Advances in sensor technologies could significantly reduce deaths from vehicular heatstroke. The tragedy often happens to responsible, loving parents in a flash of human error when a child is unknowingly left in a vehicle or somehow gains access to it. Even at moderate temperatures as low as 55 degrees, heat in the interior of a car can rise to above 107, hot enough to kill a child. Despite initiatives like Safe Kids, program support from automakers, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 30 children die from heatstroke each year across the United States. Who Is Responsible Conventional […]
Proposed changes to the Illinois Workers Compensation Act include restrictions to medical services, prescriptions drug, and other benefits. If approved, these changes will result in more workers’ compensation denials, an overall reduction in benefits, longer wait times, and unfortunately increasing denials. All sound reasons to keep a workers’ compensation attorney on-side. The Grand Compromise Governor Rauner has been putting pressure on lawmakers by not agreeing to any budget unless certain state laws are changed. In response, a 13-bill package called the “grand compromise,” was put together to resolve the budget impasse between the Illinois Republicans and Democrats. Senate Republican Leader […]
The mental residual functional capacity report explains how a person’s mental illness or mental health condition impacts his or her ability to work. Just as a residual functional capacity report demonstrates the limitations regarding a claimant’s ability to lift a certain amount of weight, how long a person can stand and other physical assessments, the mental residual functional capacity report assesses how a claimant’s psychological, emotional, psychiatric and cognitive impairments affect a claimant’s ability to work. Mental RFC Reports The Social Security Administration uses the mental RFC report to determine whether a claimant can perform his or her previous job […]
Defective and poorly designed products can endanger consumers. It is vital for people to understand what product recalls are and how they affect the products they use. Recalls are issued to reduce the risk of victims suffering injuries from dangerous products and to lessen the likelihood of legal action being taken against manufacturers and distributors. A manufacturer may issue a voluntary recall of one or more of its products after discovering safety issues or defects. Government agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) can […]
Recent changes in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act have created potential new challenges for injured workers. The stated intention of the changes is to make the program more efficient and flexible. However, the changes are significant enough that the average worker will not be aware of their new options and specific requirements for compliance. These new elements of the law make it more important than ever to contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. For example, the amendments that are included in the new compensation establish Preferred Provider Programs. This change affects the manner in which employees select their own […]
There are many types of impairments that qualify individuals for Social Security disability, based on the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s impairment listing manual. These physical and mental impairments can allow workers to file a Social Security disability claim with a Social Security disability attorney. Impairments Listed in the Blue Book The SSA‘s listing manual, also referred to as the blue book, has been updated as of 2017 and includes the following: cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease or heart failure respiratory illnesses including asthma and COPD speech and sense issues such as hearing and vision loss musculoskeletal issues […]
OSHA records more than 50,000 incidents of workers being struck by falling objects each year. However, not all incidents are reported and investigated. Nationwide, the agency estimates that there are approximately 143 incidents per day. These objects include everything from hand tools and fasteners to steel beams and wooden trusses. When dropped from heights, even light objects have the potential to cause serious personal injuries to the person they strike. Injuries Caused by Falling Objects Falling objects can cause concussions, contusions, lacerations, and broken bones. They can also cause more serious injuries including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), paralysis, eye/vision loss, […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed specific regulations and policies for equipment, machinery, and mechanical power transmission devices that are often used in maintenance operations, repair shops, and machine shops. There are several requirements for guarding, physical safety, and electrical safety for many types of machines to maximize employee safety. Failure to meet any of these requirements violates OSHA regulations and can result in serious injury to employees or even death in some cases, making it necessary for businesses to adhere to OSHA’s standards. Pre-Operational Procedures for Workplace Machinery OSHA has several pre-operational procedures that employees and supervisors […]
President Trump recently announced a federal hiring freeze that may delay Social Security disability claims for millions of applicants. A Social Security disability attorney can oversee the claims process for individuals with delayed claims and pending appeals. How Long Do Disability Claims Take? There is no set time frame for a Social Security disability claim to be approved or denied. An average disability claim filed with the Social Security Administration (SSA) can take as long as one year to decide. The length of time it takes for SSA to make a disability determination depends on a broad range of variables […]
Many people are turning to ridesharing services to save money on taxis and travel expenses. For many consumers, this convenience comes at a considerable price to physical safety. As these services grow and expand throughout the state, it is a good bet that the number of reported accidents and injuries caused by ridesharing services will rise. Dangers of Ridesharing Uber, Lyft, and Vugo have minimal requirements for their drivers. They are not required to go through advanced drivers safety training or demonstrate that they can safely operate a motor vehicle. Drivers may operate their vehicle while intoxicated, they may have […]
