PNC Bank v. W.C.A.B.(Stamos)

Sep 21, 2003

OUTCOME: Claimant successful

Widower denied PA Workers Compensation Survivor Benefits by deceased spouse's employer. Employer denied that common-law marriage spousal relationship existed between claimant and deceased employee. WCJ ... held for claimant, approved Survivor Benefits for claimant. Employer appealed to WCAB. WCAB upheld decision of WCJ. Employer appealed to Commonwealth Court. Decision of Commonwealth Court upheld award of Survivor's Benefits to claimant. Commonwealth Court also abolished the future creation of new common-law marriages. The PA legislature later ended the future creation of new common-law marriages by statute.