EMS workers face injury while treating others’ injuries

Mar 09 2018

In emergency situations, the public relies on emergency medical services (EMS) workers to arrive at the scene and treat any injuries. EMS workers play a crucial role in providing first aid, urgent medical care and transporting patients to hospitals and other facilities. Many of the people who have had their injuries treated my emergency medical personnel rarely consider that these workers often face serious injury themselves—especially while on the job. Like any other occupation, working in emergency medical services poses the risk of injury and illness. The CDC reports that emergency medical services has a higher rate of work-related injuries…

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When Is A Person Considered Disabled?

Mar 01 2018

It is a question that clients frequently ask our lawyers here at Alverson + O’Brien. In most cases, to be considered disabled for the purposes of qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a qualifying medical condition that prevents you from working for at least one year. If you come to our law firm in Denver for a free consultation, our attorneys can help you understand further whether you qualify as disabled and if your condition entitles you to SSD benefits. We can then help you through the process of securing the benefits you deserve. Helping You Understand…

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When workplace safety is a core value only sometimes

Feb 06 2018

Look at a graph of reported work-related deaths in Colorado and you will see a line that is inching up. The most recent data available from the government confirms that 81 people died on the job in Colorado in 2016. That compares with 75 the year before. Most were due to transportation-related accidents. Deaths in the construction industry decreased by 43 percent compared to the toll in 2015. Still, 12 deaths were recorded. Another report from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that Colorado is not alone when it comes to the upward track. Nationally, workplace deaths rose 7…

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Possible Disabling Conditions: SSDI/SSI

Feb 01 2018

The Social Security Administration has a list of impairments it uses to determine if applicants’ medical conditions qualify them for disability benefits. However, this list is not exhaustive. If you have a condition that prevents you from working, and you believe it is as severe as the impairments on the government’s list, contact our law firm for assistance. At Alverson + O’Brien, we are familiar with the possible disabling conditions that could qualify you for SSDI or SSI benefits. We are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the benefits they need to support themselves and their family members when they…

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PTSD soon to be covered by workers’ comp in Colorado

Jan 24 2018

Deputy Sheriff Zackari Spurloff was killed in the line of duty on New Years’ Eve. Spurloff responded to a call in which gunman Matthew Riehl shot over 100 bullets at responding officers before being taken down by the SWAT team. The deadly altercation lasted over ninety minutes. Four other deputies and two civilians were wounded and are recovering from their injuries. For the deputies left behind after Spurloff’s death, the wounds are not just physical. Spurloff had over 1200 people attend a livestream of his memorial service and was considered a hero by his community. Worker’s comp to cover PTSD…

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Alverson & O’Brien talk Workers’ Compensation on this week’s Colorado CLE Podcast

Jan 23 2018

Erika Alverson & Matt O’Brien were guests on the Colorado CLE Podcast this week. In this episode, the group talks about Workers’ Compensation Law in Colorado. Learn about how filing a Workers’ Compensation claim works and what sort of compensation you could expect based on your situation. Colorado CLE Podcast 1/19/2018 – Workers’ Compensation Featuring Alverson & O’Brien If you have any further questions about Workers’ Compensation, or have a potential claim, call our office today to schedule a consultation.

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Denver-area jobs among the nation’s most dangerous occupations

Jan 18 2018

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has an annual, unpleasant ritual. The federal government agency announces the totals for workplace injuries and workplace fatalities. Let’s face it, the only acceptable number of on-the-job injuries and fatalities is zero. Unfortunately, we are headed away from that ultimate goal. The BLS recently reported that for the third straight year, workplace fatalities have risen. The grim numbers always give rise to the question of which occupations are most dangerous. The most dangerous job in America is one familiar to many Colorado families: logger. With more than two-thirds of our state covered in forest or…

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Why injured employees should wait to return to work

Jan 05 2018

An accident can cause you to miss work while you heal. The waiting period can sometimes be the most painful part of the process. You might be the kind of person who needs to feel productive. Alternatively, you might worry about losing income and paying for medical fees. However, you should give yourself plenty of time to rest so that your body can recover. For certain injuries, you might do more damage if you try to rush the healing process. Concussions and brain injuries, for example, can often be the result of a slip-and-fall or car accident. Your brain will…

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Simple injuries at work can onset serious pain syndromes

Jan 04 2018

Fast forward a few weeks after a small injury at work – months later you are now in searing pain and doctors cannot find an answer. You feel burning hot all the time; even in chilly Colorado temperatures. You may be suffering from a case of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). These severe nerve conditions can occur from seemingly small injuries at work that pack a punch to your future. The medical world knows little about CRPS or RSD, so diagnosis and treatment are still relatively experimental. Anyone age 10 to 50 could develop…

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Social Security Disability: why playing by the book pays off

Jan 03 2018

There are many factors that go into determining whether your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim gets approved. Today we’ll examine a few easy and straightforward ways to improve your chances of a successful claim. Follow the law. If you get caught committing fraud for SSD benefits, this is–not surprisingly–a reason to have your benefits denied. The federal government does not take fraud lightly, and they will prosecute. And once you’re behind bars, you’re automatically exempt from SSD. In addition, if a crime you committed resulted in or exacerbated a disability, you will be unable to apply for SSD even after…

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