Legal Services

 

Workers’ Compensation Handbook

 
 
 

Foreword
Legal issues regarding the Workers’ Compensation Act and other employment related matters can be very complex. This booklet is designed to assist workers with questions they may have if they are injured on the job. However, this booklet cannot replace the advice of an experienced attorney. If you have any questions regarding workers’ compensation or other legal matters, do not hesitate to contact RUDBERG LAW OFFICES, LLC.

Introduction

At RUDBERG LAW OFFICES, LLC we believe that clients deserve unequaled personal and professional service. We share a strong work ethic and commitment to working men, women and their families. Our success is measured first and foremost with clients. Not only do clients deserve high quality legal service, but they also have a right to expect that we will spend time helping them through the legal maze. Let us introduce some members of our team:

SIGNE O’BRIEN RUDBERG, ESQUIRE

Since 1992, I have worked closely with injured workers and helped them with the uncertainties and unique problems that they face in the workers’ compensation arena and with toxic exposures, car accidents and other injuries. Whether I am representing a client at a deposition, at a hearing, or in front of a jury, I recognize the responsibility that I have to that individual and the impact the outcome of their case will have on their life.

JULIE WIECZOREK FRITSCH, ESQUIRE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Prior to joining our firm, Julie spent time working within the court system. She joined our firm in 2004, representing clients in the state and local courts of Western Pennsylvania, including Pennsylvania's Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts. Julie practices law in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She understands the difficult choices and hurdles facing injured individuals and the impact injuries have on their families. Julie believes that every client deserves unparalleled representation and always advocates in their absolute best interest.

VALERIE LaBELLA, ESQUIRE

Prior to joining Rudberg Law Offices, Valerie worked for a firm for several years litigating toxic exposure cases and insurance cases. Prior to that time, she worked for the Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Chief Counsel, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Valerie received her B.A. degree from Duquesne University and her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law. She is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Workers’ Compensation system is not an easy system to understand and Valerie will always be prepared to answer your questions. We know that your case is important. It requires preparation, consistency, diligence and attention to detail.

CHRISTINE SALON, ESQUIRE

For fifteen years, Chris has dedicated her legal career to assisting individuals and their families in various fields of law including workers’ compensation, environmental law and toxic torts (including occupational diseases such as asbestos). She recognizes that the common thread throughout her years of legal work is her strong desire to assist those that have been needlessly or unjustly hurt. Whether she is assisting individuals affected by contaminated groundwater, soil or air pollution in civil litigation or representing injured workers in the workers’ compensation arena or investigating chemical/toxic exposures, she is dedicated, resourceful and an adept problem solver. Chris is highly motivated and eager to contribute to the Rudberg Law Offices, LLC. Team.

DAVID M. KOBYLINSKI, ESQUIRE

David began his legal career in Philadelphia, where he practiced complex litigation in the state and federal courts. His experience includes litigating against one of the largest insurance companies for denying a claim resulting from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. He has prosecuted claims against some of the country’s largest financial institutions. David has written briefs that have been submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. David graduated cum laude from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law where he served on the Temple Law Review. Born and raised on a farm in Butler County, David happily returned to Pittsburgh last year. He is a zealous advocate of the injured and abused.

ANDREW H. DENINNO, ESQUIRE

Andrew believes that through meticulous legal research and persuasive argument, a case can be aggressively pursued to its conclusion, and applies this to a wide variety of personal injury and workers' compensation matters.

CHRISTINA K. HURNYAK, ESQUIRE

Since 1980, Christina has fought for the rights of the injured. She has assisted many victims in achieving compensation for the negligence of others involving car accidents, defective products, toxic exposure and medical malpractice. In 2004, Christina became a Certified Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and was recertified in 2009. She is committed to advancing your case as quickly and successfully as possible.

MATTHEW S. FAHER, ESQUIRE

Matthew was born and raised near Johnstown Pennsylvania, an area shaped past and present by coal miners and steel mills, and most significantly, by men and women who labor hard within these industries. The son of a former mine worker whose career ended when the mine shut down, Matt recognizes the issues and dangers faced by the working men and women. He understands that every person has a sense of what is fundamentally fair and that communication and preparation form the keystone of an attorney-client relationship. Adherence to these principals produce the first rate representation those who contact Rudberg Law Offices, LLC seek.

DONALD L. RUDBERG, COORDINATOR

Many of you are familiar with Don Rudberg and have known him over the past decades as a union official and a strong proponent of workers’ rights. Whether Don has been organizing a lobbying effort in Harrisburg related to Workers’ Compensation Act changes, standing shoulder to shoulder with union members on the picket line, or protesting against non-union efforts of big business, there is no doubt where his loyalties lie.

KERI R. MCCANN, OFFICE MANAGER

With a 15 year banking and management background Keri has acquired the ability to orchestrate all facets of Rudberg Law Offices from client relations to employee management to community relations. Keri understands the significance of organization and will continue to provide proven support in an effort to keep Rudberg Law Offices a strength in the legal field.

STACEY VANNELLI, SENIOR PARALEGAL
MERCEDES MCCLELLAN, PARALEGAL
CHRISTY BOYLE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
ADRIANA MANNO, PARALEGAL

Stacey, Mercedes, Christy and Adriana are members of our team and are very interested in helping clients with the uncertainties of the workers’ compensation system. Clients’ cases are important to them and they will always take the time to make clients feel at ease.

 

Table Of Contents

Section One: Development of the Workers’ Compensation Act
Section Two: Work Injuries

Section Three: What Should I Do If I Am Injured?

Section Four: Benefits and Rights Available Under the Workers’ Compensation Act

Section Five: What To Expect When You Are On Workers’ Compensation

Section Six: You May Be Entitled To More Than Just Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Section Seven: Personal Injury Claims