougherty explore how COVID-19 exposure in the workplace could end the exclusive remedy provision. Chris and Sherri also discuss pending cases and how their outcome will affect future workers' compensation cases.

Investigation can be a crucial part of any workers’ compensation case. Weber Gallagher associates, Vanessa Mendelewski and Scott Wilson explain why wage and rate, medical records, personnel files, and an ISO search are important preliminary investigation pieces the carrier should be conducting. Additionally, guest Earl Anderson, of Investigative Solutions LLC, discusses social media and surveillance, explaining the type of surveillance he runs and why the information gathered can be necessary for a case.

What considerations should businesses examine when obtaining an Independent Medical Evaluations (IME) in workers' compensation matters in Pennsylvania? In this episode, Weber Gallagher Partner Peter Harrison and Associate Patrick Cummings dive into using an IME before and during litigation. They discuss why you should consider all medical evidence, the experts, which body parts are involved and more. Tune in now to learn more and understand how to be more prepared for the next claim.

Do you want to learn more about controlling excessive medical costs on your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims? Tune in as our lawyers, Sherri Dougherty and Dawn Nicholson, discuss the use of utilization reviews, use of panel providers, defending fee reviews, challenging payment for medical marijuana and compromising medical bills on a contested claim. They go into detail about what happens if medical treatment is found unreasonable and unnecessary by Utilization Review, why you might file a petition to review, or not use a utilization review at all. Sherri and Dawn also review how medical marijuana payments in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims are currently being handled.

John C. Kutner and Scott Wilson discuss medical marijuana and opiates as it pertains to workers' compensation claims. John and Scott look at the different reasons why medicinal marijuana and opiates might be prescribed, how a carrier or insurance company should handle the claim and best practices for moving forward. They also provide an overview of the current state of medical marijuana laws around the county.

Weber Gallagher Workers’ Compensation Partners David Greene and Jeffrey Seyfried discuss how COVID-19 is affecting employers who have to layoff or furlough workers from light-duty and if you have to reinstate total disability benefits.

Weber Gallagher Workers’ Compensation Partners Jeffrey D. Newby, Jennifer G. Laver and Penelope Caamaño discuss how New Jersey workers' compensation has been impacted by COVID-19 and what future claims may look like.

Join our attorneys as they present information regarding COVID-19 and how it could affect workers' compensation legislation and reduce regulations in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for future updates.

Weber Gallagher Workers’ Compensation Partners Jennifer G. Laver and Robert R. Hanneman Jr. discuss the different types of benefits employees are entitled to following a work accident. Jen and Rob review the two types of indemnity payments New Jersey allows, which are temporary and permanency benefits. Rob delves into specifics regarding temporary benefits, including what average weekly wage is, when you can collect, how to calculate and more. Jen then details specifics about permanency benefits, which include permanent partial disability (Section 20 and Order Approving Settlement) and briefly discusses total permanent disabilities.

Closing files, and thereby reducing reserves, are two of the most important metrics by which insurance carriers, third-party administrators and employers measure success. Weber Gallagher's Workers' Compensation Department Co-Chairs, Paul Fires and Jeffrey Newby, discuss ten of their many creative ways to close a file. In doing this, Paul and Jeff also compare differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey workers' compensation laws and regulations, analyze case law standards and provide practical suggestions. During this engaging conversation, Paul and Jeff delve into specific topics such as worker recovery, job flexibility, medical control, reopeners, employee relationships, Medicare complications, and how you settle cases in each state. This program will teach you how to move a file to its inevitable conclusion and when and whether litigation can be a last resort to achieving your goals.