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Meet the attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC Our Attorneys Managing Partner Michael E. Fiffik Michael E. Fiffik Partner Matthew A. Bole Matthew A. Bole Partner Kevin S. Frankel Kevin S. Frankel Supervising Attorney Karyn L. Coy Karyn L. Coy Associate Attorney Richard J. Bedford Richard J. Bedford Associate Attorney Maria Buren Maria Buren Associate Attorney Laura Devine Laura Devine Associate Attorney Kevin Keyho Kevin Keyho Associate Attorney Marsha K. Maietta Marsha K. Maietta Associate Attorney Amanda Malamud Amanda Malamud Associate Attorney Nikki Opfer Nikki Opfer Associate Attorney Carol L. Rosen Carol L. Rosen MEET OUR STAFF JOIN OUR TEAM

Richard J. Bedford Associate Attorney Richard J. Bedford joined Fiffik Law Group in 2023. His 40+ years of practicing law have given him experience in a wide range of legal areas. After earning his B.A. from Pennsylvania State University and his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law, Richard began his professional career in Somerset, Pennsylvania. He has handled such diverse matters as bankruptcy, real estate, contracts, wills and estates, personal injury, litigation, administrative law, family law, landlord-tenant matters, to name a few. Richard’s experience in bankruptcy law included representation of debtors in consumer bankruptcy cases (chapters 7 and 13), serving as a chapter 7 panel trustee, and 25 years representing chapter 13 bankruptcy trustees in Western Pennsylvania. Richard is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as in the federal Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, and in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Richard has practiced extensively before state and federal courts. As part of his appellate practice, Richard has argued cases before the Pennsylvania Superior, Commonwealth and Supreme Courts, and before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 1977 Federal Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit, 1977 Federal District Court, Western Pennsylvania, 1977 J.D. Ohio Northern University, 1976B.A. Pennsylvania State University, 1973 AREAS OF PRACTICE Bankruptcy , Real Estate , Estate Planning , Personal Injury , Litigation, Family Law

Supervising Attorney Karyn L. Coy Karyn was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 1997 after graduating from Duquesne University School of Law. She joined Fiffik Law Group in 2017 after accumulating years of experience in the legal field. Karyn provides legal counsel for her clients in matters involving Business, Landlord/Tenant, Family Law, Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Employment, and Consumer Protection. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 1999 Federal District Court, Western Pennsylvania 1999 J.D. Duquesne University Law School BA, Indiana University of Pennsylvania AREAS OF PRACTICE Civil Litigation, Consumer/Finance, Family Law , Landlord Tenant

Article Summary: Holiday party injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation if the event is work-related. Key factors: Attendance required or encouraged Employer paid for/controlled the party Business activities or client interactions occurred Injury caused by employer-controlled conditions Travel to/from the party or injuries from severe intoxication are usually not covered. Report injuries immediately, document evidence, and seek medical care to protect your claim. The company holiday party is a fun break, but if you get hurt, can you file a workers' compensation claim ?   The quick answer is: Maybe.    Workers' compensation covers injuries that happen "on the job." Because a holiday party isn't typical “work”, the law checks if the party was close enough to your job duties.   4 Simple Questions to Ask   Courts look at the specifics of the party to decide if your injury is covered. The more answers that you can answer with “yes”, the better your case.   Was Attendance Required (or strongly suggested)?   Yes: Did your boss or company expect you to attend? Did they make attendance mandatory?   No: Was it completely voluntary?   Who Paid and Controlled the Party?   Yes: Did the employer pay for everything (venue, food, drinks) and set the rules?   No: Did the employees chip in, organize, and host it away from the office?   Did the Party have Business-Related Elements?   Yes: Did the employer conduct business (e.g. year in review, awards), give speeches, or host clients at the party?   No: Was the party strictly for social fun? (Note: Boosting morale is usually not enough.)   How Did the Injury Happen?   Did you get hurt because of something controlled by the employer (e.g., slipping on a broken step at the venue)?   Was the injury caused by your own decision (e.g., getting into a physical fight)?   Simplified Rule: If the employer directed, paid for, and benefited from the party, your injury is more likely covered.    What About Travel and Alcohol?  Two things often make these claims complicated.   1. Traveling to the Party   Generally, an injury that occurs during your drive to or from the work party is not covered. But if the employer provided transportation (like a hired bus or cab vouchers), an injury during that trip might be covered. If you got a ride in your supervisor’s car, that might be enough.   