Permanent Disability

Mar 01 2017

Some work-related injuries have straightforward physical consequences, and available treatment options make a full recovery possible within a few weeks or months. In other cases, a worker may have to confront the possibility that he or she will not be able to return to a prior occupation or may not be able to work at all. Are You Concerned About Your Future Work Capabilities? At Alverson + O’Brien in Denver, Colorado, many of our injured workers’ compensation clients have questions about their future employment and financial stability. What if you cannot return to your former job? What if your work…

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Possible changes ahead in workers’ compensation law

Feb 28 2017

With a new administration in the White House, employees in Colorado and throughout the country may face a number of changes in workers’ compensation laws in 2017 and beyond. While it is not yet clear what effect the Trump administration will have on employees, there are certain parts of the law that are more likely to be changed than others. Change may also occur at the state level, where Republicans control nearly 70 percent of partisan state legislative chambers. Colorado’s legislature splits between the Democratic and Republican parties, so changes may not be as likely as in states that are…

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Why the danger posed by backover accidents cannot be overstated

Feb 23 2017

Anyone who has spent years working on construction sites, in warehouses or at other industrial settings has more than likely developed a sort of sixth sense when it comes to workplace dangers. For example, veteran warehouse workers may instinctively know when a pallet is too heavy for a team lift by sight alone, while veteran assembly line workers may be able to tell when machinery is not functioning properly by sound alone. As much as can be said for this sixth sense, the reality is that there will always be certain hidden dangers facing all workers — regardless of their…

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Can A ‘Culture Of Caring’ Make Workplaces Safer?

Feb 17 2017

While the workers’ comp system protects employees when they’ve been hurt on the job (or due to a work-related cause), preventing injuries in the first place is an even better outcome. While employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for employees, how they get workers to be conscious of safety concerns can vary greatly. A recent interview conducted by EHS Today suggests that one approach, in which a “culture of caring” is created, can prevent injuries, improve employee performance and improve morale in the workforce. Approaches To Workplace Safety Today, there are basically two approaches to workplace safety: Reprimand-based:…

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Three safety tips for marijuana industry workers

Feb 15 2017

Marijuana is an emerging industry in Colorado, and with new business comes new laws and regulations surrounding workers’ rights and workplace safety. Five years after the enactment of Amendment 64, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has released its “Guide to Worker Safety and Health in the Marijuana Industry.” Three cannabis companies have been fined for workplace safety violations since 2012, so the guide is an important first step to minimizing dangers and potential injuries for workers. Employees in the marijuana industry are often tasked with handling chemicals and electrical equipment, both of which can present hazards in…

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Driving injured increases risk of trucking accidents

Feb 13 2017

Trucking is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. From severe weather conditions to careless passenger car drivers on the road, truckers often face unpredictable hazards during the daily drive. Not only are truckers more likely to be injured on the job, but their overall health is often worse than the average worker. Although the causes of injuries and ailments often feel like “just part of the job,” truck drivers can take action to improve their health and safety on the road. A national survey in 2014 found that 88 percent of truck drivers suffered from at least one…

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Understanding more about permanent impairment — II

Feb 08 2017

In a previous post, we began discussing how injured workers who ultimately find themselves unable to return to their old roles or take new positions with modified duties can derive some much-needed comfort from the fact that they may be found to have a permanent impairment, which means they would be eligible for regular benefits. Specifically, we discussed how a physician will make a determination as to whether there is a permanent impairment and, if so, assign one of three different forms, including scheduled impairment, whole person impairment or permanent total disability. If the workers’ compensation insurer agrees with the…

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Who Is Most At Risk For Workplace Injuries?

Feb 03 2017

Whether your job is dangerous or not, there is always the chance that you could be hurt or become ill due to workplace conditions. But many jobs pose only a low risk of such a thing happening, while others are much more likely to lead to a workplace injury. While you may have some ideas about which jobs create this additional danger, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has collected data so that we don’t have to just guess, we can know exactly which workers are most likely to be harmed at work. Which workers are most at risk of…

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Experienced Workers’ Comp Help For Injured Construction Workers

Feb 01 2017

For some people who are injured on the job, workers’ compensation is just a chapter in their lives. Others — including many construction workers — have their lives turned upside down. At Alverson + O’Brien, we want to help you make things right again. That may mean getting you the compensation you need to recover and return to work, or ensuring you receive permanent disability benefits if work is no longer an option. What Every Construction Worker Should Know About Workers’ Comp Here are three things you should know if you are injured on a construction job: It doesn’t matter…

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Fate of certain OSHA regulations remains uncertain under new administration

Jan 31 2017

Whenever a new administration takes control of the White House, questions inevitably swirl around who will be selected to head certain high-profile agencies and what changes in direction are ahead for the next four years. Indeed, stories about the potential leadership and planned course of action for federal agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Environmental Protection Agency never fail to generate considerable headlines. For the rest of the agencies, however, the public excitement is far less, and nascent administrations have historically made them less of a priority during their first 100 days. Interestingly enough, however, legal experts…

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