SKRR Featured on the Who’s Who in Philly Labor Radio Show
On January 15, 2025, the attorneys of Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio appeared on the Who’s Who in Philly Labor Show on WWDB AM 860. The hour-long program was recorded at the firm’s Media office and featured partners Mark R. Schmidt, Vasil L. Kirifides, George G. Rassias, and Anna V. Rio.
The attorneys discussed protecting injured workers, obtaining necessary medical treatment, dealing with insurance companies, and choosing the right Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer. You can listen to the complete episode on WWDB AM 860{=”_blank” rel=”noopener”}.
Protecting Pennsylvania Workers From the Beginning of a Claim
Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio’s workers’ compensation practice traces its roots to 1994, when Mark Schmidt entered private practice representing injured workers. In 1997, Mark Schmidt and Vasil Kirifides formed Schmidt & Kirifides, which later became Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio.
For more than 30 years, the firm has represented injured workers throughout Delaware County, Philadelphia, and across Pennsylvania. Every workers’ compensation partner is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist. Fewer than 200 Pennsylvania attorneys hold this credential.
The firm has recovered more than $100 million in workers’ compensation benefits and helped more than 5,000 injured workers and their families. Clients work directly with the partner handling their claim from day one, with fewer handoffs and direct access to an attorney who knows their case.
Workers’ Compensation Topics Discussed on the Program
The attorneys discussed several issues that can determine whether an injured worker receives the medical care and wage-loss benefits they need, including:
Reporting a new work injury and protecting a claim from the beginning Obtaining approval for necessary medical treatment Responding when a claim is denied or benefits are challenged Understanding how insurance companies evaluate workers’ compensation claims Choosing an experienced attorney who provides direct and honest guidance
The program also addressed the importance of having a lawyer who understands both the technical requirements of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law and the practical effect an injury has on a worker’s paycheck, medical care, and family.
Why Legal Depth Matters Before a Claim Becomes Complicated
Vasil Kirifides discussed a case involving a warehouse worker who was injured because of workplace horseplay. Although the employer initially denied the claim, the firm ultimately secured the worker’s benefits through the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Not every workers’ compensation claim reaches an appellate court. The lesson from that case is that careful legal analysis and proper claim development matter from the beginning—especially when an employer disputes how an injury occurred or an insurance company looks for a reason to deny benefits.
The attorneys also discussed a medical-benefits case that was pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court when the episode was recorded. On March 20, 2025, the Court ruled in favor of Mark Schmidt, expanding protection for injured workers seeking reimbursement for doctor-prescribed treatment items.
That legal experience supports the firm’s work in everyday claims involving new injuries, missed work, denied benefits, stopped checks, and delayed medical care or surgery.
What Injured Workers Should Expect From Their Lawyer
Knowledge, experience, and preparation matter, but so does the relationship between the attorney and client. An injured worker should receive straightforward advice, understand what is happening with the claim, and be able to reach the attorney responsible for protecting their benefits.
Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio combines the resources and documented results of a statewide workers’ compensation law firm with direct partner involvement. The firm’s attorneys have earned repeated Pennsylvania Super Lawyers recognition, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Top 100 honors, and AV Preeminent® Peer Rated status.
Speak With a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Whether your injury happened recently and you need medical treatment, or an accepted claim has developed problems, early legal guidance can help protect your rights.
Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio represents injured workers with new injuries, denied claims, stopped benefits, treatment or surgery delays, hearings, and settlement decisions. Contact the firm for a free consultation with a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney.