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Robert P. Schenk

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RPSchenk@mdwcg.com

Portrait of Robert P. Schenk

Robert is the Managing Attorney for the Workers' Compensation Department in the firm's Philadelphia office. He has developed his practice exclusively in the area of workers' compensation litigation and has represented large, self-insured entities and third-party administrators in all manner of workers' compensation matters. While doing so, Robert has been awarded an AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also lectured before various organizations on topics related to workers' compensation.

Robert's interest in politics has overlapped with his work in the field of workers' compensation. He was appointed to the Administration's Committee promulgating the proposed rules to administer Act 57. On that committee, he helped draft the regulations which ultimately implemented the Act 57 amendments. Robert was also elected to the South Harrison Township (New Jersey) Committee in 2011 and continues to serve in this capacity. From 2007-2011, he served on the township's Planning and Zoning Board.

Prior to beginning his legal career, Robert served in the United States Marine Corps. He was decorated five times during his service and was honorably discharged in 1987. Following his military service, Robert graduated from Western Connecticut State University and went on to receive his juris doctor from Villanova School of Law.

An avid photographer, Robert is also a licensed commercial drone pilot. 

    • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law (J.D., 1994)
    • Western Connecticut State University (B.A., 1991)
    • Pennsylvania, 1994
    • AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell®
    • The Best Lawyers in America©, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers (2026-2027)
    • Philadelphia Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Section
    • PA Workers’ Compensation Law: How to Produce the Best IME Reports, webinar, November 6, 2025
    • PA Workers' Comp Case Law Update, webinar, October 23, 2020 
    • The Meat and Potatoes of Affirmative Defenses, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 19, 2017
    • Course and Scope, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 27, 2016
    • Settlements and Subrogation, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 30, 2014
    • Dial "I" For IRE – An Overview of Impairment Rating Evaluations in Pennsylvania, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, Philadelphia, PA, November 30, 2012
    • Workers' Compensation Case Law Update, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 2008 
    • W.C. Claims Handling Strategies, Providence Property and Casualty Co., Dallas, Texas, April 2008
    • Workers' Compensation Case Law Update, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 2007
    • Basic PA Case Handling for Adjusters, Providence Property and Casualty Co., Dallas, Texas, November 2006
    • Litigating W.C. Construction Cases in PA, KHS&S Contractors, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, September 2006 
    • Current Issues in PA Workers' Compensation, Old Republic Ins. Co., Greensburg, Pennsylvania, September 2005
    • Effective Marketing Techniques for Partner and Associates, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 2005
    • Workers' Compensation Case Law Update, Morris., CLE, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 2005
    • Basic Claims Handling -PA Workers' Compensation Cases, CNA, Reading, Pennsylvania, October 2003
    • Handling Claims in PA, ACE/USA, ESIS, Wilmington, Delaware, July 2003 
    • Workers' Compensation Case Law Update, McLaughlin., CLE, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2002 
    • Current Case Law Update, PAWCCA, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, May 2002
    • Status of Vocational Rehabilitation in Light of Current Case Law, Concentra, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, March 2002 
    • Successful File Management and Billing Guidelines, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 2001
    • Avoiding Pitfalls Inherent to the Use of Bureau Forms, RSKCO, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, August 2000 
    • Proving Fraudulent Claims Under Act 57, Sumitomo Marine Management (USA), Inc., Warren, New Jersey, February 1998 
    • Practical Management of Cases under Act 57, PMA Insurance Company, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, June 1997 
    • Large Firm v. Small Firm, Advantages for the New Associate's Consideration, PA Bar Association's Law School Practicum, Widener School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware, April 1995
    • "Attorney’s Fees for a Frivolous Appeal: An Old Cloak Gets a New Owner," Defense Digest, Vol. 21, No. 2, June 2015
    • "Killing Constituents: The Current Status of the Utilization Review Process," Defense Digest, Volume 18, No. 1, March 2012
    • "Losing Sight of Act 44 -Judicial Rollback of Legislative Medical Savings," Defense Digest, March 2008 

Results

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Landscaper’s injury claims terminated.

