The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio resulted in the release of hazardous materials that pose short and long-term health concerns. Residents and cleanup crews say they have gotten sick from contaminated air, soil, and water. Many are demanding answers from railroad operator Norfolk Southern and federal transportation officials. Among their concerns is how they’ll be taken care of if chemical poisoning prevents them from working. One option is to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. If a medical condition related to the derailment is keeping you out of work, you can appl ..read more

Technology has made it easier to access health care services. Telemedicine, or telehealth, allows patients to meet with medical providers over the computer or phone, without the need for an in-person office visit. If you are dealing with a personal injury, workers’ compensation, or Social Security disability claim, telemedicine can be a valuable tool. There might be instances, though, where it’s better to physically meet with a doctor. The Rise of Telehealth Services Telemedicine was originally a way to provide health care to rural communities. But when the pandemic hit, laws around telehealth ..read more

President Biden recently announced that he is taking executive action to pardon those convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. Biden also called on state governors to take similar action and erase state-level offenses for simple marijuana possession. Although recreational marijuana remains illegal in Ohio, 30 cities across the state have decriminalized cannabis. Ohio Democrats are urging Governor Mike DeWine to follow Biden’s example, but his office has noted that Ohio law does not permit him to issue blanket pardons. Anyone seeking a pardon for a marijuana conviction must a ..read more

Collision avoidance technology such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning is credited with reducing traffic collisions and saving lives. But these safety technologies do not replace the driver’s duty of care. And sometimes, the technology itself can cause—rather than prevent—car accidents. Increasing Roadway Deaths: Is More Tech the Answer? Vehicle crashes and traffic deaths have surged in the U.S. since the pandemic. Up until 2019, roadway deaths were generally declining. Then, from around the summer of 2019 to the summer of 2021, there was an i ..read more

Medicine is an imperfect science. While most doctors spend 10 to 14 years honing their skills before entering private practice, they still make mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes result in harm to their patients. But when do errors rise to the level of medical negligence? The injury attorneys at Graham & Graham receive many calls requesting consultations for potential medical malpractice lawsuits. These cases can be complex and challenging to win. Most Ohio malpractice claims result in no payment. Government Data on Medical Professional Liability Doctors and other medical professionals ca ..read more

A popular weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease is the subject of thousands of lawsuits across the country. Paraquat is so toxic that one sip can kill, and the EPA tightly regulates its use. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that paraquat can also damage cells in the brain and might lead to Parkinson’s disease. Lawsuits claim that farmers and agricultural workers were never warned of this risk. Paraquat is widely used across Ohio on crops like corn and soybeans. If you worked in agriculture, used paraquat, and have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you may be eligible for a paraqu ..read more

Shared driveways are a reality for many property owners in rural Ohio. Although a driveway easement can provide benefits, like splitting maintenance and repair costs with a neighbor, it can also be a source of conflict. Disagreements over shared driveway use can reach a stage where friendly resolution no longer seems possible. At that point, you may begin to assess your legal rights and whether you can end, or modify, the shared driveway agreement. If you find yourself in this position, Graham & Graham’s real estate lawyers are here to explain your options. When There Is a Driveway Easemen ..read more

Social Security recipients, including those who receive Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), can expect to see their benefit payments increase nearly 9% next year based on a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The 8.7% Social Security COLA for 2023 is higher than the 2022 adjustment and the highest since 1981. It reflects the strongest inflation in 40 years as Americans are paying more for basics like food, housing, energy, and medical services compared to a year ago. If your benefit claim was denied, Graham & Graham’s Social Security lawyers can help with ..read more

Human error is the cause of nearly all motor vehicle crashes. In traffic, driver mistakes can compound and lead to multi-vehicle car accidents that make it difficult to determine exactly how the crash started and who’s to blame. Untangling the web of fault in a multi-car crash can involve a lot of finger-pointing, conflicting stories, and a lengthy investigation. If you are partly to blame for the accident, it doesn’t mean that you can’t recover compensation from other drivers, but it could reduce the amount of money you receive. Multi-vehicle collisions tend to be legally more complex than co ..read more

When you think of a workplace injury, the first thing that comes to mind may be an accident, such as a fall, slip, or trip. But in fact, workers are more likely to be injured due to repetitive tasks over a long period than they are a sudden trauma. Repetitive stress injuries affect millions of U.S. workers every year and result in significant missed work time. Although injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis should be covered by workers’ compensation when they’re caused by on-the-job activities, it can be harder to prove that these injuries are work-related. Injuries From Repetitiv ..read more