Feb 10, 2019 | Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation
When you’re out of work with an injury, money can be a top concern. While worker’s compensation benefits cover 2/3 of your regular pay— that extra 1/3 will be missed greatly. You have bills to pay, groceries to buy, and a lifestyle to maintain. Therefore, budgeting post-injury might look a little bit different than it does on a regular basis. For this reason, it can be difficult to make those adjustments, and sacrifices. So, we’re here to help. In fact, we might be able to help you make even more money than you planned on.
Budgeting Post-Injury … and Maybe Making a Little More
Prepare beforehand
Everyone should have a savings account just in case. No one expects to be injured on the job. But, if you have savings to fall back on just in case— that injury will be a lot less stressful to deal with. This sentiment can apply to any circumstance, or unexpected expense. So, don’t save just with injury in mind. Save because anything can happen, at any point in time. Budgeting post-injury starts with preparing for incidentals before an injury ever even occurs.
Sacrifice a few luxuries
Finding small ways to cut your expenses is the first step to making up for the 1/3 of your missed wages. Monthly subscriptions are a great place to start. Maybe you pay for Netflix, Hulu, makeup subscriptions, or another combination of those things. Consider cutting most, or even all, of those expenses until you’re back on your feet. While it’s no fun, budgeting post-injury means getting rid of a few simple luxuries.
Cut the excess
We mentioned that there might be a few ways to even make money while you’re down and out. One great way to do that, is to let go off a few items that serve you no purpose. We’re all guilty of keeping clothes, shoes, bags, or things of the sort that we never use. Consider using some of your extra time to post your clothes or items on sale sites, such as Letgo, Ebay, or Poshmark. By doing so, you can make a little extra money, clear out your closet, and make use of all that idle time. By letting go of those unnecessary items, you might just make budgeting post-injury a little less stressful.
Consider the art of couponing
You’re looking for ways to spend less money than usual— but maintain your lifestyle. So, consider the benefits of couponing. Budgeting post-injury might mean letting go of unnecessary luxuries. However, groceries are essential. But, they are also quite expensive. That’s where coupons come in. Take some time, do some research, and learn from those who do it best. By following certain techniques, you might find that you get certain things at a lowered cost, maybe even free. In fact, some people even find themselves making money.
In short, budgeting post-injury is challenging, but certainly not impossible. When you get creative about saving and making money, you might find that you’re better at it than you thought.
Feb 3, 2019 | Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation
There are plenty of different ways to face injury in the workplace. From a quick sprain, to broken legs, and even lost limbs. However, there are plenty of different injuries that occur in the workplace which you might not see right away. Overexertion injuries, for example, are one means of injury that can occur out of your typical work conditions. Maybe you were more tired that day, or handling a two person job on your own. Whatever the reason, you now have an injury that needs treating. But, what could you have done to prevent it?
Overexertion Injuries Prevention: Worker’s Compensation
Ask for help
Overexertion injuries occur for a number of reasons, but one of the most common— is biting off more than you can chew. It can be easy to get caught up in the swing of things and think you can handle something on your own. However, it’s in those instances that you might find yourself with a sprain, strain, or tear. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and admit when you can’t handle something on your own.
Use correct posture
If you have a physically taxing job, it can sometimes be easy to forget that posture is key to avoiding those overexertion injuries. Furthermore, even if you job isn’t physically taxing— you might find yourself with the occasional heavy lifting. Bend your knees, lift with your legs, and tighten your core. By doing so, you avoid unnecessary stress on your back, and in turn, injury.
Take a break every now and then
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not take a break every now and then. We understand that you work hard, and time is of the essence. However, stopping for a sip of water won’t hurt. In fact, it will keep you hydrated and help prevent fatigue. Your muscles and joints are working hard— reward them with a break every hour or two.
Overexertion injuries come in many different forms. However, the pain is always the same. Therefore, it’s important that you claim them through worker’s compensation. In the event that your employer makes doing so difficult, or begins denying your benefits— reach out to an attorney today.
