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Alexander Palutis

Alexander Palutis

Pa. Workers' Comp Certified Specialist
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Pennsylvania
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&A
Biography

I am a Certified Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law Specialist representing injured workers and their families in all areas of Pa. Workers' Compensation Law throughout the State of Pennsylvania.

I was raised in a union household. My mother served as President of a Pennsylvania Statewide Teacher’s Union and as member of their board of directors for 25 years.

After graduating with honors from Georgetown University in 1983 and The University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1987, I was a law clerk for The Honorable Genevieve Blatt at the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Judge Blatt was the first woman elected to statewide office in Pennsylvania and the first woman to sit as a Pennsylvania appellate judge. While having the honor of clerking for Judge Blatt, I learned the value of our court system’s availability to protect the rights of injured workers and their families.

In 2017, I was again selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in the area of workers’ compensation. Considered among the best lawyers in their profession, Super Lawyers represent the top five percent (5%) of practicing attorneys in Pennsylvania and are selected by their peers in an extensive nomination and polling (36,000 ballots) process conducted by Law and Politics.

I offer a unique perspective in representing the injured worker in Pennsylvania. I have 25 years’ experience representing employers and insurance companies. I know how they think. I know their strategies. I know their tactics. I can offer the Pennsylvania injured worker my experience and knowledge to fight against these big companies and for the rights of injured workers and their families.

Education
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
J.D. (1987)
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Georgetown University
B.A. (1983) | American Government
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Honors: Cum Laude
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Professional Experience
Law Clerk to the Honorable Genevieve Blatt
Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
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Publications
Speaking Engagements
Interplay between Pa. Workers' Act and the Pa. Heart & Lung Act, Tough Problems in Pa. Workers' Compensation 2017, Mechanicsburg,Pa.
Pennsylvania Bar Institute
Certifications
Certified Specialist in Pa. Workers' Compensation Law
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Professional Associations
Pennsylvania State Bar  # 50059
Member
Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Pennsylvania
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    I provide three (3) hours for an initial consult either at my office , your home or any other convenient location for the client.
  • Contingent Fees
    I only get paid when you get paid. You will never receive a bill from me.
Practice Area
    Workers' Compensation
Languages
  • Spanish: Spoken
Legal Answers
Q. Still working after injury. Must I use accrued PTO for WorkersComp Dr. appointments? Will WorkersComp reimburse my PTO?
A: If you are not able to schedule your doctor’s appointment before or after work and you have an accepted Pa Workers’ Compensation Claim, then your employer would need to pay you Partial Wage Loss Benefits for the time you miss from work due to your attending the appointments. You should be able to receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits rather than using your PTO each time you miss work to treat for your work injury. It is best to consult with Pa Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney. The facts of each case are different and the results will vary from case to case. Best of luck to you.
Q. What happens if your Employer doesn't report your work-related injury to the State Worker's Comp Board?
A: Your employer is required to report your work injuries to their insurance company and the State. There are several reporting requirements for both the employer and the injured worker. Therefore, I recommend that you contact a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney to discuss your circumstances in greater detail. Most attorneys will provide a free consultation. If you have suffered a work injury and your employer is being less than cooperative , then it is certainly time for you to consult with an attorney.
Q. Can the insurance company schedule an IME with a dr that is I’ve 90 minutes from my home?
A: Yes, the insurance company can schedule this exam that far away from your home. They must, however, provide transportation to and from the IME. If this presents a hardship, you can request the insurance company schedule an IME closure to your home. But, in all likelihood, you should contact a Board Certified Pa Workers’ Compensation Attorney in your area for assistance in making such a request. There are many factors that need to be considered with the scheduling of an IME.

As such, a consult with an Attorney is recommended. Best of Luck.
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
4 Steps to Take When You are Injured at Work in Pa.
Contact & Map
Smigel,Anderson & Sacks
4431 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone: (717) 234-2401
Cell: (717) 439-6459
Fax: (717) 234-3611