What those denied work comp benefits should know about the formal hearing

Jul 29 2017

As much as we would like to think that employers and/or insurers will honor their commitments in the event an employee suffers a serious injury, this is not always the reality. Indeed, the simple truth is that injured persons may find themselves having to fight for the workers’ compensation benefits to which they are otherwise entitled. If there is any good news to come from such a scenario it’s that the law does provide injured workers with several forums through which to attempt to resolve their concerns with an employer or insurer, including a prehearing conference, settlement conference and, of…

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In construction, the shoes make the worker … safer

Jul 21 2017

It’s a mistake that almost all of us have made at some point in our lives: buying footwear for the wrong reasons. Indeed, a steep price drop on a designer brand or an effort to save a bit of money may have caused you to purchase sandals, sneakers, flats or wing tips that were extremely unforgiving on your feet. While it’s one thing to suffer through this discomfort while at the office, gym or a social engagement, it’s another matter altogether when you really don’t have the option of taking the uncomfortable footwear off or even sitting down. For example,…

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Common dangers faced by EMTs and paramedics while working

Jul 18 2017

Each year, thousands of our bravest and finest paramedics, EMTs and other first responders are injured while trying to help the community and do their jobs. Here are three common scenarios that put first responders at risk. Vehicle crashes – A leading cause in fatalities for EMS workers Perhaps the most dangerous peril ambulance drivers and paramedics face while on the job is crashes. Tragedy can strike in the rush to get the patient to a medical center. In fact, statistics show that automobile- and helicopter-related incidents are the leading cause of fatalities amongst those in the industry. Aggressive patients…

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Some essential information for those about to start receiving disability benefits

Jul 14 2017

There is perhaps no better moment for someone dealing with an incapacitating injury or illness than the day they learn their application for Social Security disability benefits has been approved. Indeed, it means they now have access to a sort of financial lifeline that they can use to help cover basic necessities. As comforting as it is knowing disability benefits will soon begin, there are a few things that individuals should know about the disbursement process ahead of time. Payments In general, disability benefits are paid on a monthly basis electronically. There are three forms of electronic payment used by…

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Is job insecurity taking a toll on your health?

Jul 07 2017

The unfortunate reality for many workers here in Colorado and across the U.S. is that there will more than likely come a time when they are feeling less than confident about the security of their position. Indeed, anything from a slow quarter or a loss of customers to a merger or rising operational costs can cause both white- and blue-collar workers to wonder whether it’s time to start searching the want-ads. While there is no question that this job insecurity can be stressful, questions arise as to just how detrimental this stress can be to a person’s long-term health. As…

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The occupational hazards of nursing home work

Jul 03 2017

All jobs come with their struggles and hardships, but working in either a nursing home or other long-term care facility carries unique risks. In fact, nursing home workers report more work-related injuries and illnesses than almost any other industry. From safety hazards to difficult working conditions, there are parts of these jobs that are simply hard. Below are just a few of the difficulties these professionals face. 1. Patient to worker ratio Ideally, a nursing home worker would only take care of four or five residents at a time. That rarely happens. With an unbalanced ration of workers to residents,…

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Workers’ Comp Firm Helping Colorado Delivery Drivers

Jul 01 2017

As a delivery driver, you risk your life every day to get packages, produce, lumber and other goods to the right people at the right time. When an accident or injury occurs, you deserve our support. You also deserve to get the money you need to heal and pay for lost wages without a fight. Unfortunately, the work comp insurance industry does not honor your hard work. Instead, they deny claims, avoid giving injured drivers full benefits and create designated provider lists that are not in your best interests. They are, “after all,” a business, and they are not on…

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NSC study puts Colorado in the top five for work safety

Jun 30 2017

The National Safety Council, the nonprofit organization committed to using leadership, research, education and advocacy as a means to eliminate preventable deaths, recently released a fascinating study ranking all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their individual efforts to prevent home, auto and work accidents. Specifically, the report, entitled The State of Safety, provided each state with an overall grade based on the strength of their rules, regulations, laws and policies concerning those issues most responsible for preventable deaths and injuries. It also handed out grades in three separate areas, including road safety, home and community safety, and…

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Resolving work comp disputes: The prehearing conference

Jun 23 2017

When an individual suffers a work-related injury that has left them unable to perform their duties and, by extension, unable to cover the costs of everyday living, he or she will naturally look to their employer’s workers compensation coverage for much-needed relief. What happens, however, when an employer or adjuster makes a critical decision with which the injured worker disagrees, or, worse, the insurer denies work comp benefits altogether?   The good news is that injured workers are by no means at the mercy of uncooperative employers or insurers. That’s because state law grants them the right to request a formal…

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The dangers lurking in summer jobs

Jun 16 2017

Getting a summer job is a great way for a teen to earn money, gain work experience and do something productive. But along with all those pluses come some risks. If you’re a teen and are embarking on the adventure of a summer job, it’s important to understand the dangers you face and do everything to ensure your safety. Statistics about teens injured and killed on the job Young people often work in settings with increased hazards such as restaurants that have cooking equipment and slippery floors. Furthermore, they may not have the experience, training, knowledge, physical strength or (in…

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