Michael Dryden Featured on Legends of Labor Hall of Fame Broadcast by Philadelphia Labor Leaders

Mike Dryden, a respected workers’ compensation lawyer at Willig, Williams & Davidson, recently appeared on Who’s Who in Philly Labor on WWDB-AM as the latest inductee into the Legends of Labor Hall of Fame. During the event, he talked about representing injured workers and the firm’s longstanding commitment to labor and employment advocacy in the Philadelphia region.

Listen to the full broadcast: Mike Dryden Hall of Fame Broadcast

Introduced by the firm’s founding partner, Deborah Willig, attendees were reminded of Dryden’s groundbreaking efforts on behalf of people injured at work. Deb recalled Dryden’s work for:

Sanitation workers – AFSCME Local 427 (Philadelphia), when City sanitation workers had been unfairly treated on disability benefits and assigned light duty. Dryden filed approximately 380 petitions to secure full disability benefits for them, and Willig noted, “they were all successful.”

• Sanitation workers – AFSCME Local 427 (Philadelphia), when City sanitation workers had been unfairly treated on disability benefits and assigned light duty. Dryden filed approximately 380 petitions to secure full disability benefits for them, and Willig noted, “they were all successful.”
• Philadelphia firefighter – fatal benefits for hepatitis C, where Dryden successfully claimed fatal benefits for the widow of a Philadelphia firefighter who died due to hepatitis C. This followed a huge victory after his argument before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
• Union electrician – cancer as an injury (not just occupational disease): For the widow of a union electrician, Dryden argued before the Commonwealth Court. He helped establish that cancer can be claimed as an industry injury, not just an “occupational disease,” in the context of the firefighter cancer presumption framework.
• Firefighter cancer presumption – malignant melanoma: In the seminal firefighter cancer presumption case, Dryden argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Supreme Court reversed the lower courts and established the burden of proof for firefighters or their dependents when claiming benefits for malignant melanoma.
• Volunteer firefighters – cancer presumption benefits: Dryden successfully argued before the Commonwealth Court to establish benefits in cancer presumption claims for volunteer firefighters.
• SEPTA mechanic – suicide after work-related injury: Dryden represented the widow of a SEPTA mechanic who committed suicide following a work related lower back injury. After Dryden’s argument, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court established the right of a worker’s dependents to claim benefits for suicide when it follows a work-related physical injury.
• Upper Darby firefighter – PTSD benefits: In a new, recent case, Dryden established entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for an Upper Darby firefighter. The Commonwealth Court reversed prior denials and, for the first time, concluded that a firefighter had shown the “abnormal working conditions” necessary to support a PTSD claim.

Willig went on to emphasize Dryden’s ongoing creative advocacy for new causes of action. She said, “Mike eats, sleeps, runs, and walks while thinking about new causes of action for injured workers.”

She noted that he regularly comes into her office with innovative ideas, including how to get doctors to help prove novel theories so that workers “are actually fairly compensated.”

Dryden highlighted Willig, Williams & Davidson’s deep roots in the labor community and its collaborative approach to representing workers. The firm’s work frequently intersects with unions, medical providers, and other professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive support and access to the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

A key theme of the discussion was advocacy. Dryden underscored the firm’s role in protecting workers’ rights, particularly in complex or contested claims, and the importance of helping clients understand their options so they can make informed decisions about their future.

The conversation also reflected the unique nature of the Philadelphia labor landscape, where relationships, reputation, and experience play a significant role in achieving successful outcomes. Willig, Williams & Davidson’s longstanding presence in this community continues to position the firm as a trusted advocate for workers across industries.

Dryden concluded by focusing on the resources and support provided by Willig, Williams & Davidson. He said he can handle novel cases because the firm invests in costly, highly credentialed experts. He stressed that Deb Willig, Stewart Davidson, and other partners “put him in the fight, funding the kind of litigation.” He also gave credit to other colleagues and administrative professionals who have helped him throughout his career. He closed by emphasizing that this recognition isn’t just for him. He said the honor was “not a me, but a we.”