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Alternative Dispute Resolution Pamphlet

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

In alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the injured worker and employer representatives talk informally with the help of a workers' compensation judge. The judge helps the parties to settle the case by talking through their differences. ADR may take the form of mediation, a settlement conference or an informal conference.

How can ADR help me?

ADR can provide several advantages over litigating a case to decision. These include:

    • Saving time, money, and aggravation. If used at the right time, ADR can save one or both parties some of the costs and stress that come from trying a case to decision.
    • Informality. ADR involves “off-the-record” conversations instead of sworn, recorded testimony and exhibits. 
    • Improved communications. Both sides have the chance to talk about their needs and interests. This can help the parties better understand one another, and find common ground for building an agreement. 
    • Results that are more predictable and better centered on your needs because you have some control. A judge’s decision is limited by the evidence presented and the law. A negotiated settlement can be tailored to suit the parties' needs rather than what one party can prove. 
    • Finality without repeated petition filings or appeals. If the judge approves a settlement agreement, the areas of disagreement are reduced or eliminated. This makes it less likely that appeals or more petitions will be filed.

Do I have to use ADR?

The decision of whether to settle your case is always yours. However, if you or your employer file a petition with the Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication, the law requires the workers' compensation judge to schedule mediation. This mediation is mandatory unless the judge concludes that it would be futile. 

May I use ADR if I don't settle after mandatory mediation?

If the case does not settle at mandatory mediation, the parties may participate in voluntary ADR later in the proceedings. The parties may also request voluntary ADR later in the proceedings if the judge had previously found it futile.

Do I have to have an attorney?

The law does not require you to have an attorney in ADR. You may find that having an attorney makes ADR easier and gives you a better end result.

Note regarding informal conferences under Section 402.1 of the Workers’ Compensation Act: Each party may be represented, but the employer may only be represented by an attorney at an informal conference if the employee is also represented by an attorney.

Who would conduct the ADR session?

The judge assigned to hear your case will schedule a mandatory mediation with a judge designated by the Office of Adjudication.

The following workers’ compensation judges are available for voluntary ADR sessions where petitions are pending:

Central District

Eastern District

Southeastern District

Western District

Harrisburg Office
Kevin Allen
Wayne Dietrich
Robert Goduto
Thomas Kutz
Karl Peckmann
Patrick Sheldon
 
Pottsville Office
Wayne Fegley
Rochelle Quiggle
 
Scranton Office
Patrick Cummings
 
Wilkes-Barre Office
Brian Hemak
Joseph Sebastianelli
Daniel Snyder
 
Williamsport Office
Debra Matherne
Allentown Office
Cathleen Sabatino
 
Bristol Office
Robert Benischeck
Michael Rosen
 
Lancaster Office
Robert Goduto
Robert O'Donnell
 
Malvern Office
Debra Bowers
Joseph Hakun
Kelly Melcher
 
Reading Office
Nathan Pogirski
Philadelphia, Arch Street
Audrey Beach
Lawrence Beck
Timothy Bulman
Sandra Craig
Stephen Harlen
Denise Krass
Francine Lincicome
Andrea McCormick
Holly San Angelo
Todd Seelig
 
Upper Darby
Kathleen DiLorenzo
Joseph Stokes
Altoona Office
Michael Hetrick
Robert Vonada
 
Brookville Office
John McTiernan
 
Clearfield Office
Michael Koll
 
Erie Office
Carmen Lugo
Jean Wright
 
Greensburg Office
William Gallishen
Gerald Yanity
 
Johnstown Office
 
New Castle Office
Alfred Benedict
Jeffrey Russell
Robert Steiner
 
Pittsburgh Office
Eric Abes
Pamela Briston
Anne Crilley
Cheryl Ignasiak
Steven Minnich
Pamela Santoro
 
Uniontown Office
Anne Coholan
 
Washington Office
Charles Lawton
Note: An individual judge’s availability may be limited by his or her schedule or workload.

What does it cost to use ADR?

There is no cost for ADR services if provided by a workers’ compensation judge.

How do I set up a voluntary ADR session on my case?

Informal conferences may be scheduled by filing the Notice of Request for an Informal Conference form (LIBC-753) with the judge hearing the pending petitions. This form is also available from any judge’s office. Both parties must sign the form. The district judge manager will assign the case to a judge other than the judge hearing the pending petitions.

The parties should first agree on a specific judge to request a voluntary mediation or settlement conference. Once they agree, they should contact that judge’s office directly to determine their availability. If the parties cannot agree on a judge to conduct the mediation or settlement conference, they should contact the district judge manager.

If you want more information or have other questions, contact the attorney representing you in your workers’ compensation case. If you do not have an attorney, contact the office of the judge assigned to hear your case.