Why Choose Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio for Your Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Case?
Reviewed by Mark R. SchmidtCertified Workers’ Compensation Specialist
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The firm other lawyers send their own family to.
When a lawyer in Delaware County or Philadelphia has a family member hurt at work, they know which firms handle workers’ compensation every day. SKRR is regularly one of the firms they call for their clients, their colleagues, their friends, and members of their own families.
“I am an attorney and Mark is the only one I will refer workers’ compensation cases to. Over the years Mark has demonstrated excellence in strategy, work product, and results.”
Attorney peer reviewSchmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio (SKRR) is one of Pennsylvania’s leading and most respected workers’ compensation firms for injured workers. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Media, PA have represented injured workers in Delaware County, Philadelphia, and throughout Pennsylvania since 1994. We’ve recovered more than $100 million in workers’ compensation benefits and helped more than 5,000 injured workers and their families. We speak English, Spanish, and Greek.
How to Choose a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Whatever firm you hire, look for these seven things first.
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A Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist.
What to look for
Pennsylvania certifies workers’ comp specialists through the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Law Section, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Fewer than 200 of the state’s nearly 50,000 active lawyers hold it.
How SKRR measures up
Every workers’ compensation partner at our firm is a Certified Specialist. We have three.
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Real experience before Workers’ Compensation Judges.
What to look for
Your lawyer should understand the hearing offices, the judges’ procedures, the medical and vocational evidence, and how a contested Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case is actually litigated.
How SKRR measures up
Hearings before Workers’ Compensation Judges are part of our everyday practice, for injured workers in Delaware County, Philadelphia, and across Pennsylvania.
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A real focus on Pennsylvania workers’ compensation.
What to look for
Look for a firm that regularly handles Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims and understands the system’s judges, deadlines, medical evidence rules, and benefit disputes.
How SKRR measures up
Workers’ compensation for injured workers has been the foundation of our firm for more than 30 years.
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Direct access to your lawyer.
What to look for
You should know who is responsible for your case and be able to get clear answers directly from that attorney.
How SKRR measures up
Your case stays with the same Certified Specialist throughout the claim, with direct access to the attorney responsible for it. No call center and no rotating cast of lawyers who have to relearn your case.
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Trust from other lawyers.
What to look for
Peer ratings, bar leadership, and teaching roles show how the legal community sees a firm.
How SKRR measures up
AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Our partners have co-chaired the Delaware County and Philadelphia bar workers’ comp sections, teach CLE courses to other attorneys, and write amicus briefs for injured workers.
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Reviews you can verify.
What to look for
Read Google and legal-platform reviews, and ask people you trust.
How SKRR measures up
More than 200 five-star reviews across Google, Lawyers.com, and Martindale-Hubbell. Read them here.
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A fee you can understand.
What to look for
A fee arrangement should be explained clearly before you hire the firm. Attorney fees in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases are subject to legal requirements and approval.
How SKRR measures up
Your consultation is free, and there is no attorney fee unless we recover benefits or compensation for you. When appropriate, we also ask the insurer to pay our fee.
Most of Our Workers’ Comp Cases Start With a Phone Call When Your Paycheck, Treatment, or Return to Work Is at Risk
Most of our cases start with an ordinary phone call. People sometimes picture a workers’ comp lawyer as someone you call only after a claim has been denied or everything has fallen apart. Most of our clients call us much earlier.
Maybe your doctor says you cannot go back to work yet. Maybe you are working with restrictions and are worried about what your employer is asking you to do. Maybe your wage-loss checks are threatened, reduced, or stopped. Maybe medical treatment or surgery is being delayed. Or maybe nothing has gone wrong yet. You were hurt at work and simply do not know what you are supposed to do next.
You do not need a denied claim, a catastrophic injury, or a complicated case to call us. Early decisions about reporting the injury, medical treatment, work restrictions, wage-loss benefits, and returning to work can affect the claim long before anyone is talking about a hearing or a settlement.
Some cases become more serious. They may involve surgery, months away from work, permanent restrictions, disputed treatment, or a significant loss of earning ability. Others begin with a back injury, shoulder injury, broken bone, or another work injury that suddenly makes doing your job difficult or impossible.
What matters is that the injury is affecting your paycheck, your medical care, your ability to work, or your future.
That is the work we do every day. We help injured workers from the beginning of a claim, not just after a case becomes complicated. And if the insurance company later disputes the injury, pressures you back to work, stops your checks, or forces the case into litigation, the same Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist who knows your claim is there to protect and guide you.
If your paycheck is threatened, your doctor says you are not ready to return to work, your treatment is being questioned, or you simply do not know what to do next, talk with a Delaware County workers’ comp attorney about your next step.
You get a Certified Specialist. Most firms can’t offer you one.
Becoming a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist in Pennsylvania takes years of experience, peer review, a written exam, and ongoing education. Most firms don’t have a single one. Every workers’ compensation partner at SKRR has earned it.
