Tereasa Rerko honored by Westmoreland County Bar
Quatrini Law Group is proud to announce Tereasa Rerko was recognized with a Certificate of Achievement at the Westmoreland County Bar Annual Meeting, honoring 40 years of Membership.
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Paul Miller’s Law: A step towards safer roads in Pennsylvania
By Joyce Novotny-Prettiman, Esquire On June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania will implement “Paul Miller’s Law” to reduce distracted driving. This new legislation updates a 2012 law that banned texting while driving, expanding it to cover broader mobile device usage. It defines “driving” to include being stopped in traffic, such as at a red light or stop…
Sam Cordes quoted regarding Pittsburgh International Airport’s proposed solution to handicapped parking problems
Samuel Cordes was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and possible violations with Pittsburgh International Airport’s proposed solution.
Remarkable victory for whistleblowers
For the Win Friday Blowing the whistle on wrongful conduct takes courage, and challenging retaliation from an employer requires perseverance. Thanks to Attorney Samuel Cordes of QLG Employment Law Group, a woman fired for reporting illegal actions secured a $1 million settlement. “We creatively persuaded a federal court that she was fired not for stated…
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Increases Award Level for Work-related Scarring and Amputation
By Ronald J. Fonner, Esq. In Jackiw v. Soft Pretzel Franchise (WCAB), (January 22, 2025), there was no dispute that Jennifer Jackiw suffered a work injury that resulted in the loss of her forearm. Under the Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act), Ms. Jackiw was entitled to 370 weeks of specific loss benefits, plus a healing period of…
Michael Quatrini a panelist for PBA’s WC Bench and Bar Conference
The PBI Workers’ Compensation Bench Bar Committee’s Shares Their Best Practices Recommendations on April 3, 2025 with a live webcast. Our own Michael Quatrini joins a distinguished panel of workers’ compensation judges and attorneys who discuss ways to improve practice before the Court, offer practical solutions to common problems, and share strategies for side-stepping ethical…
Union Victory: Judge denies company’s injunction request amid Teamsters’ Strike
For the Win Friday The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is conducting a nationwide strike and, locally, Teamsters Local 249 began striking at the Warrendale facility. The Company filed an Emergency Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Claim for Damages. Ernie Orsatti file Preliminary Objections and a supporting brief. The company presented its Petition for Injunction before…
WCB presentation of new members
The court en banc recognized the newest members of the WBA at the annual New Members Ceremony on Wednesday, March 26 in Ceremonial Courtroom No. 3 at the Westmoreland County Courthouse. Quatrini Law Group Founding Partner, Vince Quatrini, and Managing Partner, Michael Quatrini made remarks. Our attorneys Sam Cordes and Casey Seaman were welcomed.
In remembrance of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Today, we honor the memory of the 146 souls—123 women and girls, and 23 men—who lost their lives in the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City on March 25, 1911. Most of the victims were young immigrant women, just 14 to 23 years old, seeking opportunity in a new country. Locked doors – unsafe working…
Social Security Fairness Act grants additional benefits to Certain Retirees
By A. Tereasa Rerko, Esquire Social Security announces expedited retroactive payments and higher benefits for people affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025. It eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)…
Sam Cordes quoted in Bloomsburg Workplace bias article
Quatrini Law Group employment attorney Sam Cordes was recently quoted in Bloomsburg Law’s Daily Labor Report. The article, “High Court Weighs Workplace Bias Claim of White, Straight Woman,” examines evidentiary burden for “Majority” workers. The Ruling could lower the threshold for proving bias claims.
Quatrini Law Group And The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County Partner to Provide Equipment to Belle Vernon School District
For Immediate Release: Greensburg, PA – Quatrini Law Group and the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County have partnered to provide $10,000 to purchase two Promethean boards for the Belle Vernon School district. These smart panels provide a large screen, interactive digital display designed specifically for educational purposes and provide a more engaging and collaborative learning…
Trump fires NLRB Officials
Understanding the repercussions and effect on workers By Ernest B. Orsatti, Esquire President Trump effectively paralyzed the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) when he fired General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and Board member Gwynne Wilcox, leaving the NLRB without a quorum. Abruzzo’s firing was expected, as she was a pro-labor Biden appointee, and the courts have…
Beware of Cold Weather Work Injuries
By Vincent J. Quatrini, Esquire When the cold weather hits, many of us hunker down in a warm home or office. But for outside workers, extreme cold can be hard to escape. Those who work outside, including construction workers, maintenance workers and first responders, should be aware of types of cold weather injuries, how to…
Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act Passed
By Michael V. Quatrini, Esquire and Erika N. Dowd, Esq. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law by President Biden on January 2, 2025. The new law contains more than 90 sections, making improvements to veterans’ long-term care, caregiver programs, mental health resources, education, job training…
Sam Cordes represents terminated WQED employee in Age Discrimination Case
Trib Live reported that Quatrini Law Group Employment Law attorney Sam Cordes is representing a long-time employee of WQED who was terminated in an age discrimination case.
VA Makes number of cancers presumptive for service connection for Gulf War and Post-9/11 Veterans
By Michael V. Quatrini, Esquire The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined that certain cancers will be assumed to have a service-related connection for Gulf War and Post-9/11 veterans. This lowers the burden of proof for veterans to receive benefits and gives them access to free health care for their condition. The list of…
Vince & Michael Quatrini to speak at PTSD and the Law
PTSD and the Law: Workers’ Compensation, Veterans and Other Applications Forensic Fridays Friday, January 31 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Duquesne Union 119 and by Zoom Whether due to a car accident, combat experience, childhood abuse or any number of other psychologically injurious events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a very real and pervasive problem in…
James Horchak’s exceptional Calculations skills
For the Win Friday In a recent case, not only was our Penalty Petition granted and attorney’s fees ordered, but a HUGE compliment was paid to James Horchak for his penalties calculations. Judge Gallishen noted “that in my years as a WCJ and while in practice, mostly doing defense work, I am well acquainted with…
Am I covered by the Heart & Lung Act?
By Peter J. Gough, Esquire The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes that high-risk workers deserve added protections because they are more likely to be injured on the job due to the inherent dangers they face. The PA Heart and Lung Act covers police, firefighters, and specified enforcement officers (including corrections employees, sheriffs, and deputy sheriffs), who…
Act 121 will help workers with PTSD
By Vincent J. Quatrini, Esquire The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act has been amended by Act 121 to recognize mental-mental injuries/post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for first responders. The new law takes effect in one year – October 29, 2025. Up to the passage of Act 121, Pennsylvania Courts have held that a first responder must prove…
Erika Dowd achieves a 100% disability rating for Veteran Client
For the Win Friday After a veteran fought for 30 years to obtain a 50% disability rating form the VA for his physical conditions, Attorney Erika Dowd successfully secured service connections for his mental health conditions. Within less than five months of initially filing the claim, she achieved a 100% permanent and total rating for…
First responders deserve help for PTSD
Vince Quatrini’s Letter to the Editor of the Trib appeared December 20, 2023, commending the passage of Act 121.
John E. Black Joins Quatrini Law Group’s Employment Practice
JOHN E. BLACK JOINS QUATRINI LAW GROUP’S EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE Pittsburgh, PA – John E. Black, III joins the Quatrini Law Group, bringing 25 years of employment law experience to their Employee Rights and Discrimination practice. Mr. Black represents individuals who have faced discrimination in the workplace. He also counsels employees regarding non-compete agreements, severance agreements,…
Sam Cordes quoted on 10th Circuit ADA case
Quatrini Law Group Employment attorney Samuel Cordes was quoted in Law 360’s article “EEOC Top Cop To Argue at 10th Circuit in ‘Unusual’ Move.” The case includes an unusual courtroom appearance by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s General Counsel, Karla Gilbride. The plaintiff claimed discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), saying she…
Vince Quatrini and Ernie Orsatti Celebrate 50 Years of Practice
Vincent Quatrini and Ernest Orsatti were honored on October 21 by the Allegheny County Bar Association. Vince and Ernie were included as members of the 2024 50-Year practitioner class during the 50/60 Year Practitioners Awards Ceremony at Hotel Monaco.
