Attorney Profile
Michael J. McMaster
Areas of Practice
Contact Info
Overview
Michael is a member of the Workers’ Compensation Department where he represents employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Michael clerked for the Honorable Charles J. Cunningham III of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas here in Philadelphia. During his clerkship, Michael assisted Judge Cunningham in ruling on pretrial motions, drafting opinions, and overall management of the courtroom.
Michael Graduated from Drexel University Kline School of Law in 2021. While attending law school, Michael had the opportunity to participate in the Federal Litigation and Appeals Clinic where he represented clients from Liberia, Angola, and Ghana seeking asylum due to the persecution they each faced in their native countries. Michael also participated in several pro bono projects including immigration related projects organized by the Brehon Law Society and HIAS, as well as expungement clinics organized by the Legal Aid Society of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
When Michael is outside of work, he enjoys reading non-fiction, watching sports, listening to podcasts, photography, and hanging out with his dog Babe.
Results
Successfully defended a Claim Petition involving a claimant that suffered a leg injury that later required an amputation. The claimant alleged both physical and severe psychological injuries. The claimant was the sole owner of the company, and when he purchased workers’ compensation insurance, he signed an acknowledgement that as the owner he would not be considered an “employee” under the Act. At the first hearing, we moved to bifurcate the matter for a decision on whether the claimant was covered under the Act. The workers’ compensation judge granted this motion. At the next hearing, we argued that the claimant was not an employee under the Act and, therefore, not entitled to receive any benefits, based on the insurance policy that claimant had previously agreed to not be considered an employee. The workers' compensation judge agreed and dismissed the petition.
Thought Leadership
"AI in Workers' Compensation: Are We There Yet?" The Legal Intelligencer, August 9, 2024