Philadelphia
2000 Market Street
Suite 1300
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Suite 1300
Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Section
James Bucilla represents third-party administrators, self-insured employers, and international insurance carriers in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation matters.
With a focus on delivering not just representation, but comprehensive solutions, James equips his clients with the knowledge and strategies to reduce claim exposure and manage risks. His clients span a diverse array of industries, including retail, food and beverage, transportation, and manufacturing, each benefiting from his tailored advice and dedicated support.
James’s legal acumen is backed by a wealth of experience in presenting cases before workers’ compensation judges and navigating the complexities of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board.
While a favorable WCJ Decision (or “verdict”) is always welcome, James counsels his clients with a risk and exposure management perspective that helps streamline litigation, and preserve client funds, whenever possible.
James was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2025 and 2026 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. This accolade recognizes extraordinary lawyers who have been in private practice for less than 10 years in the United States and is based entirely on peer review.
Prior to his tenure at Weber Gallagher, James honed his analytical skills as a suspicious activity report writer, assessing financial transactions and crafting detailed reports. This unique background sharpened James’ eye for detail and his understanding of analytical assessment, qualities that greatly enhance his legal practice and client service.
Represented a global insurer and real estate company in regards to a claim petition filed by a moderate-to-heavy duty maintenance worker, alleging ongoing, disabling back and head injuries, by presenting defense evidence to show the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) that the alleged work injury did not occur. Before the WCJ Decision, the latest demand to settle was $135,000 plus payment of medical expenses and costs. Based upon the defense evidence
presented, including security footage, testimony from multiple fact witnesses and cross-examination of the claimant concerning his alleged story, symptoms, and treatment - the WCJ awarded no benefits.
Successfully prosecuted a termination petition to a full recovery adjudication for a national retailer and its third-party administrator. The claimant had an accepted shoulder injury requiring surgery and then a resultant adhesive capsulitis. The claimant received total disability benefits. In defense of the termination petition, the claimant argued she needed to undergo another surgery. Before the WCJ Decision, the claimant had presented a $145,000 settlement demand. We used key emergency room records, diagnostic studies, and intraoperative findings to persuade the WCJ to grant this employer relief in an otherwise unresolvable medical contest.
Prior results cannot and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter that we or any lawyer may be retained to handle.
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