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 […]
Veterans may be eligible for expediting their SSDI claims due to a partnership between the Social Security Administration and Veterans Affairs. This special program allows disabled some soldiers to receive benefits more quickly. Medical Exchange The primary way that the process is expedited is through the Health Exchange. This is a process that allows the VA to freely share medical records electronically with the SSA. Medical documentation is necessary in every disability case. In cases in which electronic medical records are not accepted, the processing time often takes months for an agency or medical facility to supply such documentation. In comparison, […]
Protecting children from dog bite injury requires vigilance on the part of parents, guardians, and dog owners. Illinois law holds dog owners responsible for the injuries caused by unprovoked dog bites. When the victims are children, the injuries can be significant. A personal injury lawyer can help families receive fair compensation for dog bite injuries suffered by their children. Children are at Highest Risk 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Eight hundred thousand of those victims require medical attention. More than half of those are children. Children are in proximity to dogs more often than adults […]
According to OSHA, Healthcare workers, face a higher rate of injury from aggressive behavior than other professions. These physical assaults can result in serious injury, disability, and death. Hospital workers and their families are entitled to all of the benefits provided under workers compensation laws. Encountering Aggression is Part of the Job Nurses, EMTs, and other healthcare professionals routinely come face to face with the aggressive behavior of others. Their work often places them in tension-filled, traumatic settings. Many workers accept the violence as part of the job. In fact, healthcare workers at in-patient facilities like hospitals face five times more workplace violence […]
New rules regarding medical evidence change the manner in which disability claims are reviewed and approved. Claimants and their Social Security Disability attorney must understand the impact of these changes or face the possibility of delays and denial of disability claims. How the New Rules Affect Disability Claims According to the Social Security Administration, the intent of the rules changes is to eliminate duplication and bring clarity to the claims determination process. As a result, several long-standing practices have been modified or discontinued. Treating Physician Opinion is no Longer the Primary Claim Determination Factor For several decades, the medical opinion of the treating physician had controlling weight […]
A person may be able to qualify for Social Security disability and unemployment benefits even though these two programs have very different missions. However, applying for both types of benefits may raise certain implications, so it is important that claimants understand the potential risks and benefits of receiving both types of benefits at the same time. Social Security Disability Social Security disability is a program designed to provide monetary and medical benefits to individuals who suffer from a disabling condition that prevents them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. To qualify for Social Security disability, the claimant must have a medical […]
Although in many cases the claims process for work-related injuries proceeds fairly smoothly, sometimes, issues arise that can make it difficult for work injury victims to receive workers compensation benefits. By familiarizing themselves with some of the more common problems injured workers face and how to prevent them, victims can improve their chances of obtaining successful claims. Workers Compensation Claims Denials There is no guarantee that a workers’ compensation claim will be granted. Many workers with legitimate work-related injuries or illnesses may be wrongfully denied benefits. Claims denials can occur for a variety of reasons. No Direct Link to the […]
