Close

“Notes On Assessing Credibility, The Value Of Surveillance Evidence, And Attorney Performance”- By Work Comp Judge David B Torrey

This article, written by Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judge and Law Professor, David B. Torrey, is an excellent overview of his thoughts on 1) how a work comp judge assesses the credibility of an injured worker and other law witnesses, 2) whether surveillance evidence is effective, and 3) what behaviors of counsel can actually hurt his client’s chances of success in a case.

One particular part of his article which I want to highlight is the demeanor of a witness. Judge Torrey notes that due to the artificial environment of a courtroom, many people may be nervous or acting unnaturally. He stated that some claimants will be angry and/or depressed- naturally- because they are a class of people who are by definition injured and often without money.  Judge Torrey also pointed out, and correctly so, that many injured workers have never been to a business meeting or even worn a tie.

His point, in highlighting these facts, was to say that the fact finder- that is, the judge, must set aside any prejudice that is present as a result of seeing these behaviors and wait until all of the evidence surfaces, before making any credibility assessments.

I couldn’t agree more. I sometimes have clients, (100% injured workers) who, in our preparation, seem calm, coherent, and credible, but then when they are in the witness stand in court, they appear shaky, insecure, and so nervous that it appears as if they don’t really know what happened during the work accident- because their nerves got a hold of them. But something that was not discussed in this portion of his article is the demeanor of the judge. Some judges are naturally friendlier than others. This can make a big difference to someone who is really nervous. A little small talk, before the hearing, can go a long way to break the ice and show the injured worker that there is nothing to be afraid of. Similarly, the attitude of defense counsel can play a role in an injured worker’s behavior. Some are abrasive and this can rattle a claimant into being obsequious, angry, or defensive.

You can read the article in its entirety below by clicking on the link.

TorreyCredibility

The Cardamone Law Firm

The Firm For Injured Workers In Pennsylvania

Awards & Recognitions

Philadelphia workers comp lawyer
Philadelphia workmans comp lawyer
Bucks County workers comp lawyer
best workmans comp lawyer philadelphia
Philadelphia Workmans Comp Lawyer
Top 10 Attorneys Award Pennsylvania workers' comp lawyer
Philadelphia workmans comp lawyer
Philadelphia workers compensation lawyer
best bucks county workmans comp lawyer
Avvo Rating 10.0 Philadelphia workers' comp lawyer
Workmans comp lawyer
best workmans comp attorney
best Philly workmans comp lawyer
Bucks county workmans comp lawyer
best Philadelphia workmans comp lawyer

Cardamone Law Has Negotiated Some of the Largest Workers’ Comp Settlements in Pennsylvania

$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury
$650,000
Lower Back Injury
$550,000
Neck Injury
$425,000
Leg Injury
$375,000
Knee Injury
$325,000
Ankle Injury
& Hundreds More Cases
$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury
$650,000
Lower Back Injury
$550,000
Neck Injury
$425,000
Leg Injury
$375,000
Knee Injury
$325,000
Ankle Injury
& Hundreds More Cases

Client Testimonials

"Best Law Firm around!"

"Cardomone law is absolutely fantastic! They are very responsive and helpful and they will fight to get you what you deserve. Shirley is also very helpful whenever you have any questions! Best Law Firm around!"

- C. Edwards
Google Reviews
"Michael and Shirley are very dedicated...and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case"

"Cardamone Law Firm were very helpful to me since day one. Michael and Shirley are very dedicated to my case giving me updates, answering my questions, being honest with my case, and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case. Thank you so much for your service and dedication and helping me to achieve not only your case but to guide and refer me in other needs too! You guys are the best law firm friendly and dedicated. I will recommend to anyone."

- A. Ortiz
Google Reviews
"Michael won my workers comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim."

"Exceptional firm. Highly recommend this law firm. Michael won my Workers Comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim. Him and his staff were always at my reach for legal and emotional support. Am so happy I hire them. Thanks Michael and Ms. Shirley."

- Carlos P.
Google Reviews
"[They] did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time."

"I recently had a work related injury and was receiving Workers' Compensation (medical benefits only). Soon after I was fired, so I contacted Paul Silver at Cardamone Law Firm who did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time. Paul and his assistant Shirley always responded to any questions I had about the case in a very short amount of time. Thank you for helping me with this difficult case."

- Robin C.
Google Reviews
"Highly recommend."

"Cardamone Law was great with helping my husband with his Workers Comp issues. Mike and Shirley were the best with letting us know what was going on every step of the way. Highly recommend."

- Danielle P.
Google Reviews
"Mike Cardamone is amazing"

"Mike Cardamone is amazing. He is "hands down" one of the best lawyers I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He is very kind, understanding, knowledgeable in his field, always very thorough and helpful. He was extremely professional and someone who truly cares about his clients. I felt completely at ease with him. He was a pleasure to work with, explained everything in detail, as well as answered all my questions with knowledge and care. If you want someone you can trust, who communicates every step of the way, will fight for you and make sure you win your case, he is it! I will refer all my family and friends to him. Thank you so much Mike, for everything. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication in helping me."

- Allie M.
Google Reviews
Without a doubt YOU are the best!!!

"Without a doubt YOU are the best!!! Every person who is in the horrible position of being injured at work should have someone as kind, compassionate and knowledgeable as you on their side. You never once made me feel like I was one of a hundred other clients. I always knew you had my back! You answered calls and emails at all hours. You fought every fight for me so I only had to worry about getting well. Behind your nice, calm face there’s a pit bull ready to take on any employer or judge. I can never thank you enough."

- L. Edall
Google Reviews
"Best Workers' Comp Lawyer!"

"Michael is simply the best! He was there for me from day 1 till the end, and we won the case!! He is always available to help. I had a gazillion questions and he would answer them one by one. He's a great lawyer and I feel lucky to have found him online from reading other outstanding reviews about him. Believe me, they're true!"

- Faith B.
Google Reviews
"Great Attorney"

"Great attorney, handled case quickly and efficiently. I would recommend him and would use him again. He was always available to answer any questions we had. Thank you, Mr. Cardamone."

- H. Anderson
Google Reviews