How is my medical care covered under work comp insurance? – II

Aug 09 2016

In a previous post, we started discussing how authorized medical providers treating injured workers should seek reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses from an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier once the Admission of Liability has been filed. We also discussed how employers are free to create a list of designated physicians from whom injured workers must seek care and what happens if the employer fails to take this step. We’ll continue this discussion about workers’ compensation and medical benefits in today’s post. What expenses will an injured worker be responsible for covering?   As we mentioned above, all reasonable and…

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Will the SSA review my disability even after benefits begin? – II

Aug 06 2016

In our last post, we discussed how those people who have endured the prolonged and sometimes taxing process of securing Social Security disability benefits should be aware that at some point in the years, months or even weeks ahead, the Social Security Administration will review their medical condition to ensure that they still have qualifying disabilities. We also made clear, however, that notice of this review will be provided in advance, and that disability benefits will only stop if 1) a person’s health has seen considerable improvement and 2) they can work regularly. We’ll continue this discussion in today’s post,…

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Will the SSA review my disability even after benefits begin?

Aug 04 2016

While the process of securing Social Security disability benefits can prove to be time-consuming and perhaps even stressful for many people, these individuals can breathe a much-needed sigh of relief when their checks from the Social Security Administration start to materialize. That’s because they no longer have to worry quite as much about their inability to work preventing them from putting food on the table, keeping the electricity on or just covering the basic necessities. It’s important for people who receive disability benefits to understand, however, that they won’t automatically receive these benefits in the years, months or even weeks…

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Car Accident On The Job? You May Be Entitled To Workers’ Comp.

Aug 01 2016

If you were involved in a car accident while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. In fact, it is in your best interests to seek compensation from both the other driver (through a personal injury claim) and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. You deserve to receive full benefits for your injuries, and that means going after all forms of compensation available to you. At Alverson + O’Brien, we help professional drivers and other workers receive workers’ compensation benefits after on-the-job motor vehicle accidents. We offer free consultations where you can learn how we will put you first and…

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How is my medical care covered under work comp insurance?

Jul 29 2016

As we discussed in a previous post, once an employer’s insurance carrier determines that an injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, it will issue what is known as an Admission of Liability. While this might seem like not much more than a just another step in a seemingly arcane process, it’s actually very significant from the standpoint of medical benefits. That’s because once the Admission of Liability is filed, it means all authorized medical providers will seek reimbursement directly from the insurance company going forward. What exactly does workers’ compensation insurance cover in terms of medical expenses? So…

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How an American icon shifted gears on workplace safety

Jul 27 2016

Whether you are an avid golfer or fisher, reader or jogger, gardener or cook, the opportunity to leave your current job to work for a company that deals directly with your passion is one that you most likely wouldn’t pass up. Indeed, the idea of working for the preeminent American motorcycle company Harley-Davidson probably sounds like a dream come true for those gearheads among us who have a love of all things motorcycles. According to company officials, however, working for the company was more akin to a nightmare in the not-so-distant past owing to a checkered health and safety record….

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How outdoor workers can stay safe in extreme heat – II

Jul 22 2016

In our last post, we discussed how those men and women who work outdoors are susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and took a closer look at these two dangerous heat illnesses in order to help these workers better protect themselves. As it turns out, the need for this discussion has become even more pressing given that much of the nation, including Colorado, is currently in the midst of a major heat wave that has made conditions not just oppressive, but hazardous. In today’s post, we’ll examine some steps that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says employers must…

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How outdoor workers can stay safe in extreme heat

Jul 20 2016

Temperatures across much of the U.S. are expected to spike dramatically over the next few days, including here in Colorado. Indeed, the forecast is currently calling for the Denver metropolitan area to see the mercury rise to as high as 96 degrees by Friday. It’s important to understand that while these high temperatures may seem like nothing more than annoyance for many workers — perhaps resulting in having to make sure the air conditioning is set and some wrinkled clothes — it can nevertheless pose a very serious and potentially deadly health risk for others. If you don’t believe it,…

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Can I secure work comp benefits and disability benefits?

Jul 15 2016

If a work-related injury or illness has left you unable to perform the same duties you once did or unable to perform any duties whatsoever, your foremost concern is understandably how you can offset this loss of income and continue to put food on the table. As we’ve discussed before, those who find themselves in this unenviable position can take solace in the fact that they will likely be able to secure much-needed financial assistance via workers’ compensation benefits. However, they should also be aware that they may be able to secure additional financial assistance via the Social Security disability…

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Understanding what can — and should — happen after a work injury – II

Jul 13 2016

In a previous post, we started discussing how in the immediate aftermath of a work-related accident, it can be less than clear to injured workers how exactly they should proceed if they know they will be unable to return to their duties in the near future. To that end, we began discussing how the law in Colorado requires employees to notify their employer in writing of any and all work-related injuries within four days of the incident. In today’s post, we’ll continue this important discussion. The good news for injured workers is that once this step is taken, the matter…

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