Client
Having sustained an on-the-job injury and following all the proper reporting procedures, I ultimately ended up having surgery, which subsequently resulted in a period of time off from work. Thankfully, my manager, representing a major employer in Lancaster County, was very supportive and made every accommodation to enable me to perform functions on a light duty basis while I recuperated. Several weeks after my surgery, I received instructions from the company's Worker's Comp representative I had been working with to present myself to a "company" doctor for an independent medical evaluation, which I dutifully complied with. All good...I thought. Therefore, I was quite shocked sometime later when I received a letter from a company attorney indicating all future wage payments would be terminated unless I returned to full-time work, physically ready or not. As I came to find out, the reason for this determination was due to the fact that the company's consulting physician -- after a ten-minute evaluation -- presented a completely different (and benign) diagnosis than my surgeon's professional assessment. Like many people, I had never imagined having to consult with an attorney to secure needed care and continuing wages due to an on-the-job injury. Therefore, this experience was quite the wake-up call. I was rather baffled by the legalese on the company's letterhead, and didn't even know what questions to ask. Thankfully, I found the right representation to clear up the muddy waters in Vanasse Law. Attorney Michael Vanasse and Paralegal Loraine Liuzzo make a perfect team! During the initial meeting with my wife and me, Mike's experience and expertise in Worker's Comp law became immediately apparent. However, his experience was only part of the equation. Mike's caring and compassionate demeanor made all the difference in the world in terms of putting us at ease, not only in the first meeting, but in all the events that came after. We left the office knowing we were in good hands, and each successive phone call was like talking to a friend who genuinely cared about our situation. Mike immediately obtained a hold on my wage freeze, and Loraine kept in constant touch to keep me informed about hearing dates and any new developments in my case. Ultimately, I decided that it was in both my and the company's best interests to settle my claim, and Mike negotiated an acceptable solution on my behalf. In fact, Mike handled the entire process as my representative. My only "appearance" was via teleconference with the judge and company attorney at the final settlement meeting. Having gone through this ordeal, I am very thankful that Mike and Loraine were there to guide me through it all. I am confident that anyone who might someday find themselves in a similarly unfortunate situation, the team of Michael Vanasse and Loraine Liuzzo of Vanasse Law will provide excellent representation, and I'm happy to provide them with my wholehearted, grateful endorsement. Sincerely, Robert D.