Pa. governor signs comp reform measure

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell on Thursday signed legislation amending the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act of 1915 by creating an uninsured employers guarantee fund.

The new law also requires workers compensation judges to include mandatory mediation conferences as part of any trial schedule and limits attorneys' fees from exceeding 20% of the amount awarded by a judge or agreed to in a settlement.

The law stems from House Bill 2738, sponsored by Bob L. Allen, R-Berks. Among other things, the new law increases the minimum compensation for total disability or death to $100 per week.

Most provisions in the law are effective immediately.