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The Official Partner of the American WorkerSM
$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Philadelphia?

We get paid 20% of any wage loss benefits that we secure for an injured worker- or 20% of wage loss that we prevent the insurer or employer from reducing. Likewise, if we settle your case, we receive 20% of the settlement amount.

Fees in Pennsylvania Work’s Comp are contingent. This means, we only get paid if we win something for you. You don’t pay us anything out of your own pocket like you may with a criminal law attorney or divorce attorney.

It is a great system because it allows injured workers to get representation without having to pay out of pocket. This helps level the playing field with the employers and insurance companies who can easily pay their attorneys to try to take away your benefits.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Changes Workers’ Compensation Law Regarding Claimants’ Entitlement to Attorneys’ Fees Under Section 440 Of The Act- Lorino Case

On December 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in Lorino vs. WCAB, reversed the Commonwealth Court and held that in cases where claimant is victorious, a Work Comp Judge may, at his or her discretion, award attorneys’ fees to be paid by the work comp carrier. Prior to this case, fees would be awarded only where a reasonable contest wasn’t provided by the employer/insurer. (a reasonable contest would be a case where there is conflicting medical evidence by the two medical experts- one says a claimant is fully recovered and the other says they aren’t)

Why does this matter? In cases where wage loss is being paid, it’s easy for an injured worker to obtain counsel as the attorney has a clear way to get paid with victory- 20% of the wage loss benefits in most cases. But when an injured worker has a “medical only” case whereby no wage loss is being paid, it’s much more difficult for the worker to get counsel as the attorney would have to charge an hourly rate and many injured workers are struggling and cannot afford that- or the attorney had to have hoped for an award of attorney’s fees which Work Comp Judges don’t often award. This case will make it easier for injured workers to get counsel and level the playing field. However, the ruling isn’t just applicable to “medical only” cases. In this case- Lorino– it was a medical only claim.

The Court began its analysis, noting that due to the matter involving statutory interpretation, the standard of review was de novo, and the scope of review was plenary.

Furthermore, we have explained that, when the legislature uses the terms “shall” and “may” in the same section of a statute, it is a clear indication that the legislature intends certain actions to be mandatory, and others discretionary. For example, our decision in Zimmerman is illustrative in that regard. Therein, despite the Attorney General’s determination that certain proposed agency regulations were without statutory authority, the agency published the regulations in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, rendering them immediately effective. The Attorney General sought to stay promulgation of the regulations pursuant to Section 204(b) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, 71 P.S. § 732-101 et seq. The Commonwealth Court denied the application for stay, and the Attorney General appealed.”

Based on the established meaning of the terms “shall” and “may,” under Section 440, when a contested case is resolved in favor of an employee, the Court found that a reasonable sum for attorney’s fees shall be awarded to the claimant. And, that such an award is mandatory. However, where the employer has established a reasonable basis for the contest, an award of attorney’s fees may be excluded. In other words, the WCJ is permitted, but not required, to exclude an award of attorney’s fees.

This is a groundbreaking and outstanding case for injured workers. There is little doubt, however, that this issue will be litigated for years to come, as the Court did not give guidance on the “discretion” given to Work Comp Judges, leaving room for litigants to argue for more parameters and guidance on the topic.

Here is a link to the Lorino vs WCAB Opinion

Our Attorneys Represent Injured Workers Across Pennsylvania

When you hire The Cardamone Law Firm, you get Michael W. Cardamone handling your case. When you call The Cardamone Law Firm, you reach Michael directly. You don’t get a runner or a paralegal on the phone who takes down all your information when you make your first phone call. You don’t sent into a voice mail system that never gets checked. You get Michael W. Cardamone- and you get access!

Access is a hallmark of The Cardamone Law Firm. Michael wants his clients involved in their own cases. He encourages questions, calls, emails, and even texts. MyPhilly WorkersComp is a brand that symbolizes access and hard work. Let Michael’s 14 years of experience handling Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation cases benefit you.

While no one is perfect, The Cardamone Law Firm strives to keep clients informed each step of the way. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system can be extremely stressful for injured workers. Our goal is to ease the burdens as much as possible and information is the key to lowering anxiety. We don’t like talking in archaic legal language. We try to explain things in an easy to understand way so that you can follow what’s happening in your case.