Jan 31, 2019 | Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation
A work injury can be difficult to overcome both physically and mentally. However, recovery is likely the first thing on your mind. Getting back into the swing of things post-injury is a top concern for most injured workers. You want to go back to work, regain your lifestyle, and go back to your social spheres. But, before you can do that, you have to focus on your health and wellness. That’s where healthy recovery behaviors come into play…
Healthy Recovery Behaviors: Regaining Your Groove
Stick to the recovery plan
Your doctor is a pro at this, and the best way to recover quickly— is to honor their wishes. Every injury is different. Therefore, every treatment plan will be a bit different as well. As an injured worker, you have a duty to get back to 100% as quickly as possible. Furthermore, by doing so, you ensure that your employer does not try to deny you of your worker’s comp benefits. Healthy recovery behaviors vary based on your injury, but this one always remains the same.
Set realistic recovery goals
Being injured heavily hinders your typical quality of life. You might be missing yoga class, a night out with friends, or a few goals you’d set before the injury. Therefore, it’s not unusual for you to feel sad, lonely, or ‘in a funk’. However, finding ways to combat those feelings is a true sign of healthy recovery behaviors.
Therefore, it can be helpful to set recovery goals. Setting goals for yourself, even when they’re small, can help you to feel a sense of accomplishment— and get a few things done along the way. Consider doing your taxes before the deadline, convert your files to digital, or start a donations pile of old clothes you no longer wear. Whatever limitations you have with your injury— honor them, and do not exert yourself. But, a little mental sweat never hurt anyone.
Balance your diet
Give your body the fuel it needs to heal. Vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A/B/C/D, calcium, zinc, and copper can promote a healthy immune system and tissue growth. By choosing the right, health-conscious, foods— you’re practicing healthy recovery behaviors. However, you don’t have to be all disciplined. Balancing your diet also means indulging a little bit as well— however moderation in key.
Healthy recovery behaviors are a practice that any person facing injury should consider in terms of regaining strength and wellness. You want your body strong, your mind clear, and to avoid those injury blues that so many people face. We offer our condolences for this difficult time, and extend our services if you find that you may need them. Every employer is different, and many will do right by you in this event. However, if they do not— we are here for you.
Jan 24, 2019 | Personal Injury, Work Injuries
There are plenty of different types when it comes to personal injury— most of which cover physical injuries. From worker’s injuries, a slip, something falling on you while walking down the sidewalk… In short, anything can happen at any time, no matter where you’re at. This is where premises liability comes in…
Premises Liability: Understanding Personal Injury Law
Premises liability is a concept that covers personal injury cases which result from unsafe conditions on a person’s property. That person might be a friend, a family member, or even a business. But, when you face serious injury at someone, or something, else’s expense— there are laws in place to protect you.
It may be difficult to bring a premises liability case against someone you’re familiar with. But, sometimes, it is the only way to avoid paying hefty medical bills. Furthermore, having this injury and recovery process paid for will make the healing process go much more smoothly.
Owner responsibility
There is a certain lawful standard for property owners. Furthermore, there is a certain level of maintenance law requires to keep your property in safe and working order. While every state varies a bit in their requirements— there is a standard of ‘reasonable care’.
It starts when you receive an invite to someone’s property, or have permission in some capacity. Then, maybe you go, and trip over a broken walkway. You now have a sprained ankle, bruise on your hip, and a cut on your face. When you receive an invite, you expect that you’ll be safe. Therefore, when the property is unsafe, and you face injury, premises liability can come into play.
What falls into a premises liability category?
- slips and falls
- dog bites
- improper maintenance of the property
- faulty conditions which result in injury
- fire
- snow and ice
- amusement park injury
- improper security systems which result in assault
These few incidents don’t capture the entirety of premises liability. However, they do give you a good idea of what goes where. You might be wondering whether or not you have a case for premises liability. In this instance, it’s best to speak with an attorney and explain what happened. By sharing the details, a professional will be able to give you your options. Furthermore, an attorney will help you find your quickest path to reimbursement and recovery.
Jan 18, 2019 | Personal Injury
When you think of personal injury, there are plenty of different things that might come to mind. From taking a tumble in a wet storage room, getting knocked on the head by falling lumber, or even something as simple as a kitchen burn. When it comes to personal injury, it can look plenty of different ways. But, one form of personal injury that many overlook, is injury to your character or mental state. Defamation cases cover defamation of character, slander, and libel. These three different forms of personal injury don’t show on the surface of your skin or in an x-ray. Instead, they hurt your character, business, mental state, or something of the like.
Defamation of character, slander, and libel all cover similar areas. However, there are some differences between the three that many don’t understand… Instead, they hurt your character, business, mental state, or something of the like.
Defamation, Slander, and Libel: A Different Type of Personal Injury
First off, what are these three types of personal injury?
