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Abes Baumann Recognized in Latest Edition of Best Law Firms

abesbaumann on November 19, 2024

Abes Baumann was recently recognized in the “Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants” category in the 2025 edition of Best Law FirmsⓇ rankings, a comprehensive guide of the top-performing law firms across 127 practice areas and 188 local jurisdictions.

The Best Law Firms rankings, now in its 15th year, recognizes those distinguished by quality, dedication and expertise.

“For decades, we have advocated for injured workers,” said Abes Baumann partner Thomas Baumann, “and this award reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring our clients receive the benefits they deserve.”

In addition to the firm’s inclusion in the Best Law Firms rankings, partners Thomas Baumann, Jim Burn and Doug Williams have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in AmericaⓇ .

The Best Law Firms and Best Lawyers rankings are meticulously compiled based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client feedback, peer reviews, industry leader interviews and detailed analysis of law firm data.

The Latest on Workers’ Compensation for First Responders with PTSD

abesbaumann on October 31, 2024

If you are a retired or current first responder battling post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), PA Senate Bill 365 could make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bill in late October, and once it goes into effect in 2025, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law for psychological traumas arising from:

  • individual traumatic events or 
  • cumulative highly stressful experiences resulting from their employment (regardless of whether the trauma is accompanied by physical injuries requiring medical treatment)

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, approximately 10% of first responders report PTSD, and they are among the most regularly trauma-exposed groups of workers in the community. 

Previous Pennsylvania law set a high standard of requirements that prevented first responders from qualifying for workers’ compensation benefits. More than two dozen other states have already expanded their workers’ compensation legislation. 

“It was great to see this bill go to Governor Shapiro for signature,” said Abes Baumann partner Jim Burn. “I saw up close what first responders go through when I served for 12 years as a mayor, emergency management coordinator and later when I chaired Allegheny County Council’s Public Safety Committee. This bill will make it easier for first responders to get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.”

With more than 150 years of experience in protecting injured workers’ rights, Abes Baumann  helps clients navigate their workplace-related claims, including those related to PTSD. 
For workers’ compensation questions and other assistance, contact Abes Baumann at 1-800-344-3090 or visit https://abesbaumann.com/ and click “Talk with an attorney now.”

Abes Baumann PACT Act Updates: Proposed Changes for Constrictive Bronchiolitis

abesbaumann on September 26, 2024

What is the PACT Act?

The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veteran benefits and care in VA history, expanding the rights of millions of toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors to receive VA disability benefits. 

The Latest

Veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis (CB) may soon be able to get benefits more easily. (CB is one of the conditions that, per the PACT Act, is presumed to be linked to military service.) The VA recently proposed changes that would remove barriers to veterans with CB that are applying for benefits.

Why the VA is Proposing These Changes

Some veterans have had trouble getting their benefits approved by the VA because CB lacks its own diagnostic code in the VA disability claims systems (no code = “Zero” disability rating, which means a veteran is not awarded disability compensation), and CB is hard to diagnose without invasive tests.

What this Means for You 

The VA is looking to add a diagnostic code for CB and to also allow additional medical tests to help veterans get an accurate disability rating.

While these changes are not yet finalized, the VA’s proposal is a significant step forward. 

More on CB

This chronic respiratory condition affects the bronchioles, the smallest airways in your lungs. With CB, these airways become inflamed, damaged and then scarred due to inhalation of toxic substances, such as burn pits, or from infections.

Getting Help

If you’re a veteran or a caregiver for one, we know it can be overwhelming to track and manage all of the aspects related to healthcare. From forms to processes to deadlines, the administrative portion alone is confusing and time-consuming.

  • For PACT Act questions and other assistance, contact Abes Baumann at 1-800-344-3090 or visit https://abesbaumann.com/ and click “Talk with an attorney now.” 
  • Read here for more information on VA disability compensation related to exposure to burn pits and other environmental hazards during military service.

Abes Baumann Celebrates Jim Burn: The Best Lawyers in America® Recognition

abesbaumann on August 20, 2024

Abes Baumann is proud to announce that Jim Burn has been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, a benchmark for legal integrity and distinction. This prestigious honor is a testament to Burn’s exceptional expertise and advocacy, and his unwavering commitment to serving clients with the highest standards of legal representation. 

The Best Lawyers in America showcases the most distinguished attorneys across various practice areas in the United States. Those recognized, representing less than six percent of attorneys across the country, were selected from among 116,000 vetted nominees.

Burn, who practices Veterans, Workers’ Compensation and Social Security law, has always sought to serve his community in a variety of ways, including as mayor of the Borough of Millvale and as an Allegheny County Council Member.  

“We are incredibly proud to have Jim as part of our team,” said partner Thomas Baumann. “His inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America underscores his deep understanding of these complex areas of law and his commitment to achieving positive outcomes for our clients.”

Doug Williams and Thomas Baumann were also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, with Baumann named the Best Lawyers 2025 Workers’ Compensation “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, receiving the highest votes from his peers.

The rankings are meticulously compiled based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client feedback, peer reviews, industry leader interviews and detailed analysis of law firm data.

Abes Baumann Celebrates Latest Legal Recognition

abesbaumann on June 26, 2024

Abes Baumann is proud to announce its most recent awards, underscoring the firm’s expertise in workers’ compensation and veterans law and formally recognizing its attorneys for tirelessly and passionately advocating for clients’ rights.

“We are incredibly honored to be acknowledged with these prestigious awards,” said partner Thomas Baumann. “It is a testament to our commitment to our clients, who have made sacrifices and faced tremendous challenges while serving our country and in the workplace.”

  • Thomas Baumann: 2024 Milton D. Rosenberg Award, Pennsylvania Association of Justice
  • Thomas Baumann: Honorary Lawyer of the Year – Workers’ Compensation, Best Lawyers (most votes in Western Pennsylvania)

Abes Baumann attorneys Thomas Baumann, James Burn, and Douglas Williams were also selected to the 2024 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list, which honors attorneys who exhibit excellence in the practice of law. Based on nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations, this is an exclusive list that recognizes just 5% of attorneys across Pennsylvania.

Thomas Baumann: Selected to Super Lawyers: 2005-2024

James Burn: Selected to Super Lawyers: 2024

Douglas Williams: Selected to Super Lawyers: 2013-2022, 2024; Selected to Rising Stars: 2005-2007

VA Adds New Conditions to Presumptive List, Including Male Breast Cancer

abesbaumann on June 18, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced it is adding three new types of cancer to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities due to military environmental exposure under the PACT Act.

The following types of cancer are now included in the list of presumptive diseases:

  • Male breast cancer
  • Urethral cancer
  • Cancer of the paraurethral glands

Presumptive service connection means the VA automatically assumes service connection for the disease and provides benefits to eligible veterans who have submitted claims with evidence of a diagnosis. It also allows veterans applying for benefits to skip paperwork establishing their condition as a result of military service, which can significantly reduce wait times during the benefits process.

Last month the VA granted its one millionth claim related to the PACT Act, and over that time frame has paid out more than $5.75 billion to veterans.

Read here for more information on these latest additions to the VA’s presumptive conditions list.

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