Federal Overtime Rule struck down a second time
Department of Labor unlikely to pursue an appeal By Ernest B. Orsatti, Esq. On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final overtime rule, Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees. This was the second time in seven years the DOL introduced a rule…
Quatrini Law Group recognized by Best Law Firms
Quatrini Law Group has been recognized in the fifteenth edition of Best Law Firms,® being metro ranked in 5 practice areas: Metropolitan Tier 1 Pittsburgh Criminal Defense: General Practice Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants Metropolitan Tier 2 Pittsburgh Criminal Defense: White-Collar Employment Law – Individuals Best Law Firms rankings are…
Sam Cordes to be Key Note Speaker at ACBA Labor & Employment Law Symposium
The ACBA Labor and Employment Law Symposium is set for Thursday, Nov. 14 at The Westin Pittsburgh. The full-day symposium will feature programming covering the latest developments in labor and employment law; a total of five substantive and one ethics credits are available. Speakers include Federal Judges, representatives from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,…
YOU DESERVE JOB PROTECTION – UNIONIZE
Happy with your wages and benefits? Happy with treatment by your Employer? Not worried about being wrongfully discharged? You can stop reading now! However, if you are one of the 93% of non-union workers – in the public or private sector – who worry about these critical issues – you need to belong to a…
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY – WHAT’S NEW FOR 2023?
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW FOR 2023? A new year brings changes to many parts of our lives. One area of change, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program includes multiple changes. A significant change is the increase in the monthly SSDI benefit. The SSDI benefit tracks the federal Cost-of-Living…
MEDIATION – ANOTHER OPTION FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES
Mediation is one option for resolving disputes that is often overlooked by the parties. Maybe someone has an automobile accident that only involves damage to their vehicle. Maybe they also sustained injuries. Sometimes employers and employees have disagreements about certain working conditions. Neighbors may be disputing the exact location of the property line between them. …
New Veterans’ Conditions and Claims approved in the 2022 PACT Act
With the passage of the Honoring our PACT Act in August 2022, Veterans Affairs has added new presumptive conditions which qualify individuals for Disability Compensation and will allow both service members and civilians harmed by exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination to seek compensation. Camp Lejeune With the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice…
WHEN SHOULD I HIRE A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYER?
Our firm is here to help you with workers’ compensation. We are originally contacted by injured workers who are in all different phases of their workers’ compensation cases. Some contact us within days of sustaining a work injury. Others do not contact us until after the insurance company has filed a petition to stop their…
PTSD and its impact on Social Security Disability cases
By Erika N. Dowd, Esq. What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an all-too-common mental health disorder which impact those who have experienced stressful, frightening, or shocking events in their lives, and is especially common among those who have suffered a life-altering injury or illness. Attorneys at our firm frequently see individuals who…
First Road to Recovery Wellness Seminar a Success!
Our first Road to Recovery Wellness Seminar was a success! Emily Andrews, Licensed Acupuncturist and Co-Owner of True Health and Fitness in Greensburg joined us for an informative and fun presentation on the healthy benefits of acupuncture. Not only did attendees learn about the practice, but they also enjoyed a free (painless!) demonstration and received…
SSD and SSI Recipients Will Receive Stimulus Payments
SSA has confirmed that our clients currently eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are scheduled to receive economic stimulus payments in the coming weeks: “Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries (who don’t normally file taxes) will also qualify for automatic payments of $1,200 from Treasury. These payments…
Pennsylvania scaffolding accidents can be deadly
Scaffolding is a common construction site tool. It is used for construction projects, both large and small and is a temporary structure. Workers can use scaffolding for constructing a building, doing repairs, cleaning, etc. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that 65% of construction workers use scaffolding daily. OSHA strictly regulates the…
Justice for the victims of motor vehicle accidents
Every day millions of Pennsylvania residents use our state’s roadways and, perhaps without a second thought, they are, in those moments, potentially in life-changing danger. While we are all focused on our own daily tasks – getting to work or school, running errands, etc. – there are those who are not fulfilling their duty to…
Work zone auto accidents, injuries a concern across the state
Two common ways in which Pennsylvanians are injured is in an auto accident and a workplace accident. When the circumstances combine and people are working in an area where automobiles must pass seemingly nonstop, that tends to increase the danger. This is an ongoing challenge for workers who are employed in road work zones. While…
VA faces problems as it attempts to modernize record keeping
The Department of Veterans Affairs decided in 2018 to modernize the health record system of the country’s largest hospital network. Under the best possible circumstances, this would increase efficiency and speed of care for the nine million veterans it served by 1,500 hospitals and clinics. It is a highly complex rollout scheduled to take ten…
Why Women Have a Greater Risk of Injury or Death in a Crash
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that decades ago, some women never learned to drive. When cars first became commonplace in the early 1900s, women drivers were few. Only during and after World War II did more and more American women learn to drive and embrace it. Now, women drivers are as common as male motorists.…
Settlement or trial? Which option is best for you?
What do a car accident, a dog bite, and a slip-and-fall have in common? They can all result in serious injuries and extensive damages that can have long-term implications. While legal action might help alleviate some of those damages, your claim is only as good as its result. This is because individuals and companies that…
Building and analyzing your case in light of a settlement offer
A personal injury can wreak havoc on your life. If you’re reading this post, then you probably know that reality all too well. You or your loved one might be dealing with extensive physical pain and suffering, as well as the financial implications that have been unfairly thrust upon you, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs,…
What to do after an injury at work
People often only expect workplace injury is to happen at construction sites, manufacturing plants, oil refineries, and busy factories. Still, workplace injuries occur in places that are far more common than that. Restaurants alone see more than 90,000 injuries and illnesses each year. Because workplace injuries are so common, it is essential to know how to respond…
Understanding and navigating the workers’ comp systems
Pennsylvania workers spanning the state and employed in diverse industries understandably value the company benefits they receive in exchange for their labor. Those benefits are not handouts tied to management generosity; rather, they are hard-earned entitlements based on workers’ sustained good-faith performance. As such, they are intended to be reciprocal. Employees do their jobs, and…
Do I need a lawyer after a personal injury?
Car accidents, slip-and-falls, and dog bites are all personal injuries that seem to come out of nowhere. No matter what type of injury you sustained, you may have noticed that the at-fault party’s insurance is working fast to help you. When you already have someone helping you, do you need to get your own legal…
Three tips for keeping factories safe for workers
Workers in the manufacturing face significant on-the-job risks. For example, welding, cutting sheet metal, assembling parts and heavy lifting are all part of the job for those in Greensburg who work in manufacturing. Any of these tasks can cause serious injuries if care is not taken. The following are three steps employers in the manufacturing…
What kinds of damages are available in a personal injury lawsuit?
After an accident—whether it was a car accident, a fall, or a dog bite—you may find yourself under significant financial strain. While you cannot put a price on what you have lost, you can receive compensation for the challenges you have experienced. What damages are available in a personal injury suit? Medical expenses Injuries can lead…
Short and Long Term Disability: The Basics
Written by Brian Patrick Bronson, Esq. Who Qualifies These insurance policies are a little known benefit available to most employees through their employer. About half of large and mid-sized employers offer it to their workers. The injury or illness need not be work related. Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits are a monthly benefit (usually 60 percent…
Why Should I Opt for Long-term Disability Insurance
When you start a new job in Pennsylvania, you will likely sit down with someone from human resources who will explain a plethora of benefits available to you. While you may see the need for medical benefits or life insurance, one benefit you may decide to opt out of is long-term disability insurance, especially if…
A preexisting medical condition does not disqualify you from workers’ compensation benefits
Injuries are a part of life in Western Pennsylvania. We work hard, and we play hard. Injuries to backs, necks, shoulders, knees and hips are common, and can happen in many ways — playing sports, car accidents, and injuries at work. While the human body is resilient, some injuries never completely heal. Many of us…
Why Have Fatal Accidents Increased?
