Year: 2015

Work-Industrial

Compensation for back, neck injuries suffered at work in Illinois

Most people believe that employees who have been injured at work deserve to be compensated for their medical treatment and lost wages. However, some injured workers in Illinois struggle to convince their employer and the insurance company providing the benefits that their injuries were caused by completing their job responsibilities. As a result, if you have suffered back or neck injuries as a result of repetitive motions performed at work, you may need the help of the attorneys at Hannigan & Botha, Ltd. to help fight for workers’ compensation benefits. Injuries to the back and neck can have serious consequences. While such injuries suffered in a car accident or traumatic event may be easier to prove, if you were injured at work as a result of repeated …

headlines

Pa. Toxic Tort Settlement Shows Potential Danger in Benzene Exposure Lawsuits

A settlement recently reached between U.S. Steel Corp. and the widow of a Pennsylvania man allegedly exposed to benzene may fuel use of toxic tort lawsuits to sue over benzene exposures….By: Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Time Is Running Out for Social Security Disability Funding

Time is running out for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) is nearing a fiscal cliff. By fourth quarter 2016, nearly 9 million Americans will have their benefits cut by as much as 20 percent. Congress needs to act now. These are just some examples of the headlines we have seen over the past several months predicting a budgetary crisis to the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Let’s move beyond the “Sky is Falling” headlines and identify the real problems. In 2014, the Social Security Trustees released their annual report. This report claimed there will be no major change in the number of people retiring or the number of people claiming disability benefits in the near future. In other words, demand for …

headlines

Texas Supreme Court weekly orders (5/15)

In its weekly orders, the Texas Supreme Court issued one opinion and granted two cases for review. The opinion is in No. 13-0439, Ross v. St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. In this case, a hospital visitor slipped on a wet lobby floor….By: Thompson & Knight LLP

These Are All the Things My Son’s Disabilities Robbed From Me – Yahoo Parenting

Yahoo ParentingThese Are All the Things My Son's Disabilities Robbed From MeYahoo ParentingI've been meaning to write to you for quite some time, but thanks to you two, I've been pretty busy (as you can imagine). Over the years I've cursed at you, yelled at you, cried at you and tried my best to understand you. The more I've learned about …

headlines

Understanding Workers Compensation in Colorado

Worker’s compensation refers to a no-fault insurance program offered by the state of Colorado. The legislation was put into effect in 1915 and is available to the majority of Colorado employees. The guidelines and rules involved with the program continually undergo alterations designed to better accommodate injured workers and take into consideration ever-changing medical practices and treatments. What Is Worker’s Compensation? Workplace injuries cost companies across the country more than $100 billion every year. In exchange for providing employees with compensation for work-related injury, illness, death or lost wages, employers protect themselves from facing more expensive lawsuits. State law mandates that every employee carry workers compensation Colorado insurance. The program serves to compensate employees who become victims of work-related injuries and illnesses. …

headlines

Can You Really Sue City Hall?

Have you ever been to San Francisco’s city hall? Like so many across the nation, it’s huge and beautiful. Inside, past security and a dark hallway, you enter into a bright atrium with a grand staircase and a beautiful dome. But let’s say as you walk up the staircase to get your picture taken, you slip on a puddle, fall backwards, bonk your head, and break a leg. If this happened in a store, you would sue the store owner for your slip and fall. But, can you sue the government for a fall in city hall? Suing City Hall The short answer is yes. (And of course, by city hall, we mean essentially any property that is controlled and operated by some sector of government.) …

Judge: Murder defense cannot claim medical negligence – The Star Beacon

The Star BeaconJudge: Murder defense cannot claim medical negligenceThe Star BeaconOn Friday afternoon, Ashtabula County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Harris reviewed prosecutors' motion to preclude evidence or testimony of alleged medical negligence as an independent intervening cause of death. “It was gross negligence on the part …

headlines

4 potential signs of nursing home neglect

The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that one in three nursing home residents in the United States suffer from neglect. Illinois investigates nursing homes every 15 months or less, but a study by the U.S. General Accountability Office noted…By: Howard Ankin

Road Accidents

Does Having a Misdemeanor Warrant Mean You Must Go to Jail? Probably Not.

Taking action on a misdemeanor warrant may reduce the chances of jail time for most people Continue reading →

Medical Negligence

Can a doctor misdiagnose sepsis?

A medical professional can misdiagnose or fail to diagnose any medical condition if he or she is not diligent. Amongst these is sepsis. This medical condition arises when your immune system reacts, overwhelmingly, to infection. Chemicals released in response to the infection can cause inflammation throughout your body, which can trigger blood clots. Blood flow can be significantly diminished, resulting in oxygen deprivation and damage to organs. This can lead to organ failure and death. Typically, a doctor can spot signs of sepsis by giving you a thorough examination. An increased heart rate, fever, and quickness of breath can all be signs of sepsis. A medical professional might also conduct a blood test to check your white blood cell count and lactate levels. Sometimes an X-ray …

Insurance

Manitoba WCB Highlights Grant Workplace Safety Winners

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) announced the recipients of eight grants in support of projects that will help keep Manitoba (Canada) workers safe and recover from workplace injuries. The funding is part of the WCB’s Research and Workplace Innovation Program (RWIP). This year’s initiatives range from injury prevention projects, to scientific research projects, and health and safety training for newcomers to Manitoba’s workforce. “The Research and Workplace Innovation Program signifies our commitment to ensuring healthier and safer Manitoba workplaces now and into the future,” said WCB President and CEO Winston Maharaj. “By funding scientific research we are expanding our knowledge of workplace injuries, illness and diseases.” The RWIP makes available $1 million each year to fund high-quality scientific …