Michele R. Punturi, Workers Comp Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 36 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Director, Workers' Compensation DepartmentatMarshall Dennehey
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing workers comp in Philadelphia since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michele R. Punturi?
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Quick answer
Michele R. Punturi is a director, workers' compensation department based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Michele has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Workers Comp
- Handles Workers Comp matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michele R. Punturi: Michele R. Punturi is a director, workers' compensation department based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Michele has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michele takes on
Michele concentrates on workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michele handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Workers Comp cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Michele takes workers comp matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michele agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michele R. Punturi — workers comp lawyer in Philadelphia
Michele R. Punturi is a director, workers' compensation department based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Michele has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
As Director of the Workers' Compensation Department, Michele oversees more than 35 attorneys throughout nine of the firm's offices. She is also a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Michele has been with the firm for more than 35 years, and has been a shareholder in the Worker’s Compensation Department since 1998. Michele represents third party administrators, insurance carriers and self-insureds, handling matters for construction companies, steel product and technology companies, hospitals, retailers, supermarkets, hotels, personnel corporations, landscaping contractors, assisted living facilities, townships, and manufacturers. In addition to her managerial and litigation responsibilities, Michele supervises client development efforts for the Workers’ Compensation Department.
During her career, Michele has successfully defeated numerous claim petitions by presenting medical and factual evidence showing that the claimants did not sustain work-related injuries and/or corresponding disabilities. Her innovative legal strategies have included requesting the judge's presence at the employer's premises. In addition, Michele has argued numerous cases in front of the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board and has taken multiple cases to the Commonwealth Court.
In March 2022, Michele was inducted into the College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers, joining a select group of attorneys from across the country who have distinguished themselves in the practice of workers' compensation law.
Michele has lectured for various organizations, including the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance and Philadelphia Bar Association. She has published many articles and educational/training materials and has authored a chapter on workers' compensation in the prestigious West Pennsylvania Forms and Commentary Employment Law treatise.
Michele graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh and the Widener University School of Law. Michele's success is due in large part to the care and dedication she exhibits to each client and the attention to detail shown in her work. It is these characteristics that have led many of her clients to look to her as a sounding board for business and legal advice.
Michele is active in the community, donating her time to a host of charitable organizations including Northern Children's Services and the American Cancer Society.
Honors & Awards
•AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
•The Best Lawyers in America, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers (2023-2026)
•Pennsylvania Self-Insured Association, Award of Excellence (2008)
•Pennsylvania Super Lawyer (2007-2008, 2021-2026)
•Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Corporate Counsel Edition, 2008-2009
•Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Rising Star, 2005
Classes & Seminars Taught
•Preventable, Defensible, and Detectable: Managing Risk in Workers Compensation and Liability, CLM Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, March 26, 2026
•Workers' Comp Risk Management Best Practices: Insights from High-Risk Industries, CLM Focus Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, February 12, 2025
•The Dream Team Approach to WC Case Management, co-presenter, CLM Workers’ Comp Week: A Virtual Series, August 1, 2024
•Getting Caught With Your Hand in the Proverbial Cookie Jar, ClaimsXchange Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA, October 12, 2023
•Building a Better Business, Achieving a More Diverse Future, CLM Annual Conference, Tampa, FL, March 30, 2023
•The Dawning of the Age of Remote Work, CLM Workers' Compensation and Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Conference, Chicago, IL, May 19, 2022
•The Right Way to Avoid a Wrongful Termination Claim When the Employee Is Also a Workers’ Compensation Claimant, Marshall Dennehey webinar, March 3, 2022
•Workers' Compensation Winter Roundup, Graham Company webinar, December 15, 2020
•Survivor: Workers' Compensation Edition, CLM Workers Compensation and Retail, Restaurant & Hospitality Conference webinar, June 16, 2020
Published Works
•'Danger: High Risk Ahead: Managing Workers' Comp Exposure in Risky Industries,' CLM Magazine, June 1, 2025
•' 6 Key Workers’ Compensation Safety and Data Analysis Considerations, ' Risk & Insurance, September 12, 2024
•'Read A Banned Book - Bar Association Members Reflect on the Works That Have Stayed With Them,' The Philadelphia Lawyer, Fall 2023
•'Reflecting the Talent You Want to Recruit: Building and Achieving a Diverse Team and a Better Business,' CLM Magazine, September 2023
•'Why Contest Mental Health Claims in Workers' Comp When You Can Prevent Them to Begin With?' Risk & Insurance, March 29, 2023
•' In Court: What's New on the Medical Marijuana Front for Workers' Compensation, ' Risk & Insurance, August 8, 2022
•'Are You In or Out? Controlling Exposure During the Era of Remote Work,' CLM Magazine, June 2022
•'Workers' Compensation Claims Mounting? A Collaborative Review Process Can Help,' Risk & Insurance, December 13, 2021
•'Keep Your Eyes on the Road -- Distracted Driving and Workers' Comp Claims,' The Legal Intelligencer's Workers' Compensation Supplement, October 13, 2020
•' Reflections on a Pandemic, ' Philadelphia Bar Reporter, August 2020
•'Driven to Distraction: How to Mitigate Distracted Driving Claims,' CLM Magazine, March 2020
Media Commentary
•'5 Questions on High-Risk Industries: CLM Session With Michele Punturi and Michelle Leighton,' Workerscompensation.com, January 26, 2025
•“Workers’ Comp Making Gains in Attracting Claims Talent, ” CLM Magazine, November 2024
•'Survivor: Workers' Compensation Edition,' Safety National Conference Chronicles, June 16, 2020
Results
Successfully Prosecuted a Workers’ Compensation Termination Petition
We successfully prosecuted a termination petition involving a 65-year-old, 35+ year employee of a renowned international automobile corporation who sustained a left knee injury on June 19, 2023. We secured medical records supporting a significant pre-existing history-with a prior left knee replacement and treatment leading up to June 1, 2023-establishing that the only work injury sustained was a left knee contusion. Further, the opinions of the defense medical expert, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in the treatment of the knees, were found competent and credible, thus supporting a full recovery based upon his comprehensive physical examination and his review of records and diagnostic studies. The workers’ compensation judge further found the employer had a reasonable basis to contest all issues and denied attorney’s fees. Such a decision will result in a substantial recoupment of indemnity and benefits payments made throughout the course of the litigation via a Supersedeas Fund Reimbursement recovery.
