Havertown, PA workers’ compensation attorney Daniel J. Siegel shares the story of a memorable workers’ comp case he handled. He recalls one of his most satisfying cases from earlier in his career, involving a client with a serious, rare medical condition. The client worked in the frozen food department of a supermarket in Northeast Philadelphia and began experiencing health problems. After consulting multiple doctors at major teaching hospitals, he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder—similar to cancer but not cancer—and was advised that exposure to cold would worsen his condition.

Despite a doctor’s note, the client’s supervisor refused to accommodate him, insisting he either continue working in the cold environment or face termination. Continuing in that department caused the client’s condition to deteriorate to the point that he could never work again.

The employer and their insurance company resisted the claim, but he took the case through the legal process, arguing that even pre-existing conditions aggravated by work make the employer responsible for medical treatment and lost wages. He handled appeals through the Commonwealth Court, the second-level appellate court, and the Appeal Board, ultimately securing the client full benefits and a settlement that provided additional financial security.

He emphasizes that what made the case memorable was the combination of the employer’s disregard and the team’s commitment to fight for the client’s rights, ensuring the man received everything he was entitled to.