Michael Schultz Law FirmMinneapolis, MN Workers' Compensation Lawyer | Hennepin County Work Injury Attorney2024-01-25T20:00:14Zhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484102024-01-17T16:38:44Z2024-01-17T16:38:44Zfatal four’ is a step towards a safer work environment. These hazards are the most common causes of fatalities in the industry and mitigating them is essential for every worker’s safety.
Falls
Falls are the top cause of construction-related deaths. This risk is prevalent when working on ladders, scaffolding, roofs or any elevated work areas. Key preventive measures include using fall protection systems like harnesses and guardrails. Regular training in fall prevention and the correct use of safety equipment is vital. Ensuring work surfaces are safe and implementing strict safety protocols can significantly reduce fall hazards.
Struck by objects
Being struck by objects is a significant hazard. This includes being hit by falling tools, flying debris or swinging construction materials. Wearing hard hats and other protective gear is crucial to minimize this risk. Ensuring secure fastening of materials and tools, especially when working above ground level, can help prevent these accidents. Workers should always be aware of their surroundings, particularly in areas with overhead activities.
Electrocution
Electrocution, often due to contact with power lines or improper use of electrical equipment, is a prevalent danger in construction. Maintaining a safe distance from power lines and ensuring all electrical tools and equipment are properly grounded is crucial. Regular inspection of equipment for wear and tear and training workers on safely handling electrical devices are essential practices.
Caught-in/between
Caught-in/between incidents involve being caught, crushed or compressed between objects. These accidents can occur in trench collapses, equipment rollovers or near moving machinery. Following proper procedures when working in trenches, ensuring machinery has safety guards, and maintaining a safe distance from operating equipment are necessary to avoid these incidents.
Construction workers who survive one of these incidents should receive immediate medical care. Workers’ compensation should cover related costs, but some workers may have to fight for their due benefits. If so, seeking legal guidance is generally wise.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484092023-10-11T19:56:42Z2023-10-11T19:56:42ZHow much will it cost to treat a traumatic brain injury cost?
The cost will vary depending on everyone’s situation. Some estimate the lifetime cost can range from $85,000 to $3 million. The costs can include:
Emergent medical care. The cost of an ambulance and the emergency response team.
Hospital stay. The injury could result in hospital admission and additional procedures.
Rehabilitation. Similar to physical therapy for other injuries, rehabilitation may be necessary for brain injuries. It may include a mix of physical and speech therapy.
Parents may also need to cover additional expenses, like the potential need to hire a professional to care for the child so the parent can return to work.
What else should we know?
We also know that these injuries can have an impact on the child’s cognitive development. The National Institute of Health released a study that dove into this issue. The researchers looked at the impact of a traumatic brain injury on children ages 12 to 17. The study focused on those who suffered a brain injury that resulted in a loss of consciousness and at least one overnight stay in the hospital. Although those ages 14 to 19 and those under the age of 14 both experienced poorer academic performances compared to their peers, researchers found the results were most severe for the older age group.
It is also important to note that legal remedies are likely available if the accident was the result of another driver’s negligence. These can include compensation to help cover the current and future costs of treatment.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484082023-08-29T03:05:15Z2023-08-29T03:05:15Zworkers’ compensation. The compensation provides financial support for truckers who are unable to work because of their injury. Several types of shoulder injuries can make it difficult to work as a trucker.
Torn rotator cuff
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles positioned around the upper arm bone. The rotator cuff secures the arm to the shoulder blade and makes it possible to rotate and lift the arm. Truck drivers need this ability to do things such as load and unload cargo. If a rotator cuff tendon gets torn, it will cause pain, decreased range of motion and weakness in the arm.
Torn labrum
The labrum helps your shoulder joint remain in place. A torn labrum is a painful shoulder injury that is often caused by overuse or strain. It can also occur if the shoulder already has another injury. Since the labrum helps stabilize the shoulder joint, a torn labrum might feel like the shoulder is moving out of place.
Dislocated shoulder
The shoulder becomes dislocated when the upper arm bone, or humerous, disconnects from the shoulder joint. The upper arm bone moves from its correct position and can end up beneath, in front of or behind the shoulder socket.
These are only a few examples of shoulder injuries that truck drivers can experience. Truckers are prone to shoulder injuries because the job requires tasks that often strain shoulder muscles. A professional medical diagnosis is needed to claim workers’ compensation.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484072023-04-27T16:39:35Z2023-04-27T16:39:35ZTrench safety
Any excavated soils must be at least 2 feet from the trench’s edges. Before anyone enters the trench, hazards, exit routes and protective systems must be identified. Any underground utilities must be marked. A professional engineer must approve the trench if it is deeper than 20 feet. If the trench is longer than 25 feet, there must be a ladder every 25 feet for workers to use when entering and exiting the trench. A competent person must inspect the trench daily to ensure it remains stable.
