How COVID-19 Is Affecting Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation

• Pursuant to Governor Tom Wolf’s order directing the closure of all non-life sustaining businesses as of March 19, 2020, all hearings and mediations have been canceled through the end of March. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation office is closed, as are all judges' offices. Oral arguments for cases on appeal with the Commonwealth Court have been postponed. Although April hearings are on the books for now, it would be safe to consider the dates as tentative, considering the magnitude and fluidity of the coronavirus crisis.
• The business of workers’ compensation continues. The Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication (WCOA) recently announced a plan to hold C&R hearings telephonically in all districts (Eastern, Southeastern, Central and Western). Requests for a settlement hearing can be made by emailing the judge manager of the district. If you have a claim that has settled and are seeking court approval of a C&R as expeditiously as possible, please reach out to your defense counsel so the necessary arrangements can be made.
• The WCOA is also looking into expanding the scope of telephonic hearings for other petitions, but nothing definitive has been decided. 

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