We successfully handled a landscaper’s claim of a work-related low back injury. The claimant gave an inconsistent account of how his injury occurred, and when he gave notice. The defense presented five fact witnesses from the employer, two of whom testified the claimant never gave notice, and three of whom testified he told them he was going to fabricate this Workers’ Compensation injury because he wouldn’t be entitled to unemployment compensation benefits at the end of the season. Coincidentally, the testimony revealed the claimant did not receive unemployment compensation benefits. The IME physician found that the claimant fully recovered from any injury he sustained. The claimant subsequently had two surgeries, with $750,000 in medical bills (unadjusted). The judge found that the claimant sustained a low back sprain and then terminated him as of the date of the IME.

News

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Firm Highlights

Thought Leadership

Best Lawyers in America Recognition

We are proud of the firm’s 16 medical malpractice attorneys who have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Less than 6% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for this recognition. Special congratulations to Justin F. Johnson who was recognized as 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” in his jurisdiction for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch • Holli K. Archer Best Lawyers in America: • Robert T. Evers • Jason P. Ferrante • Maria R. Granaudo • Joseph L. Hoynoski III • Leslie M. Jenny • Matthew P. Keris • Julia A. Klubenspies • Lynne N. Nahmani • John R. Ninosky • Gary M. Samms • Victoria Crawshaw Scanlon • Brett C. Shear • Joel M. Snavely • Robin B. Snyder

Thought Leadership

Ethical Remote Practice of Law in a Post-Pandemic World

Dismissal Obtained in New Jersey Realtor Liability Case

Result

Dismissal Obtained in New Jersey Realtor Liability Case

Voluntary Dismissal Obtained in New York Legal Malpractice Matter

Result

Voluntary Dismissal Obtained in New York Legal Malpractice Matter

Jason Banonis Holds PDI Attorney of the Year Award with the PDI President

News

Jason Banonis Named Attorney of the Year by the Pennsylvania Defense Institute

Ellen C. Bodenmiller Joins Marshall Dennehey’s Tampa Office as Special Counsel in the Casualty Department

News

Ellen C. Bodenmiller Joins Marshall Dennehey’s Tampa Office as Special Counsel in the Casualty Department