OSHA Investigations of trench cave-ins
The United States Safety and Health Administration investigates every trench cave-in where a worker is killed. These investigations, which can last up to six months, sometimes result in employers facing hefty fines, and injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation. For example, a contractor near Jarrell, Texas was fined after two workers died. In that case, the contractor had tied two extension ladders together to provide an entry and exit point, failed to inspect the trench before the workers entered and failed to train workers in first aid.
Trench Safety Stand Down Week
Each June, thousands of workers receive special trench training during Trench Safety Stand Down Week, organized by utility construction companies. Approximately 47,000 workers at 4,500 job sites receive this training, usually led by first responders.
Annually, several people are injured or killed in trench cave-ins. OSHA and others are attempting to get the message out on how to be safe when working in and near a trench. In that effort, utility contractors host Trench Safety Stand Down Week each June.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484062023-01-23T20:30:12Z2023-01-23T20:30:12ZCommon causes of workplace eye injuries
Individuals with uncorrected or underlying vision problems are more likely to sustain workplace injuries, and not just for the eyes alone. This is because when someone can't see well, they will try to lean in closer to whatever they are viewing or strain their eyes beyond what is healthy. They may also make miscalculations when handling dangerous tools, resulting in accidents.
Welding torches are also a significant hazard for the eyes, as exposure to intense UV radiation can cause flash burns. Therefore, it's vital for everyone near a welding torch, including bystanders, assistants and supervisors, should wear a welding helmet or glasses with UV protection.
Additionally, chemicals and flying objects can result in painful eye injuries. Employers must provide appropriate safety equipment, such as protective goggles or face shields, when dealing with hazardous materials. In addition, employers should also ensure that guardrails and other physical barriers are in place to protect workers from projectiles flying through the air.
Dealing with eye injuries in the workplace
When injured, an employee should get immediate medical attention, depending on the severity of the injury. If a foreign object is present in the eye, they should not attempt to remove it themselves and instead seek professional help.
If you have suffered eye injuries that led to high treatment costs or had you out of work for some time, you can apply for workers' compensation to recover damages. You can also file a lawsuit against the employer if they were negligent in providing or enforcing safety equipment or regulations.
Safe working is key to avoiding eye injuries, but it's important to remember that prevention and protection are just as important. Employers must provide proper safety equipment and ensure employees use it correctly when dealing with hazardous materials in their workplace. Employees must also adhere to safety protocols to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484042022-10-26T01:14:51Z2022-10-26T01:14:51ZCommon reasons for back pain on the job
Several common factors can contribute to back pain on the job that could be eligible for workers' compensation. These are force, repetition and inactivity. Actions like lifting heavy objects or moving them can exert too much force on your back. When you perform these movements repeatedly, the problem compounds. Other repetitive motions, like twisting or moving your spine into awkward positions, can cause injuries. If you have a desk job, sitting in one place too long without a supportive chair can cause different types of injuries. Aging, obesity and poor physical condition can contribute to back problems.
Preventing work-related back problems
Making several changes during your work day can help prevent or ease conditions leading to back pain. Consider doing the following while working:
Pay attention to posture - When standing, balance your weight on both feet, avoid slouching, and don't place anything in your back pocket when sitting.
Lift properly - Bend your knees and pull in abdominal muscles.
Modify repetitive tasks - Use aids to lift heavy objects and ensure proper position for your computer keyboard.
Listen to your body - Change positions often.
File your workers' compensation claim as soon as possible
Notify your employer as soon as your doctor has diagnosed you with a work-related back injury. You should file your workers' compensation claim within 30 days after the diagnosis.
Insurance companies often try to blame your back injury on other causes. Make sure you keep all medical records and diagnoses to prove your claim.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=484012022-09-07T04:31:31Z2022-09-07T04:31:31ZUnderstanding Vibration White Finger
As the name suggests, vibration white finger (also known as dead finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)) is a condition that can develop from the regular exposure of your hands to vibrating tools. The frequent shaking of your hands for a long period of time could inflame or damage your blood vessels, nerves, muscles and joints.
Factors that increase your chances of developing this condition include:
• Working with power tools for more than five years
• Using tools that emit high levels of vibration
• Wearing tight gloves, which decrease circulation in your hands or fingers
• Having other health conditions, such as diabetes or Raynaud's disease
The symptoms include numbness, tingling and pain in the fingers, as well as weakness in the grip. In severe cases, the fingers may turn white or blue, due to poor circulation.
Preventing HAVS
You can prevent HAVS by using vibrating tools for no more than two hours at a time. You also need to take regular breaks during your shifts to give your hands a rest, or time to recover, from the work you have just done. Moreover, it's important to hold the tool firmly, as a loose grip will increase the amount of vibration your hand is exposed to.
What to do when the damage is done already
If you start feeling tingling or numbing sensations in your hand, it's important to see a doctor immediately. They will be able to confirm the diagnosis and provide you with the treatment you need. In some cases, surgery may be required to improve blood circulation in the affected fingers.
After getting your treatment, you should follow up with your employer to get your workers' compensation benefits. All employees in Minnesota are entitled to benefits, like medical expenses and wage replacement, if they develop injuries at work or as a result of their job.
While there is no exact cure for VWF, the symptoms can be managed with treatment, which may require extra funds from the workers' compensation program.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=475832022-07-12T11:29:26Z2022-05-06T00:10:00ZReasons that new workers get into more accidents
One of the main reasons is that new workers are less familiar with their surroundings. They may not know where the hazards are or how to avoid them. Additionally, they may not be aware of all the safety procedures that they need to follow in order to prevent accidents.
Another reason new workers are more likely to get into accidents is that they tend to feel more pressure to perform. They may feel like they need to prove themselves and take risks that experienced workers would never take. This can lead to them making mistakes that can result in accidents.
Finally, new workers may simply be more careless than experienced workers. They may not have the same level of attention to detail and may not be as cautious.
Steps to take if you are injured on the job
Besides contacting an attorney, the first step should be to inform your employer or supervisor about the accident. You will likely need to fill out an accident report as well. After that, you should seek medical attention if necessary.
If you decide to file a workers' compensation claim, you will need to do so within a certain time frame. It's important to be familiar with the deadlines in your state so that you don't miss the window of opportunity.
Some of the benefits you may be entitled to collect include lost wages, medical expenses, and disability benefits. Just remember that workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so even if the accident was your own fault, you can typically still file a claim.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=475682022-07-12T11:29:40Z2022-01-29T02:05:24ZAppealing SSD benefits
The first step in appealing a denied Social Security disability claim is to file a "request for reconsideration." You can do this by filling out Form SSA-561-U, available on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) website. There is no specific deadline for filing an appeal, but it is generally advisable to do so as soon as possible.
You must gather and provide the evidence necessary to support your appeal. This typically includes medical records and documentation of your work history. You may also want to submit letters from your doctors or other professionals who are familiar with your condition. If you have been denied benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a letter outlining the specific reasons for the denial. Be sure to review this information carefully and address any objections that were raised in your appeal.
Once you've filed your appeal, the SSA will review your case and make a decision. If they uphold the denial, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Do this by submitting a "Request for Hearing" form (Form HA-501), available on the SSA website. The hearing will be held in front of an impartial judge who will listen to both sides of the story and make a ruling.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the administrative hearing, you may file a request for review by the Appeals Council. This can be done by filing Form SSA-561-OB, also available on the SSA website. The Appeals Council will review your case and make a determination based on the information provided. If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you may have the option to appeal to a federal court.
The process of appealing a denied SSD claim can be complicated and confusing if you are unsure of what to do. But with careful preparation and strong evidence, you can increase your chances of success.]]>On Behalf of Michael Schultz Law Firmhttps://www.mikeschultzlaw.com/?p=475672022-07-12T11:29:52Z2021-11-02T01:50:52ZPatients endangering those trying to help them
It's unfortunate that, often, hospital staff like nurses are forced to bear the brunt of their irate patients' frustrations. This abuse is unearned and unhelpful in these professionals' attempts to provide care to their patients. Nurses should be aware of when they are entitled to file a workers' compensation claim.
Sometimes, it doesn't seem to matter how hard a nurse works or how good they are at their job; since most patients are there at the hospital to receive bad news or deal with serious health problems, nurses aren't going to be dealing with people who are at their happiest. This is why, sadly, being assaulted by patients is one of the most common workplace hazards that nurses should be wary of.
A physically laborious job
Another aspect that puts nurses at such a high risk every day they go to work is the sheer physically demanding nature of the job. Since nurses are on their feet all day for extensive shifts, hustling from room to room and often lifting or repositioning equipment or bending over monitors, there's ample opportunity for these health care workers to strain themselves.
Understaffing hurts everybody
A lack of sufficient numbers of health care workers on staff puts added strain on the individual nurses, filling in shifts and picking up extra slack by taking on more jobs than they would normally have to. This might lead to fatigue which often causes workplace accidents, putting everyone at risk of injury and necessitating a workers' compensation claim.
In many ways, nursing is a dangerous line of work. There are countless hazards for those who put themselves on the front lines to keep everyday citizens healthy and safe. Nurses should be aware of the dangers that exist in their workplace to help them be avoided and prevent themselves from becoming another statistic.]]>