Our three Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists are Mark R. Schmidt, Vasil L. Kirifides, and Anna V. Rio.
That matters because the lawyer you choose directly affects the strength and value of your claim. You deserve someone whose career is built on this area of law.
Your case stays with the same attorney.
Your case stays with the same Certified Specialist, with direct access to the attorney responsible for your claim. There is no call center or rotating cast of case managers and lawyers. Your attorney knows the history, so you do not have to explain your case again every time you need an answer.
We treat our clients like family. You can call or text anytime to raise a concern or share an update. We make sure you know how to reach your attorney and stay in touch about your benefits, treatment, and next steps.
“I was seen by 5 different people most of the time and felt almost forced to sign with them… Right from the beginning I could feel the difference. They weren’t forceful or pushy.”
Amanda · Client review“Calls are always answered and you work with the same attorney the whole time not like 10 different people who dont even know you or your case.”
Jonathan · Client review“Mark always returned my calls and emails, kept me updated without me having to chase him, and made a really stressful situation feel manageable.”
KenClient reviewWhy other lawyers trust us.
For more than 30 years, our partners have tried workers’ compensation cases before judges throughout Delaware County, Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Workers’ Compensation Judges, defense lawyers and insurance companies across this region know who we are.
- George G. Rassias and Mark R. Schmidt serve on the amicus curiae committee that writes briefs asking Pennsylvania’s appellate courts to rule for injured workers.
- Mark R. Schmidt served for years as Co-Chair of the Delaware County Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section.
- Anna V. Rio served as Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section.
- Our partners teach Continuing Legal Education courses to other attorneys. Lawyers, including former Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judges, regularly call our attorneys to talk through questions of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law and issues arising in cases they are handling.
Over our firm’s history, that work has included more than 100 appellate appearances and more than 20 precedent-setting decisions, including Schmidt v. Schmidt, Kirifides and Rassias, PC (2025) before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Most of our clients will never need an appeal. What they get is a claim built from day one by lawyers who know how these cases are decided.
“Tenacious yet professional. Intellectual yet practical. The go to guy for WC.”
Attorney peer review
Recognized by our peers
- Mark R. Schmidt has been selected to Super Lawyers every year from 2008 through 2027. In 2027, he was named to both the Pennsylvania Top 100 and Philadelphia Top 100 Super Lawyers lists.
- Vasil L. Kirifides, George G. Rassias, and Anna V. Rio were also selected to 2027 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. It was the second consecutive year all four SKRR partners earned recognition.
- AV Preeminent peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum.
- Avvo Clients’ Choice Award.
- The Delaware County Daily Times has repeatedly recognized us as a top workers’ compensation law firm in Delaware County.
Super Lawyers selection cannot be purchased. Its selection process combines nominations and evaluations by other attorneys with independent research into professional achievement. That makes repeated selection meaningful recognition from the legal community.
How people find us
You do not need a referral to hire SKRR. Many injured workers find us on Google, either while looking for a workers’ compensation lawyer in Delaware County, Philadelphia or Southeastern Pennsylvania, or while searching for answers to their workers’ comp questions. Others hear about us from former clients, other attorneys, friends, family, or bar-association referral services. However you find us, you receive the same personal attention and direct attorney access.
“My friends mom who used them for two prior work injury cases told me to use them and I’m so thankful I did.”
JamesClient review“I found them through the Delaware County Bar Association referral service, and they did not disappoint!!”
LandoClient reviewWhat happens when you call or text us
You do not need to have your workers’ compensation claim figured out before you call us. Tell us what happened, what your doctor is saying, whether you are working, and what is worrying you. We will help you make sense of it.
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Start with a free conversation. Call 610-892-9300 or text 610-255-7183. We can talk about your wage-loss checks, medical treatment, an IME, return-to-work issues, a denial, or simply what you should do next.
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Meet with us in the way that works for you. We can meet at our office in Media, talk by phone or video, or, when needed, meet somewhere more convenient for you — including your home or hospital bedside.
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We look at where your claim actually stands. When appropriate, we can review the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system, including the WCAIS claim file and formal filings, to see what has been filed, whether a petition or proceeding is pending, and whether there is something that needs immediate attention.
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Then we explain your options in plain English. We look at what may be threatening your paycheck, medical care, work restrictions, or ability to return to work and tell you what we think the next step should be.
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If you hire us, your case stays with the attorney responsible for it. You have direct access to the Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist handling your claim, and you can call or text when something changes or you have a question.
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We speak English, Spanish, and Greek. Hablamos español. Μιλάμε ελληνικά.
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There is no attorney fee unless we recover benefits or compensation for you.
Common questions about choosing SKRR
What makes Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio different from other Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law firms?
SKRR combines the experience and legal authority of one of Pennsylvania’s leading workers’ compensation firms with the direct, personal attention of a focused, partner-led practice.