2. Too Much Alcohol   Workers' compensation can be denied if your injury was caused only by your severe intoxication. If you slip on a spilled drink, that may still be covered. If you fall down the stairs because you were severely impaired, it likely won't be.   So, What do You do if You Get Injured? Your 5-Step Emergency "Action Plan"  Think of this as your serious, post-party to-do list. Skip a step, and your claim could end up on the naughty list.  Tell Someone, Immediately.   Who? Your direct boss, a manager, or HR.  When? Right now . As in, before the DJ plays another song.  How? A written email or text is best. Say simply that you were injured at the party, state the time and place, and what happened.  The Serious Scoop: This is mandatory for any Workers' Comp claim. Don't wait until Monday morning; you need to officially report the injury as soon as possible to put your employer on notice.  Unless you give notice to the employer within 21 days of the injury, no compensation is due until notice is given. Notice must be given no later than 120 days after the injury for compensation to be allowed. If your request for  benefits is denied by your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier, you have three years from the date of injury to file a Claim Petition.   Become a Super Sleuth.   Document Everything. Use your phone camera (and if your injury prevents this, ask a co-worker to do it for you). Take photos of:  The hazard (e.g., the slippery floor, the broken chair, the rogue decoration).  The location where the injury happened.  Your visible injury (if any).  Get Witness Names. Find the coworkers (and non-coworkers, like caterers) who saw your fall/injury. Get their full name, phone number, and/or email.  The Serious Scoop: Your memory fades, and evidence gets cleaned up. You need proof to back up your story.  See a Doctor (Even If You Feel Fine).   Your Body is Priority #1. Get medical care. Go to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or your primary doctor.  Be Specific. Tell the medical staff exactly that the injury happened at your work-sponsored holiday party. This links your injury to a work event for the medical record, which is crucial.  The Serious Scoop: If you don't have medical documentation, the insurance company will argue you weren't actually hurt.  Take Notes on the Party's Vibe.   Your claim is stronger if the party was more "work" than "play." Write down if:  Attendance was required (or strongly, strongly encouraged).  You were getting paid to be there (e.g., during work hours).  Clients/customers were present and you were expected to network.  Awards or speeches for the company were given.  The Serious Scoop: These details help prove the party was an "extension of the workplace," which is the golden ticket for coverage.  That Sums Up What You Should Do... But What Should You NOT Do?  While the list above tells you what steps to take, this section is arguably more important. These actions are like throwing a lump of coal directly into the fire of your own workers' compensation claim.  DON'T Wait to Report It Delay is deadly. If you wait until the New Year to tell HR about your injury, the insurance company will argue that something else happened in between, or that your injury wasn't serious. Report the injury immediately.  DON'T Minimize Your Pain Even if you feel embarrassed about the injury (e.g., you were juggling fruit), do not tell the doctor, your boss, or anyone else that you are "fine" or "mostly okay." Be honest about your pain and limitations.  DON'T Lie About Alcohol or Substances While intoxication can sometimes bar a claim, lying about it will always ruin your credibility. Stick strictly to the facts of how the injury occurred and let your attorney handle the legal fallout of the surrounding circumstances.  DON'T Post About It On Social Media Do not, under any circumstances, post pictures, comments, or rants about the party or your injury online. Insurance adjusters are cyber-sleuths and will use a photo of you smiling (even through the pain) to argue you aren't really hurt. Go dark.  DON'T Use Your Private Health Insurance When you go to the doctor, make sure they bill your employer's Workers' Compensation insurer (if possible). Using your personal health insurance can create massive billing complications and signal to the Workers' Comp insurer that your claim is not legitimate.  What if Your Worker’s Compensation Claim is Denied?  Don't panic if your Workers' Comp claim was denied; this denial may only mean the insurer thinks your injury wasn't "work-related.” You may still be able to file a Personal Injury claim, where we argue your employer was negligent (careless) and can potentially seek better damages, including pain and suffering  Need help with your Claim? Holiday party claims are usually because insurance companies often say they are "not work-related."  If that’s the response you get, don’t give up. If you were injured, you don't have to figure this out alone. Our firm represents injured workers all over Pennsylvania and can quickly review the facts of your injury. Contact Fiffik Law Group today to schedule a consultation.

As elder law attorneys in Pennsylvania, one of the most common questions we receive from clients revolves around the distinction between guardianship and a power of attorney. Both involve making decisions on behalf of another person, but the paths to getting there, and the level of control involved, are vastly different. Here’s how we suggest that you understand the difference between a Power of Attorney and Guardianship: a Power of Attorney is about YOU being in control and having YOUR OWN plan, while Guardianship is about NOT being in control and leaving the planning up to the court. Let's break down these crucial differences.   Dispelling a Critical Legal Myth in Pennsylvania Planning   Before we dig into this topic, there’s a common misconception that should be dispelled, especially here in Pennsylvania: your spouse does not have legal authority to make your medical or financial decisions just because they are your spouse, nor can parents automatically make decisions for their adult children just because they are a parent. This is a crucial point: once an individual turns 18, they are legally presumed to be competent, meaning no other person—regardless of the relationship—can step in to manage their affairs unless they have been formally appointed through a specific legal document, such as a Durable Power of Attorney for finances and/or an Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney) for medical matters, or through a potentially lengthy and expensive court-ordered Guardianship proceeding.   Power of Attorney: Your Plan, Your Control A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you, while you are still mentally capable, to appoint an agent (or "attorney-in-fact") to make financial and/or healthcare decisions on your behalf. This is a proactive measure, giving you the power to choose who will act for you and what specific powers they will have. Key Characteristics of a Power of Attorney:   Voluntary:  You choose to create it. Proactive:  It's put in place before  a crisis occurs. You Choose Your Agent:  You select a trusted individual (or individuals) to act on your behalf. You Define the Scope:  You decide what powers your agent will have (e.g., managing bank accounts, selling property, making medical decisions). Private:  It's a private agreement between you and your chosen agent, not involving the court system unless there's a dispute. Effective When You Decide:  It can be effective immediately or "springing," meaning it becomes effective upon a specific event, such as a doctor determining you lack capacity. Terminates on Death:  A POA ceases to be valid upon your passing.   Creating a Power of Attorney is an empowering step. It ensures that if you ever become unable to manage your own affairs, the person you trust most will step in, following the directives you've outlined. It's truly about maintaining control over your own destiny, even when you can no longer speak for yourself.  Its also far less expensive and traumatic than if a guardianship is necessary. Guardianship: When the Court Gets Involved Guardianship, on the other hand, comes into play when an individual is deemed incapacitated by a court and has not previously established a Power of Attorney or other advance directives. In this scenario, the court appoints a guardian to make decisions for the incapacitated person (referred to as the "ward"). Key Characteristics of Guardianship: Involuntary (for the ward):  It's initiated by a petition to the court, usually by a concerned family member, personal care facility (who is probably owed money for your care) or an agency for elderly persons. Reactive:  It typically arises after  an individual has lost the capacity to make their own decisions.  Often too late or with insufficient time to make critical, sometimes life saving decisions. Not Private:  Guardianship proceedings are not private.  They are public records.  So all of your private business about your medical condition or mental functioning will be set forth in legal pleadings for anyone to see.  If you’re a private person, that would be a very unhappy occurrence. Court-Appointed:  The court decides who will serve as guardian, which may or may not be the person you would have chosen.  It may not even be the person who filed the petition to start the proceeding. Court Oversight:  Guardians are subject to ongoing court supervision, including filing regular reports and obtaining court approval for certain decisions. Lengthy Process:  The guardianship process can takes weeks or even months.  Sometimes decisions need to be made quickly and you do not have this kind of time. Loss of Rights:  The incapacitated person loses many of their legal rights, including the right to make financial and medical decisions for themselves.  If you’re the person seeking the Guardianship, make no mistake that this is what you’re asking the court to be taken away from someone.  It can cause a lot of anger with your loved ones. Can Be Costly:  The legal fees associated with establishing and maintaining a guardianship can be substantial – thousands of dollars.  In contrast, a power of attorney is a fraction of the cost.   Guardianship is a necessary legal tool to protect vulnerable individuals who can no longer care for themselves and have not made their own plans. However, it's generally considered a last resort because it removes significant autonomy from the individual, is very costly and takes a lot of time. The Takeaway: Plan Ahead! The contrast is clear: a Power of Attorney is a testament to your foresight and desire for self-determination. It's your voice, speaking through a trusted agent, even when you can't. Guardianship, while essential in its role, is a situation where the court, rather than you, makes the critical decisions about your life. Our advice to clients is always the same: don't wait. Establishing a comprehensive estate plan, including a Durable Power of Attorney for finances and an Advance Directive for healthcare (sometimes called a Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney), is one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for yourself and your family. It alleviates stress, avoids potential family disputes, and most importantly, ensures that your wishes are honored.   If you have questions about Powers of Attorney , Guardianship , or how to create a solid elder law plan that protects your future, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you stay in control.

Article Summary Mailbox damage from snowplows in Pennsylvania depends on who operated the plow, how the damage occurred, and mailbox placement. Snow force alone is usually not reimbursed; direct contact may create liability. Responsibility: PennDOT (state roads): Only liable if the plow physically hits the mailbox. Township/borough plows: May replace mailboxes that follow local placement rules. Private plows/neighbwintors: Liability based on negligence; handled via insurance. Key points: Mailboxes too close to the road or within the public right-of-way may not be compensated. Homeowners should document damage, note the date/time, identify the plow operator, and contact the proper authority. Winter in Pennsylvania brings beautiful snow, cozy nights by the fire, and... unfortunately, sometimes a collision between a snowplow and your mailbox. It's a frustrating scenario many homeowners face, leaving them wondering: who is responsible for replacing that bent metal box and broken post?  The answer isn't always straightforward. It largely depends on who was operating the snowplow and where your mailbox was located. Let's break down the typical scenarios: Identifying the Responsible Party: State, Local, or Private? The first step in seeking compensation is determining who was behind the wheel of the plow. 1. The State (PennDOT) If your mailbox was damaged by a plow clearing a State-owned route (e.g., roads designated with a PA-number like PA-30, PA-202, I-81, etc.): PennDOT's Stance:   PennDOT generally states they are NOT responsible if your mailbox was damaged solely by the force or pressure of snow being discharged from the plow. This is considered an unavoidable consequence of snow removal. When PennDOT May  Be Responsible:  They may  consider claims if the plow made direct, physical contact with your mailbox. You'll typically need clear proof of this direct impact, not just snow force.  This is where that front-door camera footage can really come in handy. 2. Your Local Municipality (Township/Borough) If the plow was clearing a local public street within your specific township or borough: Municipal Policies Vary:  Many Pennsylvania municipalities do have policies to replace or provide compensation for a standard mailbox if it was hit directly by their plowing equipment. Key Condition: Proper Placement:  Municipalities often limit their responsibility to mailboxes that strictly comply with local ordinances regarding placement and setback from the roadway. If your mailbox was too close to the street, or improperly installed, their liability may be reduced or denied.  3. Private Contractor or Neighbor If the plow was operated by a private contractor (e.g., hired by a homeowners' association or business) or even a neighbor : Negligence Applies:  This falls under general principles of negligence. The operator could be held liable if the damage was caused by their negligent operation of the vehicle (e.g., they veered off the road, were driving recklessly, etc.). This would likely involve a private insurance claim. The Critical Factor: Mailbox Placement and Right-of-Way Regardless of who was plowing, your mailbox's location is paramount in Pennsylvania. Public Right-of-Way:  While you own the land, state and local governments maintain an easement or right-of-way over the front portion of your property for road maintenance, including snow removal. Avoiding Obstruction:  The official U.S. Postal Service regulations state that a mailbox should be 6 to 8 inches back from the face of the curb or the edge of the road.  It can be difficult to really know where the actual “edge” of the road is in some instances.  The safe bet is to use the edge of the pavement. Many townships or PennDOT may prefer mailboxes to be placed further back where possible, especially on high-traffic roads, to accommodate the wide swing and snow-casting of plows.  Mailboxes are generally expected to be installed outside the main roadway and, ideally, outside the maintained shoulder area to prevent them from becoming obstructions. The "Force of Snow" Defense:  Government entities frequently use the defense that damage caused by the force of snow  coming off the plow is not their responsibility, as it's an unavoidable part of public safety operations. They are generally only liable if the plow blade or truck itself makes contact. What Should You Do If Your Mailbox Is Hit? 1. Identify the Plow If possible, note whether it was a state (PennDOT), municipal, or private plow. Look for identifying marks on the truck. 2. Document Everything Take Photos:  Get clear, close-up, and wide-angle pictures of the damaged mailbox, the post, and its exact location relative to the paved road before  you move anything. Note the Date & Time:  This helps with official reports. 3. Contact the Right Authority Municipal roads:  Contact your Township or Borough's Public Works or Road Department. Ask for their specific "Mailbox Damage Policy" and the procedure for filing a claim. State roads:  Contact PennDOT. Be prepared to provide details and understand their strict liability limitations. Private plows:  Contact the operator directly or their insurance company. 4. Review Your Options Understand the policy. If compensation is offered, evaluate if it's fair. If your claim is denied, especially if you believe there was direct contact and negligence, you might consider further legal action.