Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Lawyers Blog

Last week the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court agreed to allow the Workers' Compensation Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association to certify attorneys in the field.

The certification process will give consumers more information in choosing an attorney who is better qualified to handle workers' comp cases.

In 1995, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that attorneys could advertise that they were specialists in certain areas of law if they received certification from a court-approved body. Since then, the court approved groups to offer certification in practice areas including elder law and trial attorneys, but not workers' comp. Now that's changed.

Written certification exams may be available as early as this fall. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, have at least 5 years of experience in workers' comp law, and spend at least half of their time practicing in the field. Certification will last for 5 years.

As Hurricane Irene barrels up the east coast this weekend, we urge our clients and neighbors to stay safe and be prepared. Our local paper, The Republican Herald, reports that Gov. Tom Corbett has declared a state of emergency in PA, in anticipation of the wind, rain, and flooding that Irene is likely to leave in her path. The hurricane is expected to affect the eastern half of the state.

Pennsylvania could see as much as 7 inches of rain in the Philadelphia area that could cause the Schuylkill River and other bodies of water to flood, according to CNN.com. As a result, the National Weather Service in State College has issued a flash flood watch for Schuylkill, Lebanon, York, and Lancaster Counties from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.

We've listed a few websites below where you can find the most up-to-date information on the storm, as well as helpful tips to keep you safe as Irene passes through our area. From everyone here at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates, stay safe this weekend!

ReadyPA.org

WNEP.com/Weather

Republicanherald.com/Weather

Weather.gov

Attorney O'Connor was featured in the May 25 edition of USA Today as one of the Legal Elite. Read more about it in the following article by Jonathan Widran.

"Michael J. O'Connor Returns to Pennsylvania to Become One of His Home State's Top Workers' Comp Attorneys"

When it came to pursuing his career in law, Michael J. O'Connor could have easily established himself as a high powered attorney in almost any area of expertise.

Instead, the son and grandson of working union men chose to return to his roots in Pennsylvania and devote his career to helping injured workers obtain workers' compensation benefits, as well as defending against insurance companies attempting to terminate, suspend or modify lost wage benefits.

Growing up, O'Connor experienced first-hand the struggles of working class people. His father worked for Alcoa, the world's top aluminum manufacturer for 35 years, and was leader of the local union and head of the Job Evaluation Committee. O'Connor's great grandfather was killed in a mining accident. He was repeatedly told stories about the trials of his grandmother's childhood of not only losing a father at a very young age but also her family's only source of income. He had many other relatives who were injured in industrial accidents and had to battle through the workers' comp process.

Continue reading "Attorney Michael J. O'Connor Featured in USA Today as one of the Legal Elite" »

Nearly 2,000 motorcycle enthusiasts revved their engines along with the staff of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at the Reading Super Swap 2011 on March 27 in Reading, PA. The motorcycle and parts swap is an annual indoor showcase that took place at the Greater Reading Expo Center.

The event was sponsored by the law offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates. Over 200 motorcycles were displayed, from classic rides to re-cycle cyles to new models. Attendees received door prizes and cash awards were given for custom bikes.

In support of the event, the staff of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates wore t-shirts with the Super Swap logo, as shown in the photo above.

As spring comes to Pennsylvania and motorcyclists take to the road, the team of Michael J. O'Connor and Associates wants you to be safe and enjoy the ride!

It is with great pride that the attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates, LLC announce that Attorney David A. Miller has been selected as a Pennsylvania Rising Star in the field of personal injury.

Pennsylvania Rising Stars, as published in the June 2010 edition of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazines, represent the top 2.5% of attorneys across the state. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, an attorney must be age 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.

Rising Stars recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state. The Pennsylvania Rising Stars for 2010 were selected from the results of an extensive nomination and polling process conducted by Law & Politics and published in the June 2010 issue of Philadelphia magazine and in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition. This is Miller's second year to make the Rising Stars list.

Continue reading "Attorney David A. Miller at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Included in the 2010 Pennsylvania Rising Stars List" »

For the seventh year in a row, Michael J. O'Connor, founder of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates, was selected and named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in the field of workers' compensation law as published in the June 2010 edition of Philadelphia Magazine as well as the recent edition of Super Lawyers magazine.

In addition to Mr. O'Connor, Attorney Paul J. Duffalo was named to the list this year.