Those who have seen the shift in remote work this past year may have noticed the decrease in traffic conditions. The fewer number of commuters means that roadways are much more open to many drivers. While the roads have cleared up in terms of congestion, fatal accidents have been on the rise. Understanding how Pennsylvania…
Your workers’ compensation rights as an employee in Pennsylvania
Regardless of the industry in which you work, employers in Pennsylvania must comply with the safety standards set out by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Your employer must provide a safe work environment that is free of known safety hazards. The safety program must include avenues by which reported safety hazards receive prompt attention. Furthermore,…
Historic Legislation Could Usher in a New Era for the VA
In a rare bipartisan move, Congress passed a major veteran omnibus package that featured a “crown jewel.” The Johnny Isakson and David P Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act will provide additional pandemic aid to Native, homeless, and women veterans. Within the package is another piece of legislation that represents the most comprehensive…
Nice doggie, nice doggie… ow you bit me
You are out for a walk and you see a medium sized dog, walking down the street and he doesn’t appear threatening in any way and when he comes up to you, you extend your hand to the dog and he lunges and bites your hand causing several fractures to the bones in your hand…
Three types of disability benefits veterans may pursue
Our nation’s service members serve a valuable service by keeping our nation and its people safe. Unfortunately, many service members are injured while carrying out their duties, necessitating significant medical care. Some of these incidents are so damaging that the service member may become disabled. When this happens, service members in Greensburg may want to…
Fender bender? Yes, you do need to see a doctor.
You headed off to the grocery store, you obeyed the speed limit and stopped at the red light. Suddenly, you felt a bump from behind. When you got out to check the damage, it was minor. You exchanged numbers with the other driver and finished your errands. There was no physical damage to you, right?…
October Is the Inaugural Pedestrian Safety Month
With the coming of October, fall is now in full swing. The weather is cooler. Leaves are falling. Halloween is close. Not to mention, a particular “spice” that becomes an annual tradition/obsession. The temperature slightly dropping will not deter most people from their daily walks. While many enjoy the convenience and safety of walking paths,…
Injured at home? Am I covered by workers’ comp?
The Pandemic has moved workers from the office building to the kitchen table. The long commute to work has been replaced by a few steps into your “home” office. What does that mean to you? Will you be covered by workers compensation if you trip over the lamp cord? If you get hit on the…
3 ways you can steer clear of distracted drivers
Even the safest drivers wind up on the receiving end of car accidents. But maybe getting in the head of the other driver can save you from injury and death. Year after year, thousands of people die in accidents involving distracted drivers. Thankfully, there are ways you can try and ward off the results of a reckless…
Types of personal injury compensation
A personal injury can happen in an instant, and drastically change the way you live your life. Wounds from a dog bite to a car accident all cause different types of consequences to a victim. When victims are pursuing compensation for these consequences, they need to know precisely what they deserve from their settlement. Negotiating…
Protecting yourself before and after a dog bite
Imagine you are out for a walk around the neighborhood. You are enjoying a nice, peaceful day when you see a dog approaching – quickly. It’s running toward you, and before you can react, it attacks you. A dog attack like this can result in catastrophic injuries, so it is vital to know what you…
Healthcare Workers Beware: COVID-19 Is Coming After You!
Did you know that Healthcare Workers account for 66% of all COVID related Workers Compensation claims? Essential workers in many occupations and professions continue to face the daily threat of contracting COVID-19. While many in other industries deal with sheltering at home, physical distancing, and wearing masks, those who care for patients with a COVID-19…
Common reasons for workers’ compensation denials
It’s crucial to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits – immediately – after a work injury, especially if you cannot return to the job. Workers Compensation benefits are designed to replace lost income, pay for medical costs, pay for retraining if needed, compensate you for permanent injuries, or provide benefits to your loved ones…
Safety tips for construction workers in Pennsylvania
Did you know? Fatalities are possible in just about every workplace at any time in Pennsylvania, but the construction industry, by far, loses more workers each year than any other sector. Nearly one out of every five workplace deaths happen on construction sites. Thousands of others receive injuries each year, ranging from minor cuts or…
Be aware of the risks of “take-home” toxic materials
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports occupational health has transformed into a highly specialized field focused on detecting and eliminating chemical, physical, and biological hazards found in the workplace. This is critically important in the era of COVID- 19. At the core of this study, as well as workers’ compensation protections for…
Alarming Statistics Necessitate Child Passenger Safety Awareness
Child Passenger Safety Week is an annual event commemorated from September 20 to the 26th this year. The goal is to promote education and awareness of the proper ways to install and use a car seat appropriate for a child’s height and weight. Picking the Right Car Seat For a Child Not just any car seat…
Group outlines safety protocols for returning workers
Southeastern Pennsylvania counties received the go-ahead to enter the “green” phase of reopening starting June 26. The stage is the least-restrictive of Gov. Tom Wolf’s color-coded economic reopening strategy to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The “green” phase allows schools, restaurants, hair salons, gyms, and casinos to reopen. However, several restrictions still…
Amazon’s Defective Product Problems Continue
Never has Amazon played such an essential role in delivering much-needed products to homes throughout the nation. Those willing to take a quick run to the store are now turning to online options. The lower-price bargains offered combined with free shipping for Prime Members create convenience beyond anyone’s imagination. When a package arrives, a customer…
Filing a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim: Do’s and Don’ts
Car accidents can result in a variety of consequences. Injuries require medical care from a doctor. Damage to the car mandates service from a mechanic at a repair shop. Yet, for many crash victims involved in minor to catastrophic collisions, dealing with the insurance company can bring the most stress of all. Auto insurance claims are…
How an attorney can help after an accident or injury at work
When an accident occurs at work, the injured employee must act wisely to protect their best interests following the incident. One cannot take things for granted and assume the best possible outcome will arrive on its own. A victim needs an attorney to ensure that they are doing everything in their power to defend their…
Fewer Vehicles on the Road Equal Fewer Accidents
In a time of fear over a global pandemic, those forced to quarantine in their residences to avoid catching a deadly virus can find few positives. The news continues to grim. An “end in sight” remains, at best, vague. Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, has created an era that can only be described as unprecedented. Changing times…
Agent Orange Benefits Extended to More Vietnam Veterans
After years of waiting, the Veteran’s Administration has finally extended Agent Orange presumption to thousands of “Blue Water” veterans. “Blue Water” veterans are defined as individuals who served on a U.S. Military vessel that served within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Previously, only “Brown Water” veterans…
Medical Professionals’ Drug Abuse and the Impact on Patients
A career in the medical profession requires dedication and a great deal of sacrifice. With or without a worldwide health emergency, diligent and compassionate professionals put their well-being on the line. Many jobs require long hours with few breaks. For some, the stress can be too much to bear. Workers find ways to minimize what…
Paid Sick Leave: COVID-19 Requires All Employers to Say “YES”
Did you know that more than 20% of all food service workers go to work – at least once in 12 months – while sick with vomiting or diarrhea? If that doesn’t get your attention, then I don’t know what will! And, COVID-19 has ramped up the degree of worry about sick employees showing up…
COVID-19 Workplace Rights Update
FMLA The Family and Medical Leave Act has been around for many years. It is designed to protect your job for the first 12 weeks that you are unable to work as the result of a serious health condition, among other protections. This was always unpaid leave. Now, your rights have been expanded under the…
COVID-19: A QuatriniRafferty Update
COVID – 19 continues to change rapidly. Please check back here, periodically. We will do our best to keep you in the loop with our QR game plan. FIRST and foremost. We are open for business – remotely. We put a crisis plan in place along time ago. We are prepared for this emergency. We…
QUATRINIRAFFERTY – CLIENTS FIRST
Our attorneys have devoted their lives to protecting the rights of our clients. Our commitment will continue through this unparalleled health worry. Our challenge, at QuatriniRafferty, is to balance concern for the health and welfare of our employees with our obligation to you – our clients. Our goal remains – Clients First. As of today,…
Emotional toll of car accidents often worse than physical injury
Victims of car accidents in Pennsylvania might not realize that emotional problems in the accident’s aftermath may have a direct link to the trauma of the crash. While your physician can identify and diagnose most physical injuries during a thorough examination after the accident, emotional wounds sometimes appear later. Your family and friends may notice…
6 steps to take after a car accident
You’re on your way back home after visiting Pittsburgh, driving on Interstate 376. Suddenly, a driver cuts you off too closely and hits your car. You spin out and crash into the other driver. Once your car comes to a stop, you quickly do a check to make sure you and the other passengers are…
Are your pain and suffering damages recoverable?
