Suspension/Termination/Modification Petitions

Though all three petitions aim to adjust or stop your benefits, they are based on different circumstances:

• Termination Petition: Filed when your employer or insurer claims you are fully recovered and no longer entitled to any workers’ compensation benefits. It requires medical evidence, usually from an IME, stating you are back to pre-injury health.
• Suspension Petition: Used when you’ve returned to work without a loss of earnings or if you refused to return to a full-time position. It stops wage loss benefits but allows medical benefits to continue. This can happen if you go back to light-duty work with the same pay.
• Modification Petition: Filed when you return to work at a lower-paying job due to medical restrictions or if you refused to return to work in a “light-duty” position. The insurer attempts to reduce your wage loss benefits to match your new, lower earnings.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we understand the legal nuances behind each petition type and will tailor our legal response accordingly to protect your rights.

In most cases, particularly with a Notification of Suspension, you have 20 days from the date it is filed with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to challenge it. If you don’t respond in time, the suspension becomes automatic, and your wage loss benefits may stop- sometimes permanently.

For formal petitions (Suspension, Termination, Modification), the Bureau will schedule a hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Judge. Even though these have slightly more leeway in scheduling, time is still critical. You need to prepare for hearings, collect medical evidence, and possibly line up expert testimony.

Delays in responding can weaken your case significantly. That’s why we encourage injured workers to contact us immediately upon receiving any petition. Our attorneys act fast- we’ll review your case, request all necessary documents, and file prompt objections or responses to safeguard your benefits.

Absolutely- and you should. IMEs are conducted by doctors selected and paid by the insurance company, not neutral parties. In our experience, these doctors frequently produce reports that downplay your injuries or suggest you’re capable of returning to work, even when your own treating physician disagrees.

We routinely challenge IME reports by:

• Submitting counter-evidence from your treating doctor.
• Arranging independent evaluations with unbiased specialists.
• Cross-examining the IME doctor at your hearing.
• Demonstrating inconsistencies or contradictions in the IME report.

We’ve successfully discredited countless IME opinions over the years. You do not have to accept their version of your recovery. Let us defend your rights with credible medical documentation and expert legal strategy.

A hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Judge is a formal legal proceeding where both sides present evidence and testimony. These hearings determine whether your benefits should be continued, reduced, or terminated based on the evidence presented.

At the hearing, the judge will review:

• Medical records and IME reports
• Testimony from your doctor and possibly you
• Employment records (to determine if you’re working and at what capacity)
• Any surveillance footage or employer testimony

You need seasoned legal representation during this hearing. We prepare every case meticulously- cross-examining witnesses, objecting to improper evidence, and presenting strong arguments on your behalf. Our track record of successful outcomes in Lancaster County and beyond speaks for itself. We make sure your side is heard, clearly and effectively.

Yes, in the case of a Suspension Petition, you typically continue receiving medical benefits. The suspension only affects your wage loss compensation. This usually happens when you return to work without a loss in pay.

However, insurance companies often use suspension petitions as a stepping stone toward full termination. That’s why it’s important to remain vigilant and legally protected even if you’re still getting medical treatment.

We’ll monitor your case closely, ensuring that your right to medical care remains intact and pushing back against any attempts to prematurely stop it. If a termination petition follows, we’ll be prepared to fight it with solid medical evidence and legal advocacy.

You are not obligated to accept any job offer that doesn’t align with your physical restrictions, medical needs, or safety. Employers may offer light-duty work after an IME claims you’re capable of doing it- even when your own doctor disagrees. Refusing a legitimate job offer without cause, however, can jeopardize your benefits.

This is a delicate situation and requires legal guidance. Our attorneys will:

• Review the job description to ensure it aligns with your capabilities.
• Consult with your treating physician to confirm whether the work is safe for you.
• Advise you on whether to accept or reject the offer without risking your benefits.

You don’t have to walk this line alone. We’ve helped hundreds of clients evaluate job offers and protect their benefits while prioritizing their health.

Yes- but only in certain cases. A Notification of Suspension can take effect without a hearing if you don’t challenge it within 20 days. This typically happens when the insurer believes you’ve returned to work at your previous wage level and files this notice administratively.

That’s why the moment you receive such a notice, you should contact our team. If challenged in time, the case proceeds to a hearing where we can present evidence in your favor. If left unchallenged, your wage loss benefits can be suspended automatically- even if you’re not fully recovered.

Medical benefits usually continue unless a Termination Petition is granted. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we fight every attempt to unlawfully reduce or cut off your benefits- administratively or in court.

Several types of evidence are crucial in defending against suspension, termination, or modification petitions:

• Your treating doctor’s opinion about your ability to work.
• Medical records showing ongoing treatment and recovery progress.
• Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) support your physical restrictions.
• Vocational reports showing whether suitable work is actually available.
• Testimony from you, detailing your current physical limitations and symptoms.

We gather all this evidence and more to build a strong defense. We also anticipate the strategies used by insurers- such as surprise surveillance footage or selective medical opinions- and counter them effectively. Our experience enables us to present the most persuasive case possible, tailored to your unique situation.

We are Central Pennsylvania’s premier workers’ compensation law firm, and we’ve been successfully handling Suspension, Termination, and Modification Petitions for over 15 years. Our firm has recovered over $112 million for injured workers in Pennsylvania. But more than just results, we offer:

• Personalized, one-on-one service
• Free case evaluations
• Aggressive representation at every stage
• 24/7 availability to answer questions and guide you
• A deep understanding of the tactics used by insurance companies

We know what it takes to win. When you choose us, you’re getting a legal team that treats your case like it’s the only one that matters. We don’t back down- and we don’t let our clients get pushed around by big insurers. Call 717-394-3004 for a free consultation, and let us protect what’s rightfully yours.