News

PENNSYLVANIA CASE LAW UPDATE Protz Update Both the Commonwealth and Supreme Courts have, in recent weeks, circulated opinions further clarifying particular aspects of IREs in the aftermath of Protz. Constitutionality of Act 111: Perhaps most critically, in an opinion issued on June 16, 2020, the Supreme Court – with a one sentence order – confirmed… read more

SIGNIFICANT PENNSYLVANIA CASE SUMMARIES Giffear v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (Phila. Newspapers Inc.), No. 977 C.D. 2019 (February 7, 2020) Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (Unpublished) By: Timothy R. Kraeer The Commonwealth Court addressed the burden of proof in the context of a Reinstatement Petition alleging a worsening of condition following a prior decision by a… read more

SIGNIFICANT PENNSYLVANIA CASE SUMMARIES Pittsburgh Steelers Sports, Inc. v. WCAB (Trucks), No. 1257 C.D. 2018, reported (Pa. Cmwlth., filed Jan. 3, 2020, Brobson, J.)   By Lee Ann Rhodes, Esquire In a reported opinion, the Commonwealth Court held that a professional football player was not considered to be a seasonal employee, as the terms of… read more

SIGNIFICANT PENNSYLVANIA CASE SUMMARIES Keystone Rx LLC v. Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Fee Review Hearing Office (Compservices Inc./AmeriHealth Casualty Services), No. 1369 C.D. 2018, reported (Pa. Commw., filed December 12, 2019). By Justin D. Beck, Esquire In a reported decision, the Commonwealth Court held that, in all future UR procedures where an employer, insurer, or… read more

SIGNIFICANT BUREAU FORM DEVELOPMENT BUREAU OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RELEASES ALTERNATE NOTICE OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE (LIBC-495B) By Justin D. Beck (JBeck@tthlaw.com) The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has created, and now provides for the use of, LIBC-495B, an alternate version of the Notice of Compensation Payable. While the original LIBC-495 still exists, the 495B includes an expanded… read more