Has another person’s negligence caused an accident that left you injured? If so, then you might have grounds to pursue a claim for financial relief through the civil justice system in Pennsylvania. Along with the mounting medical bills and lost wages, your injuries might have caused physical and emotional stress, such as depression, scars, chronic…
Diseases affecting lungs connected to vaping
The number of mysterious cases of lung disease in Pennsylvania and around the nation continues to increase. They are connected to a rise in vaping but the exact cause remains elusive. What is known is that there does appear to be a direct correlation between vaping and the conditions being reported by medical professionals. The number of reported cases…
3 dead in fatal accident, 1 passenger survived
Three people were killed in a recent head-on collision that also left one other injured. According to Pennsylvania authorities, the driver believed to have caused the fatal accident was among those who died. Speeding is believed to have been a factor in the wreck. A police officer happened to be at the scene at the…
Workers’ compensation can help after scaffolding accidents
Construction workers usually have to deal with working conditions that most people will never see. From using dangerous machinery to working at significant heights, construction is a hazardous industry. Employers are supposed to maintain strict safety standards to protect the workers who perform these hazardous but necessary jobs. Unfortunately, many fail to maintain those standards,…
Workers’ compensation: Airport safety under scrutiny
Employees across industries in Pennsylvania want their companies to make their safety a priority. Most businesses are careful to ensure that those who work for them will not be unnecessarily exposed to harm. Unfortunately, accidents on the job still happen and employees often have to make use of workers compensation to take care of themselves…
Look Out Below: Risks for construction workers
If you work in the construction industry, you already know that you are in one of the most dangerous occupations. You could experience crush injuries, herniated discs, rotator cuff tears and falls. Yes, all of these are serious injuries. Of all of them, the most dangerous risk you face is falling from a significant height…
Qualified social workers key to minimizing nursing home neglect
It takes many different staff members to make a nursing home facility run safely and effectively. Adequately staffed nursing homes need enough nurses, doctors and other medical staff on hand, but this is not necessarily enough to guarantee safety. Social workers provide crucial support to residents and also play an important role in preventing nursing…
Understanding What the Heart and Lung Act Can Do For You
Recently, a 45-year-old career police man was sitting in my office recounting how he cradled a seven-year-old child in his arms as the toddler’s life slipped away – the tragic consequence of an errant bullet from a gun battle between two angry adults. He was despondent. He could not shake the scent of the young…
Is that hand pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome?
Many workers perform the same tasks day in and day out. After a while, some of them may begin to notice pain in their hands. At first, it may not seem like a big deal, but over time, the pain could increase. Those who receive a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome may not realize they…
Traumatic brain injuries are common in auto collision with truck
Maybe the last thing you heard before the impact was the screeching of brakes, that is, if you had any warning at all. By the time your brain registered what was happening, your vehicle was tossed around, and you were tossed around inside it. It may have taken you a moment or two to realize…
How To Prevent Back Injuries While Working On A Construction Site
Everyone knows that a construction site can be a dangerous place to work. Construction workers must be extra careful to avoid falling, tripping, and moving awkward and heavy objects on a construction project. One of the most common injuries among construction workers is a back injury, such as a herniated disc. A back injury may…
Retired Marine sues 3M for defective earplugs
A retired U.S. Marine captain in Philadelphia joins service members across the country by filing a lawsuit against the Minnesota-based company, 3M, after suffering total hearing loss in his right ear. According to the suit, Matthew Morrison served in the Marines from 2007 to 2013, where he toured Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. After being…
Michael and Adam Quatrini Acknowledged for Creation of Philanthropic Initiative
“You don’t have to be a billionaire to be a philanthropist.” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured Michael Quatrini and Adam Quatrini for their involvement in creating The Visionaries of the CFWC and now the New Philanthropic Leaders of the Pittsburgh Foundation. Through both programs, Michael and Adam are providing opportunities for young professionals in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s to give back to…
WESTMORELAND BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENCY GAVEL PASSES TO ATTORNEY JOYCE NOVOTNY-PRETTIMAN
Congratulations to Attorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman, who was installed as the 98th President of the Westmoreland Bar Association at its annual meeting on April 1st! Ms. Novotny-Prettiman joins Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr. (1989), Richard “Dick” Galloway (1990), and David S. DeRose (2012) who also presided over the organization. QuatriniRafferty is the first law firm in Westmoreland…
Attorney David S. DeRose Name President’s Award for Professionalism Recipient
Congratulations, Attorney David S. DeRose! Mr. DeRose was presented with the President’s Award for Professionalism by the Westmoreland Bar Association at its annual meeting on April 1st. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon an attorney who exemplifies the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the field of law. Attorney DeRose is only the 14th…
VINCE QUATRINI SELECTED AS GUEST EDUCATOR AT STATEWIDE WORKERS’ COMP. CLE COURSE
Attorney Vince Quatrini was pleased to present at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) course entitled “Interplay of Workers’ Compensation and 3rd Party Cases.” Vince serves as a 15x co-author of the biennial Workers’ Compensation Practice and Procedure manual produced by the PBI, and, as such, is considered an expert in all the…
QuatriniRafferty to Host Blood Drive at Latrobe Office
The law firm QuatriniRafferty will host a Red Cross blood drive Friday, November 9th at its Latrobe office (816 Ligonier Street). The drive is open to the public from noon to 5:30 p.m. Free parking will be available at nearby bagged meters. Pre-registration is required. Call Alexis Zawelensky at 724-552-2748, or visit redcrossblood.org and select the QuatriniRafferty blood drive…
QR RECEIVES GLLV CHAMBER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
*This article is owned and produced by the Latrobe Bulletin. Article was written by Nick Cammuso, a Bulletin Staff Writer. In sharing this article on our blog, QuatriniRafferty does not take ownership of the piece. “Putting new life into a historic Latrobe building. Local faces offering quality American-made products. Creating possible career paths for middle…
The Truth About Talc Powder
Horror stories about the use of talc powder have been in the news and you may wonder about the legal issues involved. We wanted to alert you to some important information about talc lawsuits. Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder have contained talc for many years. Talc is a soft mineral…
CAREGIVERS BEWARE
Are you working for an agency and providing home health care? Are you the caregiver for your 87 year old mother, but getting paid through an agency? Have you signed a caregiver agreement acknowledging that you are not an employee of the agency, but rather what they call an “independent contractor?” If so, beware. The…
Takeaways: You and Your Auto Insurance: What You Need Changes Over Your Lifetime
This is the last installment of The Evolution of You and Your Auto Insurance, a special segment where we provide suggestions on the ideal auto insurance coverage for every decade of life. If you’re just tuning in now, be sure to check out the full series below: Introduction Teens – Early 20s 20s – 30s 40s,…
Part 3: You and Your Auto Insurance: What You Need Changes Over Your Lifetime
Introduction Part 1: Teens- early 20s Part 2: 20s – 30s 40s – 50s At this point, you may have kids who are starting to drive. This can certainly increase your insurance rates. Having said that, if you are financially able to afford to keep the FULL TORT1 + UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED2 + STACKED COVERAGE3 we highly recommend it. If you have to…
Part 2: You and Your Auto Insurance: What You Need Changes Over Your Lifetime
Introduction Part 1: Teens – early 20s As you get a little older, you may get married and have kids. Suddenly you have people, other than yourself, to worry about. And, hopefully, you are able to afford a more comprehensive auto insurance policy. When you get married, if you and your spouse each own a…
Part 1: You and Your Auto Insurance: What You Need Changes Over Your Lifetime
Introduction If you’re like most people I know (myself included), when you turned 16 years old you could not wait to get your driver’s license! The idea of being able to go wherever you wanted, whenever you wanted was exciting. You were concerned about seeing your friends and having some freedom. I can almost guarantee…
Introduction: You and Your Auto Insurance: What You Need Changes Over Your Lifetime
We are always changing and evolving. As we change, our needs also change. Sometimes our changing needs are very obvious. For instance, if you used to live in a one bedroom apartment in your twenties – but then you get married, have a couple of kids and get a dog – you may need a…
QR ON THE ROAD: VINCE AND MICHAEL QUATRINI CONTINUE LEGAL INFLUENCE VIA PUBLICATION AND PRESENTATION OF UPDATED LEGAL TEXTS
The Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the continuing education arm of the prestigious Pennsylvania Bar Association, publishes biennial texts meant to inform and educate Pennsylvanian attorneys in specified practice areas. To be asked to co-author one of these books is an incredible honor, as it implies that the author is an exceptionally knowledgeable and well-versed contributor of…
QR COOLEST PET CONTEST RECAP
All throughout the month of June, QuatriniRafferty hosted the “QR Coolest Pet Contest.” Attorneys and staff shared photos of their pets on Facebook. Each pet represented a local animal shelter or rescue. At the end of the contest, the pet with the most votes was named the “Coolest Pet” and won his or her respective…
INJURED UBER DRIVER? YOU NEED A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEY NOW!
