What is Workers’ Comp?
A social bargain requiring a special vote of the population to give up the right to sue in return for a sure and certain way to pay for work injuries sustained when workers organized into factories and shop floors.  It’s roughly 2/3ds of regular pay so long as you are unable to make an income.

Will I have to go to Court?
Our local Workers’ Comp Judges are respectful and well-informed. They are located in the Executive House II across from Altoona Hospital’s Emergency Room. Park for free as close to the handicapped signs as you can and enter the upper floor, as the building has no elevator.

Can I sue in the regular court system?
Not your employer, but maybe some third party like a  manufacturer of a defective product or a negligent driver.   If your boss tells you to deliver a package to X and you slip and fall en route, you may have WC plus a lawsuit against a property owner.  Similarly, if you are in an auto accident you may have a civil case from the crash as well as regular WC.   If a faulty product causes a work injury, the manufacturer of that product may be sued in tort.  As far as the employer is concerned, you can only sue it under the WC statute and not for pain and suffering or other civil damages.

Have you ever topped a Hundred Thousand Dollar Recovery?
Yes.  More than once.

Can you get my Doctor bill paid?
Yes, especially if your Doc is not distrustful of lawyers in general.  The Doctor should understand that I am working for her by trying to get her Practice paid for all injuries arising out of and in the course of employment.  I will seek extra money for my services directly from the Insurance Co. if it wrongly denied payment, or take 20% of any unpaid medical charges as the Judge may order.

Do you represent non-union workers?
Sure.  I am pro-worker, pro-labor and pro-union.  I don’t represent strikebreakers or those who cross picket lines.

Do you handle Heart & Lung Act, OD Act, FELA, FECA and Black Lung cases?
I am looking for all employment-related cases.  If I can’t handle it myself, I will place your matter for referral.

What next?
Please call for an appointment.

Have a question? Ask away!