Employees working in cold conditions experience a higher risk of weather-related injury. While these risks may be part of the job, employers are not relieved of their responsibility to provide a safe environment and appropriate cold-weather safety training. When weather conditions are a contributing factor in a work injury, a workers compensation attorney may be able to determine if the employee is entitled to additional compensation for damages that resulted from employer negligence. Risks Rise as the Temperature Drops Cold Illinois winters bring an increased risk of work injury for those whose jobs require them to face the plummeting temperatures and associated weather […]
The Compassionate Allowance Program was established to help expedite Social Security claims for claimants who suffer from certain severe medical conditions, but flaws in this program are causing unnecessary delays. In response, the Government Accountability Office has highlighted a number of challenges and issued recommendations for the SSD program. About the Compassionate Allowance Program The Compassionate Allowance program was established in 2008. It gives priority status to individuals who have certain medical conditions, placing them ahead of other claimants on the waiting list. There are over 200 conditions that qualify for the program. Many of these conditions are terminal in nature. The average claimant […]
The makers of OxyContin have aggressively marketed the drug as a safe, twelve-hour controlled-release medication that provided steady pain relief with a reduced risk for addiction or abuse. The company’s deceptive marketing practices and fraudulent claims have led to addiction and overdose injuries throughout the United States, feeding the opioid epidemic. A Common Link in Opioid Addiction Opioid misuse takes the lives of more than 90 Americans every day. It’s a growing problem that has attracted the attention of lawmakers, governors, and even the President, resulting in a declared war on opioid addiction. In Illinois alone, opioid overdose deaths doubled […]
A new Chicago City Ordinance requires hotels to provide panic buttons to employees who work alone in guests’ rooms. If a hotel has not provided the required electronic panic buttons, anti-sexual harassment policy, or has retaliated against an employee for reporting a case of sexual harassment, an attorney may find cause to seek damages on behalf of the employee. These may include compensation for physical injury and mental and emotional trauma. Hotel Workers are Vulnerable Working alone and unprotected, many hotel employees are required by their jobs to enter guest rooms without the assistance of a supervisor or the presence of another […]
SSDI claims are sometimes denied because the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) finds that the claimant lacks credibility. The rules governing review of SSDI cases were revised in 2016 and have eliminated claimant credibility as a determining factor in the claims approval process. On appeal, some denials that are based on credibility can be reversed by the courts. When an SSDI claim is rejected because of credibility issues, a Social Security disability attorney can help determine whether there is a basis to appeal the claim. A Fair Medical Evaluation In determining the validity of an SSDI claim, ALJs are required to conduct a […]
The use of baby boxes as safety devices may result in injury or death to infants. If a child is injured while confined in a baby box, parents may be entitled to damages. Fads versus Facts Baby boxes are being promoted as a safe place for babies to sleep. The reality is that much of the justification for the baby box fad is based on popular folklore and not so much on fact. The baby box concept originated in Finland where the government provides expectant mothers with a maternity package including a baby box for their newborn child. It is […]
The construction industry has the highest risk of work-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Construction sites present many dangerous situations, often made worse by hazardous weather conditions, that raise the risk for TBIs. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death on construction sites. Some result in TBIs that cause long-term consequences. Since many go undiagnosed initially, construction workers can suffer a TBI and continue working, not realizing that the injury is severe. Long-term consequences of TBI Research conducted by the University of South Florida and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital found that TBIs cause progressive brain deterioration, elevated […]
Getting remarried can be a fun and exciting event in a person’s life, but for someone who receives SSDI, there are several extra financial facets that must be reviewed. Remarriage can affect disability benefits in various ways and the actual impact is largely dependent on whether the person receives SSDI or SSI. The Social Security Administration can help with general questions. A social security disability attorney may be able to provide a more detailed analysis of a specific case. Types of Benefits Since part of the eligibility for SSI is determined by financial need, the amount a person receives for […]
Understanding how toxic mold forms and the medical problems commonly associated with exposure to this dangerous substance can help individuals protect their health and their rights. Since toxic mold poses serious health risks to people, companies can be held responsible when their actions result in toxic exposure to others. How Toxic Mold Forms While most forms of mold are harmless, exposure to toxic mold can be very dangerous for humans. This type of mold forms when water leaks, flooding or poor humidity control creates an environment that causes extra moisture where mold can develop. When toxic mold is found, professionals must […]
Uber drivers and drivers for other rideshare apps may be able to receive compensation for work-related injuries through a process similar to workers compensation. Drivers should familiarize themselves with the insurance policy that their rideshare service uses so they know how to obtain benefits. Uber Offers Workers Injury Protection Insurance Uber has initiated a driver injury protection insurance program across eight states in the country, including Illinois. This program provides coverage for work-related injuries similar to workers’ compensation policies that employers purchase. Injured drivers may decide to contact a workers compensation attorney who is familiar with this program to ensure […]