In Pittsburgh, hailing a cab was tantamount to putting in a bid to host the Olympics. It seemed like you had to wait years for one to show up! So, I was an early cheerleader for the new mousetrap for hailing a cab – Uber. So easy! So prompt! So intriguing – peering at that…
MIND OVER MATTER: THE MYSTERY OF A CONVERSION REACTION
Kristen walked up to the window (which separated employees from visitors) to greet a man who just walked into the magistrate’s office. Quickly she realized that he was not there to conduct business. She saw a flash of what looked like a weapon. Simultaneously, Kristen was verbally assaulted with menacing words. Eventually, the man left.…
The Benefits of Bankruptcy
People often assume that by declaring bankruptcy, they lose important assets like their homes, cars, savings, and retirement funds. That simply is not the case. In fact, it’s the opposite! Bankruptcy can help you keep what’s important to you and rebuild your finances. Let’s take a peek at what I feel are the top 3…
Q&A with QR: “Is It True That After A Work Injury, I Have To Treat With A Company Doctor For 90 Days?”
According to a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court decision, an injured worker does not have to treat with a panel physician for 90 days unless the injured worker: a) was given a list of six medical providers to choose from; and b) signed a document both at the time of hire and at the time of…
Q&A with QR: “What is the Most Important Thing I Should Know About Buying Auto Insurance?”
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage is the most valuable part of your auto insurance policy. Without this coverage you are in danger of becoming a victim of a “coverage tragedy.” This coverage provides protection to you and your family from drivers who have little or no liability insurance. Get as much uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as you can afford! If…
Q&A with QR: “If I Become Injured at Work, When Should I Seek Out The Help of an Attorney?”
If you sustain a work injury, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Do not wait four months as you may have been led to believe by television advertisements. The longer you wait to contact a lawyer, the more difficult it may be to win your case. If you sustain an injury and the insurance company…
LIFETIME LEGAL CARE®: A Way of Life at QuatriniRafferty
Representing injured workers has been a way of life for me for 44 years. I started to practice law in 1974. I had no idea what kind of cases I would handle – they don’t teach you that in law school! Frank Pawlosky showed up one day. He worked for Rolling Rock cleaning the beer…
Vince Quatrini Presents “The Profession and the Business: Operating Your Small Size Law Firm in 2018”
Thank you! The Institute for Law & Public Policy at Cal U of PA sponsored the continuing legal education program “The Profession and the Business: Operating Your Small Size Law Firm in 2018!” Vince Quatrini moderated the three hour seminar, designed to provide other law practitioners with a road map for running a small size…
QuatriniRafferty Sponsors “Art in the Alley” Reception
QR is honored to have sponsored the “Art in the Alley” reception last evening at The Palace Theatre. Art in the Alley, an innovative community project located between The Palace and The Union Trust building in downtown Greensburg, is an interactive art project featuring original works by “Incubator for the Arts” local and student artists.…
Do I Have Short/Long-Term Disability Coverage?
“In the state of Pennsylvania, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance coverage are not mandatory insurance coverages, such as Workers’ Compensation. Therefore, it is dependent on your employer to carry such coverage, or for you to purchase an individual policy on your own from an insurance carrier. Usually, you can find out whether your employer offers…
OLDER PEOPLE INCREASINGLY LOADED DOWN WITH PERSONAL DEBT
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked our very own Attorney Matthew Herron, bankruptcy attorney for The Debt Doctors at QuatriniRafferty, to provide his trusted input on this very important, very real problem for many senior citizens in the greater Pittsburgh area. Click below to read the full article: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2018/04/04/Older-people-most-affected-by-personal-debt/stories/201804030089
“LET ME COUNT THE WAYS THAT THE ATTORNEYS OF QR HELP OUR INJURED AND DISABLED CLIENTS!”
When a client walks through our door, his/her life has been unexpectedly turned upside down. It is the corrections officer injured by an unruly prisoner, or, a registered nurse involved in an auto accident with his/her family. It can be a doctor diagnosed with a serious illness, or, a military veteran struggling with an onset…
The Intersection of Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation
If you were ever hurt or injured, your natural response may be to seek out help from an attorney. You might consider the circumstances related to the injury when deciding who to contact. For example, if you were in a car accident, you would seek out the help of a Personal Injury attorney. If you were…
QUATRINIRAFFERTY ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICE LOCATION IN ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA
QuatriniRafferty is pleased to announce a new office location in the Executive House 615 Howard Avenue in Altoona. The office, located in Suite 210, formally opens on March 1, 2018. The expansion of QuatriniRafferty into Altoona, Pennsylvania will allow the firm to more efficiently serve new and existing clients in Blair and surrounding counties of central Pennsylvania. The…
JOYCE NOVOTNY-PRETTIMAN ELECTED TO WBA BOARD
QR is proud to announce that Attorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman was elected to serve as vice president of the Westmoreland Bar Association (WBA)! Joyce previously held a director’s position on the WBA Board of Directors. After being elected vice president, she is in line to become president of our county’s Bar Association. Joyce has been involved…
YOUR WORK COMMUTE AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
You travel to and from work every day. If you are ever in a car accident during that commute, would you be eligible for Workers’ Compensation? What about if you were driving while performing a work-related “special mission?” A young man was a worker-in-training for Dunkin Donuts. His employer owned three different locations in Pennsylvania…
Auto Insurance: What Are You Buying?
If you are like most people, you purchased auto insurance years ago, you pay your premiums when the bill is due, and you assume you have the coverage you need. You have never revisited it. Why is that? Well, nobody (except us – lucky you!) enjoys talking about auto insurance because: (1) most people find…
“30 ACTS OF CHARITY”
We conclude our 30th anniversary year by reflecting on our “30 Acts of Charity” project. Throughout 2017, we provided support to 30 distinct charities within our local communities – via monetary donation, sponsorship, volunteerism, or contribution collection. We are “paying it forward” by giving to the communities that have given us so much over the…
QR Personal Injury Attorney to Argue Case at PA Supreme Court
If you tune into our blog, catch our Facebook posts, or read our newsletters, you know how important we believe it is for everyone to carry underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage on their auto insurance policies. It is an even better idea to “stack” these coverages. The attorneys in our Personal Injury Department believe that…
Veterans Affairs Secretary Considering Additional Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
| Nov 27, 2017 | Veterans Disability Compensation | It appears the Veteran’s Administration is finally answering the call to add additional conditions to the list of presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange and service in Vietnam. On November 1, 2017, the current head of the Veterans Administration – Dr. David J. Shulkin – has decided to move forward,…
A Warning to PA Dog Owners: New “Ruff” Weather Exposure Law
A new law in Pennsylvania called “Libre’s Law” requires that dog owners limit outdoor tethering to only 30 minutes per day during winter months (defined by temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). The law seeks to encourage dog owners to recognize the harmful effects of long-term cold weather exposure on their furry friends, and will be…
The Vietnam War: Revisited Through Ken Burn’s TV Documentary
The Selective Service System. Draft numbers. Nightly Film of bullets flying, bombs bursting, injured and bloody soldiers. Body counts. Agent Orange. Defoliation. PTSD. Emotional Emptiness. Guilt. Peace Marches. Rejection. These are terms from the Vietnam vocabulary. I was 17 years old in 1967. I was one of the lucky ones. A high draft number. The…
Healing Through Yoga Seminar Recap
We had a wonderful time cohosting “Healing Through Yoga,” our last Road to Recovery seminar, with Angela of Red Brick Yoga! Attendees had the opportunity to work with Angela to develop calming breathing techniques, meditate, and pose for proper alignment. This interactive session greatly benefited attendees as they can take what they learned and apply…
Trick or Treat at QR Greensburg
NO TRICKS….JUST TREATS! Visit us at our Greensburg office location on October 30th and 31st from 8:30am until 5:00pm to pick up a Halloween treat bag compliments of QR! *Costumes appreciated, but not required. Adult Trick or Treaters welcomed!