Thought Leadership

What’s Hot in Workers’ Comp - News and Results*

RESULTS ​Perry Merlo (Harrisburg) obtained a favorable ruling involving a claimant who sustained a recognized lower back injury while employed by the defendant and continued to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Following an independent medical examination, Perry filed a termination petition alleging that the claimant had fully recovered from her work injury as of September 10, 2025. The claimant opposed the petition and presented testimony from her own medical expert. The judge granted the termination petition, finding the testimony of the defense medical expert more credible than the testimony of the claimant and her expert; and finding that the claimant had fully recovered from her work-related injury as of September 10, 2025. Kacey C. Wiedt (Harrisburg) secured a complete victory involving a alleged hand laceration resulting additional shoulder and upper extremity injuries. The defense successfully demonstrated that the claimant did not sustain the additional injuries alleged, had fully recovered from the accepted injury, and was terminated for performance-related reasons unrelated to his work injury. Relying in part on text messages and photographs that contradicted the claimant’s alleged limitations, the defense secured a decision denying the claim petition in its entirety and granting the termination petition effective June 10, 2025. The claimant recovered no additional benefits despite previously making a $230,000 settlement demand. Anthony Natale III (King of Prussia) secured a complete defense victory involving an alleged ongoing disability following a work-related cervical spine injury sustained in a truck accident. The defense successfully demonstrated that the claimant had been released to return to full-duty work, was subsequently discharged for cause after failing a mandatory drug test, and had fully recovered from his work injury. Following litigation of both the suspension and termination Petitions, the court found that the claimant was capable of returning to unrestricted employment and had fully recovered from his cervical spine injury. Anthony Natale III (King of Prussia) secured a complete defense victory involving an allegation of ongoing orthopedic and neurological injuries, including post-concussion syndrome, resulting from a motor vehicle accident while volunteering for the township. The defense successfully demonstrated that the claimant had fully recovered from her work-related injuries and was exaggerating her symptoms. Finding the defense medical expert more credible, the court granted the termination petition and concluded that the claimant had fully recovered. The court also dismissed all four of the claimant’s review petitions challenging prior utilization review determinations that found her medical treatment to be unreasonable and unnecessary. Anthony Natale III (King of Prussia) secured a complete defense victory involving a low back injury. The defense successfully demonstrated through medical evidence that the claimant had fully recovered from her work injury. Following litigation of the termination petition, the court found the defense expert credible and concluded that the claimant was fully recovered. The court granted the termination petition despite the claimant proceeding without counsel and arguing that personal circumstances prevented her from adequately defending the matter. As a result, the claimant’s entitlement to ongoing workers’ compensation benefits was terminated. . *Prior Results Do Not Guarantee a Similar Outcome NEWS Congratulations to Kacey Wiedt on being named Best Lawyers in America® 2027 "Lawyer of the Year" for Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. We are also proud to celebrate our firm’s 14 workers’ compensation attorneys who have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. This distinction is especially meaningful, as fewer than 6% of practicing attorneys in the United States earn recognition from their peers through the Best Lawyers selection process. The Best Lawyers in America® Heather Byrer Carbone Daniel W. Deitrick Benjamin K. Durstein Linda Wagner Farrell Keri L. Morris-Johnston Anthony Natale III Michele R. Punturi Andrea C. Rock Robin M. Romano Robert P. Schenk Michael A. Sebastian Francis X. Wickersham A. Judd Woytek Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America Alana Staniszewski Angela DeMary (Mount Laurel) is presenting at the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) Annual Conference on September 24. In a panel workshop session, "Old Instincts, New Tools: How AI is Actually Transforming Claims Handling," Angela will discuss existing and emerging AI techniques relevant to claims and legal defense, and explore how AI works alongside traditional methods to improve efficiency and outcomes. For more information, click here. Judd Woytek (King of Prussia) is speaking at the National Comp conference in Las Vegas in September. He joins a group of panelists to present “Older, Wiser, But Costlier to Heal: What an Aging Workforce Means for Employers and for the Industry,” a discussion focused on the challenges employers face in balancing safety, compliance, and productivity as the workforce continues to age. Judd and his co-presenters will address proactive strategies to reduce workplace risk, support older employees, navigate age-discrimination and workers’ compensation issues, and build a safer, more resilient workforce. For more information, visit National Comp. Conference and Trade Show.

