PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / April 5, 2025 / In a historic unanimous decision that will transform healthcare options for injured workers statewide, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that workers' compensation insurance must cover all doctor-recommended treatments - including alternative therapies like CBD oil - when treating work-related injuries. The March 20, 2025 ruling in attorneys in Media PA at Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio Mark Schmidt's case establishes new protections for Pennsylvania workers seeking the most effective treatments for their injuries.
A Personal Battle That Changed State Law
The landmark case began when Certified Philadelphia workers compensation attorneys Mark Schmidt suffered a work-related back injury. When conventional treatments failed to provide sufficient relief, his doctor recommended trying CBD oil as an alternative to increasing pain medication dosage or undergoing risky surgery. Despite being legal and part of his prescribed treatment plan, Schmidt's workers' compensation insurer refused coverage, claiming they only had to pay for pharmaceutical drugs.
"This was about more than CBD oil - it was about protecting the doctor-patient relationship and ensuring workers get the treatments they need," said Schmidt, who remarkably represented himself through all levels of appeal. "The court confirmed what we've always known - the Workers' Compensation Act was designed to help workers heal, not to let insurance companies dictate care."
The Legal Journey to Victory
Schmidt's case became a four-year battle through Pennsylvania's legal system:
Initial Victory: Won at the Workers' Compensation Judge level
Appeal Board Reversal: Workers' Compensation Appeal Board overturned the decision
Commonwealth Court Win: Ruled in Schmidt's favor
Final Triumph: Secured unanimous en banc decision from Pennsylvania Supreme Court
The Supreme Court's ruling establishes that:
Any item included in a healthcare provider's treatment plan qualifies as "medicines and supplies" under the Workers' Compensation Act
Insurers must cover these treatments in full
Injured workers are entitled to full reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs
Treatment decisions remain between doctors and patients (though insurers may challenge medical necessity through Utilization Review)
What This Means for Pennsylvania Workers
This precedent-setting decision provides three major benefits:
Expanded Treatment Options: Covers doctor-recommended alternative therapies (CBD oil, medical marijuana, acupuncture, etc.)
Financial Protection: Ensures full reimbursement for documented treatment expenses
Stronger Patient Rights: Prevents insurers from denying coverage for non-pharmaceutical treatments
Free Legal Representation Available
Thanks to prior Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions like Lorino v. Commonwealth of PA:
Insurance companies must pay attorney fees in medical treatment disputes
Injured workers can challenge unfair denials at no personal cost
Legal representation is guaranteed for cases involving medical treatment disputes
Next Steps for Injured Workers
If an insurer denied your treatment, you may now have grounds to appeal
Ensure all treatment recommendations are properly documented by your doctor
Consult with a workers' compensation specialist about your rights
Free Consultation Available:
Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias, Rio
610-892-9300
www.pahurtatwork.com
About Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias
A leading Pennsylvania workers' compensation firm with Certified Specialists who have recovered millions for injured workers. The firm's groundbreaking victory continues their tradition of fighting for workers' rights at all levels of the judicial system.
Media contact info
Contact person- Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias, Rio
Company name - Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias, Rio
Address - 44 E FRONT ST MEDIA, PA 19063
Phone number- 610-892-9300
https://www.facebook.com/PaHurtAtWork/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/schmidt-kirifides-&-rassias/
www.pahurtatwork.com
Email - Mschmidt@skr.legal
SOURCE: Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias, Rio
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
