As per the Governor's shut down we are working remotely, however rest assured that we are still working to protect your rights! Please email us at dbrilliant@bnlegal.com for Dina Brilliant and gneiman@bnlegal.com for Glenn Neiman or call us at (215) 638-7500 and leave a message as we are checking our messages.

A new Frequently Asked Question has been, "I have the Coronavirus, can I get workers' compensation benefits?" The answer is that, yes, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits depending on the facts. This can be whether you have contracted COVID-19 through work, or whether you have lost a modified duty job through an employer closing or layoff. Email or call us to discuss the specifics of your case in regard to the Coronavirus or any other work injury.

PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation System Reopening Announced

As we have noted previously, all hearings in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation matters have been held virtually, either by telephone or video, since last Spring.  We have now been told that the hearing offices within the PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will be reopening as of August 16, 2021.

However, this does not mean the system will return to how it functioned prior to the pandemic.  As with many things, we will be learning a “new normal.”  We have been told that “virtual hearings” will continue for certain things, though exactly when hearings will be live, as opposed to virtual, remains unclear.  Likely, we will have live hearings for the testimony of an injured worker, or an important witness, but that virtual hearings will continue for “status hearings.”  Whether a hearing is live or virtual, ultimately, will come down to the discretion of the Workers’ Compensation Judge.

Meanwhile, the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board will continue to hold oral argument virtually.  As is the case now, the parties can request oral argument be done live.  Provided the request is made in a timely fashion, it will generally be granted.  In the special case of disfigurement/scarring, the hearing will be done in person.

 

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