Awards & Recognitions

best Philadelphia. workers comp lawyer
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Top 10 Attorneys Award Pennsylvania workers' comp lawyer
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Avvo Rating 10.0 Philadelphia workers' comp lawyer
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Cardamone Law Has Negotiated Some of the Largest Workers’ Comp Settlements in Pennsylvania

$6 Million
Acted as Co-Counsel on a Case that Settled
$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury
$740,000
Amputation
$650,000
Lower Back Injury
$550,000
Neck Injury
$425,000
Leg Injury
$375,000
Knee Injury
$325,000
Ankle Injury
$6 Million
Acted as Co-Counsel on a Case that Settled
$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury
$740,000
Amputation
$650,000
Lower Back Injury
$550,000
Neck Injury
$425,000
Leg Injury
$375,000
Knee Injury
$325,000
Ankle Injury

Client Testimonials

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mike and Shirley!!"

I called Shirley when I was scared and didn’t know what where my next dime was coming from after I was out with my work injury. Shirley was very kind and helpful guiding me every single step of the way. Mike was not your typical lawyer was not pushy but very responsive to all my gazillion questions. He helped me get my settlement quickly and settlement check in a very timely manner. Would recommend them to anyone! Mike helped calm all my fears and anxieties as I was trying to navigate one of the hardest and most stressful times in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mike and Shirley!!

- Jen Thompson
Google Reviews
"Best Law Firm around!"

"Cardomone law is absolutely fantastic! They are very responsive and helpful and they will fight to get you what you deserve. Shirley is also very helpful whenever you have any questions! Best Law Firm around!"

- C. Edwards
Google Reviews
"Michael and Shirley are very dedicated...and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case"

"Cardamone Law Firm were very helpful to me since day one. Michael and Shirley are very dedicated to my case giving me updates, answering my questions, being honest with my case, and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case. Thank you so much for your service and dedication and helping me to achieve not only your case but to guide and refer me in other needs too! You guys are the best law firm friendly and dedicated. I will recommend to anyone."

- A. Ortiz
Google Reviews
"Michael won my workers comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim."

"Exceptional firm. Highly recommend this law firm. Michael won my Workers Comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim. Him and his staff were always at my reach for legal and emotional support. Am so happy I hire them. Thanks Michael and Ms. Shirley."

- Carlos P.
Google Reviews
"[They] did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time."

"I recently had a work related injury and was receiving Workers' Compensation (medical benefits only). Soon after I was fired, so I contacted Paul Silver at Cardamone Law Firm who did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time. Paul and his assistant Shirley always responded to any questions I had about the case in a very short amount of time. Thank you for helping me with this difficult case."

- Robin C.
Google Reviews
"Highly recommend."

"Cardamone Law was great with helping my husband with his Workers Comp issues. Mike and Shirley were the best with letting us know what was going on every step of the way. Highly recommend."

- Danielle P.
Google Reviews
"Mike Cardamone is amazing"

"Mike Cardamone is amazing. He is "hands down" one of the best lawyers I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He is very kind, understanding, knowledgeable in his field, always very thorough and helpful. He was extremely professional and someone who truly cares about his clients. I felt completely at ease with him. He was a pleasure to work with, explained everything in detail, as well as answered all my questions with knowledge and care. If you want someone you can trust, who communicates every step of the way, will fight for you and make sure you win your case, he is it! I will refer all my family and friends to him. Thank you so much Mike, for everything. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication in helping me."

- Allie M.
Google Reviews
Without a doubt YOU are the best!!!

"Without a doubt YOU are the best!!! Every person who is in the horrible position of being injured at work should have someone as kind, compassionate and knowledgeable as you on their side. You never once made me feel like I was one of a hundred other clients. I always knew you had my back! You answered calls and emails at all hours. You fought every fight for me so I only had to worry about getting well. Behind your nice, calm face there’s a pit bull ready to take on any employer or judge. I can never thank you enough."

- L. Edall
Google Reviews
"Best Workers' Comp Lawyer!"

"Michael is simply the best! He was there for me from day 1 till the end, and we won the case!! He is always available to help. I had a gazillion questions and he would answer them one by one. He's a great lawyer and I feel lucky to have found him online from reading other outstanding reviews about him. Believe me, they're true!"

- Faith B.
Google Reviews
"Great Attorney"

"Great attorney, handled case quickly and efficiently. I would recommend him and would use him again. He was always available to answer any questions we had. Thank you, Mr. Cardamone."

- H. Anderson
Google Reviews