Successfully Prosecuted Workers’ Compensation Termination Petition

Result

Successfully Prosecuted Workers’ Compensation Termination Petition

Favorable Verdict Obtained in Palm Beach County Property Damage Case

Result

Favorable Verdict Obtained in Palm Beach County Property Damage Case

News

106 Marshall Dennehey Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

Marshall Dennehey is proud to highlight the firm’s 106 attorneys who have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Less than 6% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for this recognition. Additionally, four of the firm’s attorneys received the Best Lawyers® 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” awards in their respective practice areas and demographic regions. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. For more information, please visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/. OUR 2027 LAWYERS OF THE YEAR Harrisburg, PA Christopher Reeser, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Kacey Wiedt, Workers Compensation Law - Employers Roseland, NJ Justin F. Johnson, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Leonard Leicht, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants   OUR 2026 BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA Philadelphia, PA Nicholas D. Bowers, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Josh J. T. Byrne, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants Jefferey J. Chomko, Insurance Law James H. Cole, Insurance Law John J. Delany III, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Laurianne Falcone, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants John P. Gonzales, Employment Law - Management John Hare, Appellate Practice Daniel D. Krebbs, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Michele Punturi, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Bradley D. Remick, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Andrea Cicero Rock, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Robin M. Romano, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Daniel J. Ryan, Jr., Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Gary M. Samms, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants Christopher N. Santoro, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation -Defendants Josh D. Scheets, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Robert P. Schenk, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Robert E. Smith, Insurance Law Robin Snyder, Litigation - Health Care Michael L. Turner, Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Claire Breaux Ventola, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Pittsburgh, PA Melissa Devich Cochran, Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants  John F. Deasy, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Daniel W. Deitrick, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Douglas C. LaSota, Litigation - Construction; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Joseph V. Lesinski, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants   Christian D. Marquis, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Patricia A. Monahan, Insurance Law; Litigation - Insurance Patrick T. Reilly, Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Brett C. Shear, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Teresa O. Sirianni, Education Law; Employment Law – Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment Stuart Sostmann, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Danielle M. Vugrinovich, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Scranton, PA Sarah E. Argo, Litigation - Insurance Michael J. Connolly, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants Matthew Keris, Litigation - Health Care; Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants John T. McGrath, Jr., Insurance Law; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants William J. McPartland, Insurance Law John R. Nealon, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Victoria Scanlon, Health Care Law; Litigation - Health Care; Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Michael A. Sebastian, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Thomas A. Specht, Insurance Law; Litigation - Insurance Suzanne Tighe, Litigation Insurance Harrisburg , PA Casey Alan Coyle, Administrative/Regulatory Law; Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation Brittany E. Bakshi, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Shannon P. Fellin, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Allison Krupp, Insurance Law John R. Ninosky, Litigation – Insurance; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Christopher Reeser, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Kacey Wiedt, Workers' Compensation Law – Employers King of Prussia, PA  Michael L. Detweiler, Construction Law Joseph L. Hoynoski III, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Gregory J. Kelley, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction Anthony Natale III, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Francis X. Wickersham, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers A. Judd Woytek, Workers' Compensation Law – Employers Erie, PA Patrick M. Carey, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Joel M. Snavely, Health Care Law; Insurance Law New Haven, CT Michael Wrona, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Bankruptcy  Mount Laurel, NJ David D. Blake, Litigation - Insurance Barbara Davis, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Lynne Nahmani, Litigation - Health Care John H. Osorio, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants John L. Slimm, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants Roseland, NJ Robert T. Evers, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Justin F. Johnson, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Julia Klubenspies, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Leonard C. Leicht, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Patricia M. McDonagh, Appellate Practice Sunny Sparano, Litigation - Construction Randall S. Watts, Health Care Law New York, NY Tonya M. Lindsey, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Tampa, FL Michael Archibald, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Lindsay G. McCormick, Litigation – Construction Orlando, FL Thomas F. Brown, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Dante C. Rohr, Commercial Litigation Fort Lauderdale, FL Kimberly Kanoff Berman, Appellate Practice Patrick M. Delong, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants Jacksonville, FL  Heather Byrer Carbone, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Linda Wagner Farrell, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Elizabeth B. Ferguson, Litigation - Construction James P. Hanratty, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants Wilmington, DE Sarah B. Cole, Litigation - Insurance Benjamin K. Durstein, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Maria R. Granaudo, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants  Keri L. Morris-Johnston, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Cincinnati, OH Timothy B. Schenkel, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants David E. Williamson, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Cleveland, OH Vincent E. Cononico, Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Jillian L. Dinehart, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants David J. Fagnilli, Insurance Law Jason P. Ferrante, Health Care Law, Litigation - Health Care Andrew H. Isakoff, Transportation Law Leslie M. Jenny, Litigation - Health Care; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendant OUR 2026 BEST LAWYERS: ONES TO WATCH Jacksonville, FL Sean J. Reeves, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants Orlando, FL Carolin A. Pacheco, Insurance Law Mount Laurel Stacey Gorin, Insurance Law Melville, NY Kimberly Gitlin, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants Matthew A. Gray, Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Philadelphia, PA Holli K. Archer, Health Care Law; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law Emily Pritchyk, Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants Pittsburgh, PA Taylor E. Kosko, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Alana Staniszewski, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Michael D. Winsko, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants; Transportation Law King of Prussia, PA Richard Lechette, Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants