When applying for Social Security disability benefits, it’s important to fully understand the definition of disability used by the SSA. Your condition has to meet this definition, and you’ll need to back it up with medical evidence. But the definition that the SSA uses is not always the same as what people believe constitutes a disability in their specific case. According to the SSA, the disability needs to last for a minimum of 12 months. That’s how long it has to keep you out of work. It can also be indefinite, meaning that it is eventually expected to lead to your death. But if it is projec ..read more

In addition to causing pain and potential physical limitations, workplace injuries can make your life incredibly stressful. You may worry about mounting medical bills or lost wages. Thankfully, a successful workers’ compensation claim can minimize these hardships. However, you must ensure that your claim accounts for the full harm you suffered and its potential short – or – long-term effects in order to fully benefit from workers’ comp coverage. As such, you may need to ask your medical providers a few questions. Request details about your injuries Of course, your doctor will diagnose your inj ..read more

Ladders are a feature in workplaces across the country. However, they are more likely to be used on construction sites, warehouses and by anyone involved in manual work such as joinery and plumbing. Ladders provide access to areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Unfortunately, ladder falls in the workplace do happen, and they can cause serious injuries. What are some of the most common causes of ladder falls? 1. Overreaching Ladder placement is very important. Workers should place the ladder as close to the work area as possible to avoid overreaching. This is the case even if the w ..read more

The construction industry provides steady employment for many people across Ohio. While this is a positive, there are some drawbacks to the construction sector — namely that it can be dangerous. In construction, there are four types of incidents that are especially dangerous. These are often described as the “Fatal Four”. What are the Fatal Four in construction? Falls Falls are by far the most common causes of accidents in construction. All falls can be serious, but especially those that occur from heights. Workers have to be very careful when on scaffolding platforms and using ladders. Safety ..read more

Nothing can fully prepare you for a workplace accident, although knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial. Taking the proper steps can protect your well-being and your right to receive any support and benefits you are entitled to. Here is what you need to do after a workplace accident to navigate the claims process as smoothly as possible. Seek medical attention Reach out for medical help immediately, even if your injuries seem superficial. Getting checked will give you a clear sense of your condition while providing official documentation or evidence of the nature and extent of your inj ..read more

When it comes to workers’ comp benefits, most injured workers are focused on two areas: lost wages and medical bills. They have suffered immediate injuries – perhaps in a fall at work or in a car accident while they were on the clock – and they have to pay their medical bills. They’re also going to miss work while they’re in the hospital or at home recovering, and they need that income so that their budget will continue to work. When looking at medical bills, it’s common advice to tell people to consider the long-term costs along with the immediate costs. If you’re going to need long-term assi ..read more

Health care is an unquestionably noble profession. Unfortunately, those who work in this industry are not always treated with the respect and care that they deserve. It is, therefore, perhaps unsurprising that a recent survey reveals that a significant fraction of health care workers don’t feel safe when they are engaged in work-related activities. Approximately 25% of the 400 medical professionals and 100 administrators surveyed and interviewed said they don’t feel safe generally when they’re on the job. More specifically, 63% reported concerns that they’ll be injured by patients at some poin ..read more

Construction sites are dynamic environments where safety should be the top priority. Equipping construction workers with the right safety gear is critical in safeguarding their well-being and preventing accidents. If you are a construction worker, you should familiarize yourself with the most essential personal protective equipment (PPE). This way, you can always request what you need each time you start working at a new construction site. Helmets Construction sites are inherently risky, due in part to the potential for falling objects, falls from heights and a host of other equipment-related ..read more

When you’re no longer able to work because of a disabling condition, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are supposed to be there to give you some means of support – but everybody tells you that they’re almost impossible to get. That’s not exactly true. To be certain, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a very restrictive definition of disability, and they don’t make the process easy to get through. However, your odds of a successful claim are probably higher than you think. Roughly 39% of initial claims in Ohio are approved on the first try If you’ve heard the rumor ..read more

In Ohio, employees who suffer an injury or illness on the job are entitled to certain rights and protections under the law. Understanding these rights will help you get what you are entitled to.  Your rights after a workplace accident are found here.  The right to file a workers’ compensation claim Injured workers have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Reporting injuries promptly and accurately is essential to initiate the claims process. The right to seek medical treatment Injured workers have the right to seek medical tre ..read more