News

PENNSYLVANIA CASE LAW UPDATE Gabriel v. WCAB (Proctor and Gamble Products Co.), 2020 WL 5491931 (Pa. Cmwlth., filed September 11, 2020) In a reported opinion, the Commonwealth Court held that an employer’s dispute of a medical-only claim did not constitute a reasonable contest, and that attorneys’ fees should have been assessed by the WCJ. Background: … read more

Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP is proud to announce that it has elevated Caroline E. Gentilcore to the position of partner.  Caroline is an attorney in the Firm’s Philadelphia office, where she exclusively defends workers’ compensation claims on behalf of employers and insurers in southeast Pennsylvania and throughout New Jersey.  You can view Caroline’s profile… read more

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 Newspapers Inc.), No. 977 C.D. 2019 (February 7, 2020) Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (Unpublished) By: Timothy R. Kraeer The Commonwealth Court addressed the burden of proof in the context of a Reinstatement Petition alleging a worsening of condition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