Worker Gets No Penalties, Fees for Employer's Failure to Pay for Opioid Meds

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania upheld the denial of a worker’s claim for penalties and attorney fees related to his employer’s failure to pay for his opioid medications. Case: Hughes v. Wawa Inc. (WCAB), No. 826 C.D. 2021, 08/08/2022, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: Frank Hughes suffered injuries in 2000 while working as a truck driver for Wawa Inc. He then filed a workers’ compensation claim. In 2011, the parties entered into a settlement agreement resolving Hughes’ claim for wage loss benefits and describing his injuries as a low back herniated d...