Termination Petition Involving Low Back Injury Successfully Prosecuted
We successfully prosecuted a termination petition involving a low back injury for a delivery truck service company. Our expert opined that the MRI failed to reveal any acute or post traumatic findings, that the claimant only sustained a soft tissue lumbar sprain/contusion and the exam revealed no objective findings. The workers’ compensation judge found our expert’s opinions were well-supported and terminated all liability.
Thought Leadership
CLM Magazine
Danger: High Risk Ahead - Managing Workers' Comp Exposure in Risky Industries
June 1, 2025
The landscape of workers' compensation is continuously evolving, especially within high-risk industries such as construction, health care, transportation, retail, and hospitality. These sectors face unique challenges that require proactive risk management strategies focused on injury prevention, cost control, and employee well-being. In this environment, employers, claims professionals, and defense counsel must collaborate closely to mitigate risk, reduce claim frequency and severity, and improve outcomes for both organizations and their workforces.
Risk & Insurance
6 Key Workers’ Compensation Safety and Data Analysis Considerations
September 12, 2024
The landscape of workers’ compensation is constantly evolving, requiring corporations, claims professionals and the defense community to remain vigilant in injury prevention, risk mitigation and cost control. Despite the variation in workers’ compensation systems across states, a shared priority exists: ensuring a safe work environment for employees and managing businesses effectively.
News
Marshall Dennehey Announces 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honorees
May 22, 2026
A. Judd Woytek Named a Fellow of The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
April 20, 2026
How Michele handles workers comp matters
As Director of the Workers' Compensation Department, Michele oversees more than 35 attorneys throughout nine of the firm's offices. She is also a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Michele has been with the firm for more than 35 years, and has been a shareholder in the Worker’s Compensation Department since 1998. Michele represents third party administrators, insurance carriers and…
Who Michele represents
Michele reviews new inquiries case-by-case for workers comp matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Widener University Delaware Law School
J.D. · 1990
University of Pittsburgh
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Michele's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
1991 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1990 · ACTIVE
Michele studied at J.D. in Widener University Delaware Law School and B.A. in University of Pittsburgh.
Law school and academic background
Michele completed J.D. in Widener University Delaware Law School and B.A. in University of Pittsburgh. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michele runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michele has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michele's professional memberships and bar associations
Associations & memberships Claims & Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), Workers' Compensation Community Leadership team College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers Judge Alexander F
membership
Barbieri Workers' Compensation Inn of Court Pennsylvania Defense Institute Philadelphia Bar Association, Women in the Profession Committee co-chair
2021, 2022) Judicial Commission (2022 · membership
Locations
Michele R. Punturi's office in Philadelphia
Michele's primary office is at 2000 Market Street, Suite 2300, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michele R. Punturi — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michele. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing workers comp attorneys in Philadelphia.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michele R. Punturi claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michele R. Punturi — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new workers comp attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michele usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michele charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michele's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michele will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a workers comp attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many workers comp matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michele
Michele discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in workers comp practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every workers comp matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michele confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michele's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many workers comp practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michele R. Punturi
How much does it cost to hire Michele for a workers comp case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michele walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michele offer a free consultation?
Michele charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michele's office. Some workers comp attorneys offer free consults — check Michele's current terms during booking.
How long do workers comp cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple workers comp matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michele gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michele take my case if I'm outside Philadelphia?
Michele is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michele will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michele?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michele will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michele accepting new workers comp clients right now?
Michele's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Workers Comp attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
Michele handles workers comp matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified workers comp attorneys in that community.
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