Attorneys named Super Lawyers are considered to be the top five percent of attorneys in each state, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. O'Connor was named a Super Lawyer in 2004 and each year following, making this his seventh year in a row to top the list of workers' compensation attorneys in Pennsylvania. This is Duffalo's third year to make the list.

To be named a Super Lawyer, an attorney must first go through a rigorous three-step process that begins with a nomination by his/her peers. The nominations occur on ballots that go out to all lawyers throughout the state who have been in practice for at least five years. These nominations are to be based on personal observation rather than solely on reputation.

O'Connor's seventh consecutive Super Lawyer designation makes evident his continued determination to uphold an outstanding level of legal representation. Duffalo has been recognized for his success and hard work for the third year in a row, and will undoubtedly continue to be named to the list in the coming years. His dedication to injured workers is recognized amongst his peers and demonstrated in his professional achievements.

Continue reading "Two Attorneys at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Top the 2010 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List" »

Michael J. O'Connor & Associates has announced the appointment of the newest member of the law firm, Debra A. Matherne.

Matherne earned her Juris Doctor Degree from the prestigious Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, PA. Her undergraduate degree was obtained at Grove City College, Grove City in Psychology with an emphasis in English.

She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Dauphin County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

Matherne brings a heavy emphasis on workers' compensation cases to Michael J. O'Connor & Associates, which has 14 locations throughout the Commonwealth. With over 18 years of experience, she is one of the top attorneys practicing in Workers' Compensation in the state of Pennsylvania.

Earlier in her career, Matherne worked for Michael J. O'Connor & Associates for eight years.

"We're very happy to have Attorney Matherne back. She is truly an advocate for injured workers," said Michael J. O'Connor.

Matherne lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband and three children.

Continue reading "Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Welcomes Newest Member, Atty. Debra A. Matherne" »

In January, Oprah Winfrey began a campaign and launched a public service announcement to end distracted driving. Today, April 30, is the first national "No Phone Zone" Day, an effort to break Americans of the deadly habit of talking or texting while driving, a habit that kills nearly 6,000 people a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"A call or text isn't worth taking a life," said Winfrey.

On Friday's show, Winfrey will interview Jacy Good of Lancaster County, who lost both her parents when a tractor trailer driver who was talking on a cell phone drove into the path of their car.

According to an article on LancasterOnline.com, Good is working with a Montgomery County legislator who is sponsoring a law that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving in Pennsylvania, which has been dubbed "The Jacy Good Law."

Good is spreading the word about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. Good commented, "Then my parents' death had some meaning so no one will have to go through what my family was forced to."

In an effort to be as responsive to our clients' needs as possible, the law office of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates has added a live chat feature to our website (www.oconnorlaw.com). Now if you have a question at any time of the day, you'll be able to reach us through a simple click of the mouse. Let the experienced attorney team at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates get you the justice you deserve.

The O'Connor family got a little more for Christmas than they expected when a hibernating possum popped its head out of their Christmas tree. In 2005, the O'Connor family brought their Christmas tree home and fully decorated it, only to find the sneaky critter nestled in the tree's branches on Christmas Eve. Click on the video below to watch a clip of the O'Connor family describing their Christmas surprise on The Early Show. Merry Christmas to you and your family from everyone here at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates!

Attorneys Kovalcik, Hykes, and Miller attended the Lehigh Valley Labor Council's annual holiday party which took place on Dec. 16 at Mezzaluna Sports Bar & Grille in Allentown. All invited guests were asked to bring educational, non-violent toys to the event that were donated to the Allentown Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, council president Greg Potter presented a check for $200 to the Boys & Girls Club which was funded by the members.

In attendance at the event were various union leaders, including Dennis Hower, vice president of Teamsters local 773, union members, and political dignitaries. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and the sharing of holiday cheer.

Last week, we blogged about Philadelphia's ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Now Pennsylvania will follow suit as local Schuylkill County legistators support a bill before the state House that would ban texting by all drivers.

In an article in the Nov. 11 edition of the Republican & HERALD, state Rep. Neal Goodman, D-123, said, "According to transportation experts, there is nothing more distractive and dangerous than texting while driving. They say that cell phone use is a close second."

The bill, known as House Bill 2070, was approved by the House Transportation Committee on Nov. 10. Violations would be punishable with a $50 fine. Fines would double to $100 for offenses that take place in a school zone, active work zone, highway safety corridor, or emergency response area. Only motorists contacting 911, drivers in stopped traffic, or drivers with their vehicles in neutral or park would be exempt.

Goodman and state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, both support the bill. State Sen. David Argall, R-29, said he voted in favor of a similar senate bill in July, and that he would support the passage of the bill through both chambers.

Just like litter laws, police may not catch everyone. But distracted drivers can be dangerous drivers, so the hope is that this new bill will make motorists think twice before texting while driving.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Legislators Support Ban on Texting While Driving" »

We've all seen it in the news: an accident involving a tractor trailer that brings traffic to a halt. Perhaps you've even been held captive in your own car when a truck overturned on a Pennsylvania interstate. It can be an inconvenience; but for those involved, it can mean life or death.

Tractor trailer accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

Speeding: Trucking companies get paid to deliver their cargo on time and they bid against each other based on who can ship the freight the fastest and cheapest. To deliver their cargo on time, drivers must drive fast and aggressively, making for very dangerous conditions on the highway.

Overloaded trucks: When a truck is overloaded, it puts stress on every component of the truck, which can lead to catastrophic failure. Overloaded trucks cannot maneuver effectively, which can cause accidents when turning, stopping, or starting. Overloaded trucks can also degrade roadways and bridges.

Driver fatigue: Unrealistic schedules can force drivers to be on the road as much as 77 hours a week, legally. They may drive above and beyond that by forging travel entries in their log books to appear in compliance with all rules and regulations.

Improper maintenance: Maintaining a large truck can be expensive. Trucking companies try to cut maintenance costs, but less maintenance can raise the possibility of accidents from equipment failure.

A large volume of tractor trailers travel through Pennsylvania because it is home to a number of major transportation corridors, including Interstate 76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), 78, 80, and 81. These highways are convenient because they connect the eastern part of the country with the southern and western areas. Transporting materials and products over the nation's highways has become a regular way of doing business. But if proper safety measures are not followed, there can be deadly consequences.

An accident with a tractor trailer can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. If the accident occurred while you were away from home and traveling through unfamiliar territory, the situation can become even more complicated. Not only can it be difficult to find a local law firm, you need to find a firm that can handle the legal intricacies of a tractor trailer accident. Many of the offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates are in direct proximity to Interstate 81, near Frackville, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton; and Interstate 80, near Lock Haven, Williamsport, Bloomsburg, and Stroudsburg.

Continue reading "Pennsylvania Law Firm Offers Services to Victims of Tractor Trailer Accidents" »

There were tricks and treats on Oct. 30 in anticipation of Halloween at the law offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates. Staff members dressed in Halloween attire, enjoying spooky games, ghoulish goodies, a pumpkin-styled cake, and punch. Festivities included a pumpkin decorating contest, with prizes going to "Scariest", "Prettiest", and "Funniest". A Happy Halloween Eve was had by all.

On Oct. 27, the attorneys and staff of the Frackville office of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates put down their paperwork and turned over a green leaf when they embarked on an afternoon nature hike through Wolf Creek Waterfalls, outside of St. Clair. The falls is a prominent spot on Broad Mountain, one of two true mountains in Schuylkill County.

The hike was led by "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, the Environmental Education Coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District.

Attendees viewed colorful fall foliage, a Pennsylvania trademark, as well as unique plant life indigenous to the area including sweet fern, bluestem grass, and blueberry and huckleberry. As mentioned by Porcupine Pat, the site is a great habitat for bear, deer, and turkey. One of the more captivating views came from the top of the Wolf Creek Waterfalls, which was overflowing with water compliments of a few rain showers that recently passed through the county.

"A once in a lifetime experience!" commented staff member Zenaida.

Porcupine Pat also pointed out a type of rock, known as Pottsville Conglomerate, because it was first identified in the Schuylkill County area. It is found in many places in the world, and is also called "nature's concrete."

In years past, this area was a dumping ground for garbage and other discarded debris. However, with the help of the Schuylkill Conservation District, local residents have cleaned up the area and learned a bit about recycling in the process.

The Schuylkill Conservation District was founded in 1955 by local farmers who were interested in soil and water conservation. The Conservation District is dedicated to protecting, enhancing, restoring, and promoting the responsible use of the county's natural resources for future generations by partnering, coordinating, and fostering cooperation.

The O'Connor team learned about the importance of conserving natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations while enjoying some time together out-of-doors.

"It was refreshing getting outside in the fresh air and walking with the gang. We truly had a great time!" said staff member Jennifer.

Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!