Injured On Your Commute To Or From Work? You Could Be Entitled to Workers’ Compensation Benefits!
A young man was a worker-in-training for Dunkin Donuts. His employer owned three different locations in Pennsylvania – Wyncote, Hatfield, and Horsham. The young man was assigned to Wyncote. His job included delivering product between the three locations and filling in for sick employees. One day, his employer called him and instructed him to fill…
DANGER: The Credit Card and The College Student
Oh, how we remember that going off to college brought newfound freedoms. One of those new experiences for many students is their first foray into a world of credit and debt. According to an Experian College Graduate Survey conducted in April 2016, 58% of soon-to-be-graduates said they had a credit card, while 30% said they…
Healing Through Chiropractic Care Seminar a Success!
Thank you to Dr. Samuels and Dr. Smith of Align Chiropractic Wellness Center for presenting at our second Road to Recovery Wellness Seminar! Attendees had a blast learning all about the healthy benefits of chiropractic care via Align’s fun and interactive presentation. *FUN TIP FROM ALIGN: Your car’s headrest positioning is crucial in helping to prevent whiplash during…
QR Personal Injury Attorneys Host Continuing Education Class
When we say that QR attorneys know the law, we mean it! Today, for example, our Personal Injury Team — Dennis Rafferty, Joyce Novotny-Prettiman, and Jessica Rafferty — made a presentation to approximately thirty Westmoreland County attorneys about optimizing their clients’ uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. In the continuing legal education presentation, “Untangling UM/UIM Auto…
QR Sponsors Annual Green Luncheon
QR is proud to be a sponsor of the Green Luncheon. The Luncheon is held every September by the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) to thank those who support our parks. Westmoreland County has wonderful parks that so many people enjoy every day for a walk or run, every week for some fishing or a trip…
Equifax Cyberattack: What You Need to Know
In lieu of Equifax’s breach, questions are spinning around whether victims should freeze their credit or sign up for the free credit monitoring Equifax is now offering. Here’s our advice to keep you and your credit out of danger: Instead of paying for credit monitoring, monitor your credit by using your free credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com. If…
Myocardial Infarctions (Heart Attacks) In the Workplace: QR Obtains Benefits for Widow and Disabled Child
On a really cold day in January, our 54 year old Marcellus Shale fresh water truck driver, Carl, picked up his vehicle at his work site in Clymer, Indiana County, and drove to a nearby creek to load up. Two hours later, Carl was found lying, face down, beside his truck. Dead. The 10 foot…
SSI vs SSD: What’s the Difference
Quite often I am asked, “What’s the difference between Supplemental Social Security Disability (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD)?” Here is a quick overview of these two programs: Let’s start with SSD. SSD is a monthly income benefit for individuals who are disabled. An individual must meet the strict rules set up by the Social Security Administration (SSA)…
Auto Insurance: The Big Mistake You Can Make Buying It!
Someone recently asked me this question: Relative to helping people who are seriously hurt in auto collisions, what is the biggest problem you face in trying to advocate for your clients? That’s an easy question to answer: Many times, there is not enough auto insurance coverage to adequately compensate our clients for their injuries and losses!…
When Your Financial World Is Turned Upside Down: Part Two
In Part 1 of “WHEN YOUR FINANCIAL WORLD IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN,” we discussed how Bankruptcy protects you from the nasty world of collections and the questionable world of debt consolidation, or so-called debt counseling. In Part 2, we’ll focus on the other powerful tools which help you start a fresh financial life after bankruptcy.…
Attorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman Named to Million Dollar Advocates Forum
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is pleased to announce that Attorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has been certified as a member. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards,…
LEGAL ALERT: NEW WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RULING SIGNIFICANT FOR INJURED WORKERS
This past week, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed down a very significant ruling which will protect the long-term rights of permanently injured workers in Pennsylvania. The Supreme Court, in a case named for the injured worker Mary Ann Protz, held that the Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act is unconstitutional in…
FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE OFFICERS, AND HEART ATTACKS
As published in The Legal Checkup, Summer 2017 and on the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group blog I have been representing injured firefighters and policemen for 43 years. Our office recently won a critical Workers’ Compensation case for a widow of a firefighter who died from a heart attack. The insurance company fiercely defended the…
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Nurse Aides, Home Healthcare, Hospice Care; The Most Hazardous Jobs in the U.S.
The healthcare industry is not only the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing 18 million workers, but also one of the most dangerous. Did you know that healthcare workers are at the highest risk for work-related injuries, surpassing workers in the construction industry and the mining industry? Nurses and assistants/aides have the highest injury…
If You “Like” Social Media…Read This!
Social media is a great way to remain connected with friends and family. And, it is free and easy-to-use. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to post a photo, tell your “friends” what you are thinking, or “like” their latest posts. However, if you are involved in a legal claim or…
A Letter to Small Business Owners…
Dear Small Business Owner, Having been a small business owner myself, I have a passion for helping other entrepreneurs like me. Businesses are a puzzle that require finding the right mix of a good product(s)/service(s), finding the right people to work in the business, finding the right customers, and controlling your expenses to make a…
Don’t Risk It: Consider Purchasing Mine Subsidence Insurance
If you reside in Western Pennsylvania, there is a very good chance that your home sits on top of an abandoned mine. Recently, a home in Latrobe had to be evacuated and then demolished because of the damage that occurred through mine subsidence. The poor homeowner not only lost her home, but still had to…
Black Lung: The Coal Miner Scourge. Incurable, Fatal, Haunts Miners All Over Again
There is a shocking increase in the reported cases of pneumoconiosis, commonly known as Black Lung! And, more worrisome is that the new cases of the disease are even more deadly. The lungs of young miners are showing signs of progressive massive fibrosis (P.M.F.), also known as complicated pneumoconiosis. Young miners are proving particularly vulnerable…
My Neighbor Gets Disability – Why Can’t I?
We are often asked to explain to clients why they don’t financially qualify for disability benefits, even though they worked most of their lives. A client might see a neighbor receiving disability from the Social Security Administration, and that neighbor never worked. What the client might not realize is that the Social Security Administration (SSA)…
Is It Too Late to Hire an Attorney to Handle my ERISA (Long-Term) Disability Claim?
At first glance, Long-Term Disability Claims/Denials seem to be a simple issue of contract law. Usually, for the first 24 months, the definition of disability is whether or not you can perform your own job. So, if you can’t work, all you have to do is provide a form signed by your doctor that you…
Compensation Now Available for Veterans of Camp Lejeune
GREENSBURG, March 23, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will now recognize the presumptive service connection for eight diseases associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Veterans, former reservists, and former National Guard members who served no less than 30 days (either consecutively or nonconsecutively) between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987…
When Your Financial World Is Turned Upside Down: Part One
What do I do? Do I have options? Isn’t bankruptcy going to ruin my credit for seven years? Shouldn’t I call a Debt Consolidation company first? There is a common misunderstanding when it comes to bankruptcy. Over the years, the term has come to mean failure or financial ruin. This myth is simply not true.…
I Love QR Because…
We shared the “I Love QR Because…” Valentine’s Day campaign as a way to demonstrate that illness and injury should never stop you from living your best life. The attorneys and staff of Quatrinini Rafferty are here to help you through whatever life brings, from the birth of a child, to the death of a…
Steps to Successful Estate Planning
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to think about estate planning. Let Quatrinini Rafferty get your estate plan off the ground, one step at a time. Step one: Get organized. Gather up your bank and investment account statements, savings bonds, annuity and retirement account statement, deeds to real estate, etc. Make a…
Adding Compassion to the Social Security Process
At Quatrinini Rafferty, compassion and respect define our approach to the practice of law. We understand that applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a difficult and intimidating experience. The Social Security Disability lawyers at Quatrinini Rafferty – Tereasa Rerko, Brian Bronson, Michael Quatrini, and Adam Quatrini – are approachable, sympathetic, and knowledgeable. At…
I Can’t Return To My Job…What Now?
