AssistantJoycelyn Mazzaferro
973.242.1364 ext 9026
jmazzaferro@wglaw.com Penelope has extensive experience defending employers, major healthcare providers, nursing home facilities, pharmacies, manufacturers, insurance companies and businesses in workers’ compensation matters. She has a wealth of courtroom experience and has litigated appellate matters. Penelope was in-house counsel for Travelers Insurance Company where she learned the intricacies of the claims process working on a variety of claims, including catastrophic cases.
Penelope has defended specific accident claims as well as occupational exposure claims filed against all our clients. She handles workers' compensation claims from the filing of claim petitions through the appeals process. This includes trials of occupational claims, admitted accidents as well as Second Injury Fund trials. Penelope is directly involved in all facets of the litigation which includes directing and performing investigations of allegations of occupational exposure. The investigations include review and preparation of various air quality studies, lab analysis and the meeting and interviewing of employees and supervisors of the various municipal entities whose testimony is necessary for the defense of those claims. In addition, Penelope has prepared and taken testimony of medical witnesses in the fields of oncology, pulmonary disability, neuropsychiatry as well as orthopedics.
Penelope has tried approximately 15 cases to conclusion before the Division of Workers' Compensation, including Motions for Medical Treatment and Temporary Disability Benefits, Second Injury Fund cases and has taken and successfully litigated three appeals. Of note, Penelope was successful before the New Jersey Appellate Division in a case where the Appellate Division affirmed in the lower court ruling a homeowner is not a general contractor.
Penelope has extensive experience defending employers, major healthcare providers, nursing home facilities, pharmacies, manufacturers, insurance companies and businesses in workers’ compensation matters. She has a wealth of courtroom experience and has litigated appellate matters. Penelope was in-house counsel for Travelers Insurance Company where she learned the intricacies of the claims process working on a variety of claims, including catastrophic cases.
Penelope has defended specific accident claims as well as occupational exposure claims filed against all our clients. She handles workers' compensation claims from the filing of claim petitions through the appeals process. This includes trials of occupational claims, admitted accidents as well as Second Injury Fund trials. Penelope is directly involved in all facets of the litigation which includes directing and performing investigations of allegations of occupational exposure. The investigations include review and preparation of various air quality studies, lab analysis and the meeting and interviewing of employees and supervisors of the various municipal entities whose testimony is necessary for the defense of those claims. In addition, Penelope has prepared and taken testimony of medical witnesses in the fields of oncology, pulmonary disability, neuropsychiatry as well as orthopedics.
Penelope has tried approximately 15 cases to conclusion before the Division of Workers' Compensation, including Motions for Medical Treatment and Temporary Disability Benefits, Second Injury Fund cases and has taken and successfully litigated three appeals. Of note, Penelope was successful before the New Jersey Appellate Division in a case where the Appellate Division affirmed in the lower court ruling a homeowner is not a general contractor.
ExperienceHandled a re-opener where there was a request for medical treatment that was litigated and abandoned by the petitioner after proffer of evidence by the respondent that the petitioner sustained a non-work-related accident immediately before the filing of the claim and, as a result, the petitioner could not sustain his burden of proof. The case was resolved for a full and final payment of $2,500 (Section 20).
Defended a company in a total disability claim involving the amputation of a foot. We resolved the matter for a full and final payment of $25,000 (Section 20) after protracted litigation and proffer of medical evidence demonstrated that petitioner's foot infection and amputation was a result of pre-existing diabetes and not from calluses allegedly caused by required work boots.
Represented two homeowners impleaded into case during a Motion for Medical Treatment. Following trial testimony, including the testimony of the homeowners, co- respondent and petitioner, the court granted dismissal with prejudice in favor of the homeowners for lack of employment.
Speaking Engagements- 10.05.21Moderator, "Fireside Chat With Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez," Weber Gallagher's Diversity & Inclusion Committee
- 02.18.21The COVID-19 Vaccine: Implications for Employers and Workers’ Compensation Claims Webinar
- 10.17.18Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Panel Discussion
WG University- 02.18.21COVID-19: Vaccine and Return to Work Implications for Employers and Workers’ Compensation Claims
- 09.24.20New Jersey COVID Bill Signed into Law: What is the Impact?
- 08.10.20New Jersey Workers' Compensation - Part 1
Professional & Community InvolvementAmericans Inns of Court, Member
New Jersey Workers' Compensation Chapter, Member
The Hispanic Bar Association, Member
New Jersey State Bar Association, Workers Compensation Section, Member
The Risk Management Society (RIMS), Member
AssistantJoycelyn Mazzaferro
973.242.1364 ext 9026
jmazzaferro@wglaw.com |
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