For more than 30 years, our firm has represented injured workers throughout Pennsylvania, recovering more than $100 million in workers’ compensation benefits and helping over 5,000 injured workers and their families. Our attorneys have handled more than 100 workers’ compensation appellate matters and helped secure over 20 precedent-setting decisions before the Commonwealth Court and Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Our professional recognition includes the AV Preeminent® peer rating and Client Champion Platinum recognition from Martindale-Hubbell. Founding partner Mark R. Schmidt has been named to both the Pennsylvania Top 100 and Philadelphia Top 100 lists by Super Lawyers, and our clients have left more than 200 five-star reviews across Google and leading legal platforms.
But what truly distinguishes SKRR is the representation our clients receive. Every workers’ compensation partner is a Certified Specialist, and your case stays with the partner responsible for it from beginning to end. You have direct access to an experienced attorney who knows your case, understands your concerns, and remains personally involved throughout your claim.
Will I work directly with a partner at SKRR?
Yes. Your workers’ compensation case stays with the Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist responsible for it from beginning to end. That attorney knows how you were injured, what your doctors are saying, what benefits you are receiving, and what concerns you have about your future.
You are not passed from one unfamiliar lawyer to another or required to repeatedly explain your situation to people who do not know your case. You have direct access to the attorney handling your claim, with a legal team available to support you throughout the process.
Can I call or text my SKRR workers’ compensation attorney with questions?
Yes. Direct communication with your attorney is central to how SKRR represents injured workers. You do not need to schedule a formal appointment for every question. Our firm does not use an outside call center or rotate clients between unfamiliar attorneys.
You can call 610-892-9300 or text 610-255-7183 with questions or updates. If your attorney is in a hearing or meeting, our team can relay your message to the partner who already knows your case.
You can also read what our clients say about communication and accessibility.
Who are SKRR’s workers’ compensation partners?
SKRR’s three workers’ compensation partners are Mark R. Schmidt, Vasil L. Kirifides, and Anna V. Rio. All three are Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists who have devoted their careers to representing people injured at work in Pennsylvania.
Each partner brings extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims, medical and wage-loss disputes, hearings, and settlements. All three have earned Super Lawyers recognition, and Mark R. Schmidt has been named to both the Pennsylvania Top 100 and Philadelphia Top 100 lists by Super Lawyers.
Do other lawyers and former Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judges turn to SKRR for guidance?
Yes. Fellow workers’ compensation attorneys, including former Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judges, turn to SKRR’s lawyers for insight and guidance on questions of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law and issues arising in their cases.
Other attorneys also refer injured clients, colleagues, friends, and family members to our firm. Mark R. Schmidt has served as Co-Chair of the Delaware County Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Committee, while Anna V. Rio previously served as Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Section.
Our attorneys teach Continuing Legal Education programs to fellow lawyers, and Mark R. Schmidt and George G. Rassias serve on an amicus curiae committee, contributing to legal briefs addressing important issues affecting injured workers in Pennsylvania.
You do not need an attorney referral to contact SKRR.
Where is SKRR located, and what areas of Pennsylvania does the firm serve?
Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio is located at 44 E. Front Street in Media, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Delaware County.
For more than 30 years, our workers’ compensation attorneys have represented injured workers throughout Delaware County, including Media, Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Chester, Springfield, Ridley Park, Aston, Collingdale, Darby, Folcroft, Sharon Hill, and Yeadon, as well as surrounding communities.
Our practice also extends throughout Philadelphia, Chester County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and across Pennsylvania, including West Chester and communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
We regularly assist clients by phone or video when appropriate, so you do not need to live near our Media office to have an experienced SKRR workers’ compensation attorney represent you.
Can SKRR help if my workers’ compensation claim was already accepted or has not been denied?
Yes. You do not have to wait for a denial to speak with our attorneys. Even an accepted Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim can develop problems involving wage-loss checks, medical treatment, an incomplete description of your injury, an Independent Medical Examination (IME), pressure to return to work, or a settlement offer.
Our attorneys help injured workers understand their rights, protect their benefits, and address potential problems before they become more serious. You can contact SKRR from the beginning of your claim, even if nothing has gone wrong yet.
How much does it cost to hire SKRR for a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case?
Your initial consultation is free, and there is no attorney fee unless we recover workers’ compensation benefits or compensation for you. Attorney fees in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases are subject to legal requirements and approval.
When the law and circumstances support it, we also ask the Workers’ Compensation Judge to require the employer or insurance company to pay our attorney fees rather than deducting them from your benefits. The judge determines whether such an award is appropriate.
Learn when the insurance company may be required to pay your attorney fees.
Does SKRR have Spanish-speaking or Greek-speaking staff?
Yes. Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Greek. We want injured workers and their families to feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their legal options, and communicating with our office throughout their workers’ compensation claim.
Hablamos español. Μιλάμε ελληνικά.
You do not need a complicated case to call us.
You may have been hurt yesterday. Your claim may already be accepted. You may be waiting for surgery, missing checks, dealing with an IME, being pushed back to work, or wondering whether a settlement is fair.
You do not have to wait until something goes wrong to ask whether your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim is being handled correctly.