It is an unfortunate fact that many injured workers are unable to return to the job they were performing at the time they were injured. The thought of never being able to return to the work you have done for most of your life can be frightening and depressing. However, there is a federally funded…
Auto Coverage Tragedy
During winter months, slick, wintery roads create dangerous driving situations, which may increase concerns about being involved in an auto accident. While you might think that you’ve taken the necessary precautions to prepare for winter’s worst, you may be overlooking a key component: Your present insurance plan may not supply ample coverage to you and…
Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr. Appointed to Join Pennsylvania Attorney General-elect Josh Shapiro’s Personnel & Planning Task Force
Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr., founding partner of Quatrinini Rafferty law firm, has been appointed to serve on Pennsylvania Attorney General-elect Josh Shapiro’s Personnel and Planning Task Force. Mr. Quatrini will serve alongside 18 other distinguished Pennsylvania leaders to identify and interview prospective candidates for high-level positions in Shapiro’s new administration. The team will work diligently…
Six QR Attorneys Awarded “Super Lawyer” Status
Super Lawyers lists include attorneys from all 50 states and Washington D.C., and a range of more than 70 practice areas. Each candidate is nominated by peers and evaluated using 12 indicators of professional achievement. Rising Stars selections are 40 years of age or younger, or have been in practice less than 10 years. Only…
Bankruptcy Filings Decline in Pittsburgh Region
Who did the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reach out to for bankruptcy advice? QR Attorney Matthew Herron along with Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District Jeffery A. Delle and Former Federal Reserve Chairman Thomas J. Mackell Jr….of course! http://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2016/01/06/Bankruptcy-filings-decline-in-Pittsburgh-region/stories201601060019
National Adoption Day
In 1976, Massachusetts was the first states to declare a special week to recognize adoptions and the number of states declaring a special day increased until National Adoption Month was recognized in 1990. Our local Westmoreland County Commissioners proclaimed November 20, 2015, as National Adoption Day in Westmoreland County. While many areas of the law…
Attorney Michael Quatrini Interviewed by WTAE on Obtaining Veterans Administration Benefits for Agent Orange Exposure
Did you see Michael Quatrini on WTAE last night? MQ was interviewed regarding the difficult process of obtaining Veterans Disability Compensation benefits for Agent Orange exposure. Thank you to WTAE investigative reporter Bofta Yimam for shedding light onto the struggle that veterans’ and their widows’ face with the Veterans Administration. VIDEO: Watch Bofta Yimam’s…
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is designated as a month when we concentrate on awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. This message is not just for teenagers! Many drivers over 18 years of age dismiss warnings about distracted driving as something that is not about them. The fact is that distracted driving is a problem for drivers of…
Lifestyle Medicine Conference
Dr. Safdar Chaudhary of S’eclairer is hosting a Lifestyle Medicine Conference. The conference will be held on May 1st at Chestnut Ridge Inn on the Green in Blairsville. Attorneys Vincent Quatrini, Michael Quatrini, and Brian Bronson are among the featured speakers. Vince, Michael, and Brian are discussing the issues that confront individuals with physical or…
PSBA Spring Legal Roundup
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) recently presented its Spring Legal Roundup in Greensburg, PA, and Attorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman, who is an associate at QuatriniRafferty, was a co-presenter again in 2015. This continuing legal education seminar is presented yearly in an effort to keep local educators up to date on recent legal developments in the…
Wage Theft: Is Something M($$) Missing From Your Paycheck
Consider going to the grocery store. You finish your shopping and notice an extra box of cereal on your receipt. You return in two weeks, get the same items and this time you were charged for a candy bar you did not purchase. Now imagine this happens every two weeks you go to the grocery…
ROBO DE SALARIOS: ¿FALTA ALGO ($$) EN EL CHEQUE DE SU SUELDO?
Imagínese que usted ha ido al supermercado. Después de hecha la compra, nota que su recibo muestra una caja de cereal extra. Regresa dos semanas después, compra los mismos artículos y esta vez le han cobrado por unos caramelos que no compró. Imagínese ahora que esto sucede cada dos semanas, cuando usted va al supermercado.…
Please, take a little extra time and remove the snow from your car
Have you ever been in a big hurry in the morning after it snowed? Have you ever just scraped enough snow and ice off of your windshield so you could kind of see out – hoping that the heater will melt the rest of it after you start driving? Or have you been driving along…
Filing Your 2014 Federal Tax Return: Do You Get a Credit or Owe a Tax? Know the Rules on the Affordable Care Act
Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act required that individuals must: (1) have health care coverage; (2) qualify for a health coverage exemption; or (3) make a shared responsibility payment with your tax return. Have Health Care Coverage: If you had qualifying health care coverage (called minimum essential coverage) for every month of 2014 for yourself,…
A Hollow Jury Verdict
In 2007, Ashley Zauflik was a student at Pennsbury School District located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is north of Philadelphia. Ashley was one of the victims of a school bus accident involving a school bus owned and operated by an employee of the Pennsbury School District. The school bus accelerated out of control and…
Comeback Award of 2014
At QuatriniRafferty, every day we talk with and work to protect the rights of people who are injured in an instant and have their lives changed forever. The news media tells us about motor vehicle collisions that occur on our highways, but very rarely do you hear about how significantly those motor vehicle collisions impact the…
Great Client Review for Peter J. Gough, Esq. on AVVO.com
Very kind words from a recent workers’ compensation client of Peter J. Gough, Esq. on AVVO.com Peter J. Gough is an associate at the firm and concentrates his practice in the area of workers’ compensation, exclusively representing injured workers. Born in Brooklyn, New York and a graduate of The University of Buffalo, Peter J. Gough came to the…
Prudential Insurance Company Admits That It Is Wrong In Denying Long Term Disability Benefits
Prudential Insurance Company recently overturned a long term disability denial for our client under an own occupation period of disability. Our client worked for a large hospital system as a vascular lab technologist. The client was suffering from relapsing, remitting Multiple Sclerosis with optical neuritis and migraines. Prudential originally denied benefits based upon their opinion…
Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance Exchange Starts November 15th
Have questions about the forthcoming Health Insurance Exchange created by the Affordable Health Care Act? Visit the Health Insurance Navigator created by our friends at Mental Health America of Westmoreland County:
Did you know that there is an antidote available for heroin overdoses?
Stories about tragic drug overdoses and the concern for heroin use in our local communities seem to always hit the news. The steps that are being taken to reduce some of the suffering from drug addiction don’t usually get the same attention. Hopefully, news will spread about legislation that has been signed into law on…
Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. This subject has been very much in the news with the focus being on the NFL’s handling of the Ray Rice situation. Unfortunately, domestic violence is an everyday occurrence in our communities and many tragic situations are not in the headlines. When someone is the victim of…
SSDI Waiting Periods
Proposed Changes to Five (5) Month Waiting Period for SSDI Benefits for Terminally Claimant’s Senator Mike Enzi, a Republican in Wyoming, and Democrat, Sherrod Brown, of Ohio, have introduced a Bill to expedite the payment of SSDI benefits to terminally ill individuals by eliminating the five (5) month waiting period. The legislation, commonly referred to…
LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Congress Passes New VA Rules for Medical Treatment
A bill requiring the Veterans Administration to set up private medical appointments if the wait for VA treatment is too long passed overwhelmingly in the US Senate, where it will now head to President Obama’s desk for signature.
Hidden Risks in Ride Sharing
There has been a lot of information in the news about ride sharing services. You may have heard of the legal issues that have come up in regard to ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. These services are available on the Internet and offer to connect you with drivers who can provide you…
Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Publishes Annual Report
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor and Industry has released The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation and Workplace Safety 2013 Annual Report, a document that intended to demonstrate “the workers’ compensation program’s commitment to workplace safety, superior customer service, innovation and excellence in carrying out the provisions of The Workers’ Compensation Act.” http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1113073708822-124/2013+WC+Annual+Report+(LIBC-772).pdf In an effort to better…
Legislative Alert: Strong Supporters of the ABLE Act
The ABLE Act, short for the Achieving a Better Life Experience, would allow people with long-term disabilities like those on the autism spectrum or Down syndrome to save money in a tax shelter solely for important costs like housing and education, while still qualifying for Medicaid and government services. This would be a powerful, life…
QR Case Review: Does Payment of Medical Bills Toll a Statute?
by Ronald J. Fonner, Esq. Section 315 of the Act specifically states that the limitation period shall not begin to run where compensation has been paid or payments have been made in lieu of compensation until three years following the date of most recent payment. Compensation is defined in the act to mean medical bills…
QR Veterans Disability Croup Investigating Possible Exposure to PCB’s at McClellan Air Force Base
The QR Veterans Disability Group was recently contacted to investigate claims for Veterans exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls – PCBs – at McClellan Air Force Base. PCB’s are a known carcinogen, as detailed by the Centers for Disease Control. In 2002, 60 Minutes produced a story about the chemical exposure in and around the base: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/toxic-secret-07-11-2002/…
NYT: Agent Orange’s Long Legacy for Vietnam and Veterans
As we know from so many of our clients who are dealing with the different diseases associated with Agent Orange from Vietnam, the fight to d. We here at QR hope that the military continues its research into what other conditions may have been caused by this brutal chemical. Below is a link to a…
QR Latrobe Welcomes Union Mission
QR Latrobe was happy to host the Union Mission of Latrobe to kick of their new Advisory Council. Learn more about Union Mission at: www.unionmissionlatrobe.org
Statute of Limitations
One of the issues that can keep attorneys up at night are client’s statutes of limitations. Behind the scenes, careful due diligence on everyone of our client’s cases is performed in order that the statute of limitations is properly documented and preserved so that our clients have a right to proceed on their actions. A…
Procedural Rules of Court
There has been a significant change to the Procedural Rules of Court with regard to jurors. You may have recently read some articles in statewide publications with regard to alternate jurors. Routinely at the end of a trial, alternate jurors were set free to go once deliberations began. The Rule, by Order of the State…
Lone Survivor
Recently I saw the movie “Lone Survivor” produced by Universal Pictures, starring Mark Wahlberg as navy seal Marcus Luttrell. The movie is based on Luttrell’s true story – that being while during a mission in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban in June of 2005, he and 3 other navy seals engaged approximately 40 Taliban soldiers during…
“Getting Ahead”: Presented by Bridges to Prosperity
Bridges to Prosperity (formerly Jeannette Circles) will be starting a Getting Ahead Class on Thursday April 24th. We are looking for motivated individuals who are interested in changing their life and financial circumstances. Getting Ahead is a 17 week class where participants investigate barriers to poverty in their community, learn the hidden rules of ECONOMIC class and culture, investigate ways to build…
QR Partner Tereasa Rerko Selected as Keynote Speaker for Cal U Career Network Reception
Attorney Tereasa Rerko was recently selected to be the Keynote Speaker at an event at her Alma Mater, California University of Pennsylvania. The event was the annual Mock Networking Reception and Etiquette Dinner. This event is sponsored by Cal U Career Services, www.calu.edu/careers as well as the University’s Student Association Inc., Student Activities & Leadership,…
QR Results: Veteran Awarded Service Connection for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by Board of Veterans Appeals
QR is pleased to announce that our appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals for an Army veteran with service in Vietnam resulted in a reversal of the initial Ratings Determination by the Department of Veterans Affairs (Pittsburgh Regional Office) and a full grant of service connection for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Veteran applied on…
QR Results: Injured Worker Entitled to Reinstatement of Workers’ Compensation Benefits After Unjust Firing
Quatrinini Rafferty represented a male in his late 20’s who injured his right shoulder at work. The injury occurred as he was attempting to dislodge an air bag from the steering wheel of a large truck. Although the Employer, a trucking company, acknowledged his injury, they fired our client while he was working a modified…
Teens Killed in Collision with Fire Truck
Our hearts go out to 3 West Virginia teens who were recently killed in a collision with a fire truck. Kristyn Butcher, Kaylin Rice, and John Emmett Snow, III, attempted to pass a vehicle in the opposite direction as a fire truck traveling to an accident scene when it struck their vehicle resulting in a…
Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr. speaks at UPMC Forum for Occupational Medicine
QR attorney Vince Quatrini was the lead presenter for injured workers at the UPMC presentation, “Achieving Excellence in Workers’ Compensation: Strategies from Medical and Legal Professionals,” alongside Workers’ Compensation Judge David B. Torrey, Valerie S. Faeth, defense attorney for Cohen & Grigsby, and a host of UPMC physicians. Mr. Quatrini provided the injured worker perspective on…
Community Leader: David S. DeRose, Esq.
Great to see QR attorney David S. DeRose featured in the Fall 2013 edition of the The Pittsburgh Foundation’s FORUM newsletter. http://pittsburghfoundation.org/sites/default/files/FORUM%20Fall%202013.pdf (page 16)
Histoplasmosis in the Workplace: The Bat Droppings and Bird Manure Disease
Are you exposed to bat droppings and bird manure in your workplace? If so, you may be a at risk for a diagnosis of Histoplasmosis. Recently, I handled a case involving this disease. Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus called H. capsulatum. Histoplasmosis is not contagious; it cannot be transmitted from…
Community Leader: David S. DeRose, Esq.
Below are links to a three-part series on back pain and its treatment from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/my-aching-back-only-seek-surgery-for-the-back-when-necessary-703565/ http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/ways-to-have-a-healthier-back-703518/ http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/my-aching-back-low-back-problems-are-common-neurological-disorder-701704/
Nursing Home Concerns
Americans are living longer than ever. One result is that there are now nearly 1.6 million nursing home residents in the United States. In Pennsylvania alone, there are approximately 80,000 people living in nursing homes. If your loved one is admitted to a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living facility and you have…
Unemployment Compensation Basics
The unemployment compensation (UC) system is designed to provide a short-term “safety net” of benefits which provide income when you lose your job through no fault of your own. Generally speaking, to be eligible for UC benefits, you must be able and available to work. The determination of whether you are eligible for benefits is…
Making Sense of Your Auto Policy
We have heard clients comment that they never really read their auto insurance information prior to their motor vehicle collision. Unfortunately, after you are in an accident, it is too late to make sure you have the coverage you need. Take just a little bit of time to do some “preventive maintenance.” Here is our…
My Military Service Records: How Can I Get a Copy?
Many veterans, as they left the service, never received a copy of their military service records, including treatment records. These documents are very important as they can reveal medical treatment for in-service conditions or disabilities. They often times serve as the smoking gun for winning a service-connected benefit. Most veterans can obtain free copies of…
Estate Planning in a Technological Age
When we sit down to discuss who will benefit from what we have accumulated during our lifetime, we start with creating an accurate summary of our assets and our debts. We talk about houses, vehicles, bank accounts, pension and retire- ment accounts, life insurance, investments and other things of value that belong to us. We…
Social Security New Policy Ruling: What Does it Mean?
The Social Security Administration has just released Policy Ruling 13-2p. These rulings occur infrequently and are designed to clarify the law for Social Security Administration judges. Social Security Ruling 13-2p focuses on how Social Security Judges consider cases involving drug and alcohol use. As the law is currently written, an individual may not be found…
Tips to Help Your SS Case
Your attorney, paralegal and secretary work together on your case as a legal team. You can be assured that all information you provide is shared with all members of the team. You know important information about your symptoms and your health history. Tell us so that we can better help you! Even if something makes…
Where Do You Draw the Line on Distracted Driving?
Pennsylvania lawmakers have drawn the line as to what will soon be considered illegal driving practices. New provisions in the law will go into effect in March 2012 to attempt to limit the use of “interactive wireless communications devices.” This term includes the use of wireless telephones, smart phones, portable or mobile computers or other…
The Compassionate Allowance List (CAL)
The Social Security Administration maintains a Compassionate Allowance List (CAL) as a way to quickly identify medical conditions that will likely qualify for disability benefits, lessening the wait time for a decision. As of April 11, 2012, Social Security expanded the Compassionate Allowances List to include 52 new medical conditions. The 52 new Compassionate Allowance…
Made in the USA
Does it seem that nothing is made in the “good ol’ U.S. of A.” anymore? All one has to do is walk down the aisle at a local Wal-Mart to realize that the majority of the things we buy everyday are made in China and other countries, but many products are still American-made. Buying American…