Defamation of Character
Defamation cases cover a false statement, presented as truth, that results in damage to the reputation or character of the person the statement was made about. Maybe a coworker makes a comment that you’re an alcoholic, a thief, or a pervert. For whatever reason, your coworker has made up a lie about you. Now, their words are hurting your reputation and ability to perform your work duties properly. This is defamation of character.
Your coworkers, employers, and other staff are looking at you differently. Therefore, you might want to consider a defamation lawsuit. Keep in mind that these lawsuits are there for when your character takes a hit, not just if you’re angry. If someone comes to you, and you alone, and accuses you of something— that is not enough for a suit. Rather, it has to be a statement, presented as fact, to more than one person.
Slander and Libel as forms of defamation
Libel and slander are more specific when it comes to defamation cases. Slander, for example, covers statements made orally. Defamation can be in any form— from a speech, an email, a blog, or something of the sort. However, slander comes in one form.
Libel is also one aspect of defamation cases. Defamation cases of libel refer to statements put in writing of some sort.
Understanding Opinion and Intent
Two of the most important things to understand when it comes to defamation cases are opinion, and intent. While the lines are thin, there is a big difference between giving your opinion, and defaming character.
Opinion is something that you cannot prove true or false. Instead, it’s merely the way someone feels about you. If someone doesn’t like you, and tells other people that, it’s pesky, but not enough to warrant defamation cases. However, if someone goes around telling others that you break into cars, or assault your spouse— these are accusations of legal wrongdoing. Furthermore, if the statement is entirely false— it can defame you, and you have a case.
After deciding whether this person has either given their opinion, or defamed you, then you have to determine intent. This means that the person who made the statement must have known it was untrue. Or, maybe they told other people before questioning, or even if they were unsure of the truth.
Statements that are untrue can often affect your ability to uphold respect. Furthermore, they can also affect your ability to maintain your reputation, or even to receive promotions. Therefore, you should treat this issue as you would any other personal injury case. You can divide defamation cases into different categories. But, the issues that arise for the victim are all the same. Don’t let yourself fall victim to false statements without penalty.
Dec 23, 2018 | Accident prevention, Personal Injury
One of the most common pastimes for every holiday celebration, is to come together for a meal. No matter if you celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, or nothing at all— these later months are a great excuse to bring everyone together. While a family meal is almost always heartwarming, preparing that meal can bring along some unexpected dangers. Holiday kitchen injuries are quite common, but also quite easy to prevent. So, we’re here to help…
Holiday Kitchen Injuries: Keeping Spirits Bright and Unharmed
Burns
No matter what you’re cooking, burns are always a concern. However, during the holidays, we tend to cook more. Furthermore, we tend to cook larger portions, more frequently, and— with less experience. All of these things increase the chances of holiday kitchen injuries. To avoid burns, keep towels near the stove, wear long, tight sleeves, don’t cook under the influence, and never tend to hot pans or boiling water without an oven mit.
Cuts
You’re chopping vegetables for turkey stuffing, carving turkeys, slicing potatoes, dicing onions for gravy… Chances are, your kitchen set is being put to work this holiday season. As we’ve mentioned, you’re cooking (and cutting) more frequently. Therefore, you are running the risk of receiving one of those holiday kitchen injuries in the form of a cut finger, or worse. Our suggestion? Keep a first aid kit on hand, cut carefully— again, without alcohol in your system. Lastly, you might consider investing in a pair of cut-safe gloves to help further avoid injuries.
Gastro-Issues
One of the lesser considered holiday kitchen injuries, is stomach issues. Once again, we’ll mention those inexperienced chefs in the kitchen. Maybe the turkey was not washed, prepped, and cooked up to standards. Furthermore, maybe a knife, or cutting board, handled raw veggies, slicing a pie, and cutting the turkey. With all of these things in mind, you can see how small, careless mistakes in the kitchen can lead to issues such as food poisoning.
Aside from food-borne pathogens, there’s also the issue of plain, old indigestion and overeating. Upset stomach, diarrhea, indigestion, heart burn… There are plenty of ways that holiday feast can come back to haunt you.
Holiday kitchen injuries are less common than you having a good time with friends and family. However, every year someone’s family member inevitably ends up with a nasty cut, burn, stomach ache, or something of the like. So, cook (and eat) safe… You never know what a moment of carelessness can lead to.
