Information Regarding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Injuries And Claim Settlement

In Illinois, injuries related to workplace accidents are on the rise. One of the main reasons for this is people working with machines for long hours in workplaces without adequate safety precautions. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is one such work place related health hazard. Doctors are of the opinion that repetitive use of the hand as in computer usage or equipment operations is one of the significant causes of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

Under the Illinois Compensation law, victims of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome can be sufficiently compensated if diagnosed correctly and if the employer is found to be at fault. There are several situations which can cause CTS injuries, however lack of awareness of the symptoms can result in your claim being deferred by the employer. An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers will explain all legal implications of CTS and what type of compensation you may receive. Since CTS injury cases are not straightforward, the attorneys will liaise on your behalf with your employer or their insurer to ensure your claim is processed successfully.

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :

The symptoms of CTS typically consist of one or more of the following:

• Vague aching of the wrist.
• Ache may or may not extend unto your hand or forearms
• Burning sensations in the thumb and fingers
• Loss of grip

If you have these symptoms, you might consider appointing a Chicago worker’s compensation lawyer to get your rightful compensation.

Causes (Work related): OSHA (Occupations Safety and Health Administration) had conducted a research in the recent past; the result indicated that people who perform tasks that required highly repetitive manual acts or specific wrist movements are more prone to CTS. If you developed CTS due to your job, your employer may be liable for your injury and may be obligated to compensate you. Further, he may be liable to retain your employment throughout your recovery. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help initiate your claim.

Effects of Carpel Tunnel:

Carpel Tunnel can have devastating physical impact on an employee. For some workers the condition may worsen so much that they have to switch tasks or stop working altogether. Also, some insurance companies avoid their clients when it comes to settlements and try to manipulate the claim to suit their case. If you find yourself in such a situation it is always advisable to approach competent Illinois worker’s compensation lawyers. They are in a position to bail you out of the disaster as they are trained to deal with such situations and get the best compensations possible for their clients.

For example, an ophthalmologic surgeon was diagnosed with bi-lateral carpal tunnel syndrome following a traumatic accident. The surgeon carried on with her routine work in the hope of a fast recovery. While the pain stopped, the loss of sensation in her fingers remained. The surgeon was compelled to stop performing all eye surgeries, even though she continued to practice in a non-surgical way. When she submitted the insurance claim the company denied it .She then retained services of a worker compensation attorney who successfully managed to obtain the compensation she deserved.

In the USA, people loose on an average $30,000 on injuries caused due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The expenditure includes medical bills and lost time from work. In some cases, carpal tunnel release surgery is considered, which may not be always covered by health insurance plans. If you are worried about your finances and treatment expenses, meet up with an experienced Chicago worker compensation attorney to discuss your unique case. A skilled Illinois Workers' Compensation lawyer can appropriately estimate the loss and make sure you receive the proper benefits. By utilizing their expertise and knowledge in handling carpal tunnel syndrome cases you can increase the value of your carpal tunnel workmans compensation claim while they present the case in the most constructive way possible. Whether it’s a simple or the most complicated case, a highly skilled Chicago workers compensation lawyer can make sure that you will receive complete compensation from your employer or their insurer, or even a third party.

If you would like to know more about worker compensation laws and claim settlement process related to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, please visit http://www.illinoisworkinjuryattorney.com/ or contact 1- 888-853-4878 to schedule a free consultation.

Occupational Health and Safety: What To Do When You Are Injured At Work

During your employment at any job, your occupational health and safety could be at risk as you may be exposed to back injuries/sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), heavy tool accidents, repetitive stress disorders, slips & falls, cuts, lacerations and fractures. If you have been injured during job you are permitted to get worker compensation benefits, but first it is important to follow these steps:

Get medical care immediately:

- What could seem like a minor injury might end up being a more serious medical problem
- You may choose to visit up to two doctors and any subsequent referrals
- Make sure to provide to your employer, in writing, the contact information of the doctor and hospital that you choose
- You do not have to accept treatment from the health care provider your employer recommends.

Tell the doctor exactly how you got hurt:

- If the doctor recommends work restrictions, make certain you get them documented in writing

Keep your own records

– Record what happened in the accident and indicate if there were any specific physical conditions, such as a wet floor, which may have contributed to your accident

Notify your employer as soon as you can that you have been injured

– If you neglect to notify your place of work within 45 days, you may lose eligibility for workers’ compensation
- Describe all circumstances as accurately as possible, because your employer is likely to challenge your workers’ compensation claim
- Your employer has the right to require that you be evaluated by a particular clinic or doctor of their choosing

Request that your employer reimburse any medical costs and lost wages:

– You are eligible for up to 2/3 your average regular-time wages for the period of time you were unable to work
- Make sure you keep copies for yourself of all documentation, bills, paperwork, doctors’ notes, or anything else related to the injury and its treatment

Additionally, to ensure you have the best chance of receiving workers compensation, contact a lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation, especially if:
1. Your employer does not promptly address your claim
2. Your employer denies your claim
3. You need to pursue permanent disability payments
4. You need to pursue compensation for the workplace death of a spouse or parent

If you or your family suffers from work related injury, your employer-provided insurance company should be providing compensation during your period of recovery. Receiving all worker compensation benefits including lost wages, medical expenses and vocational rehabilitation costs can be rather standardized, but the amount of compensation is dependent upon your average weekly wage and the degree of your incapacitation.

At The Law Office of Bradley Dworkin, our Chicago, Illinois workers’ compensation attorneys have experience in handling all types of work injury related cases. Our attorneys are always ready to fight for you to resolve your case quickly and effectively. Contact us today if your occupational health and safety has been compromised, and we will put our considerable work injury expertise in your corner!

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Are You an Injured Worker Looking to Return to Work? Vocational Rehabilitation and Retraining Options

The object of vocational rehabilitation and retraining is to help people who have suffered an injury or illness rebuild their skills. It may even be possible for an injured worker to return to their previous job. If you have long-term or permanent injury limitations, there is a possibility that you can also be trained and return to work in a different type of job. While laws vary from state to state, you may be entitled to payment for your vocational rehabilitation services through workers’ compensation benefits. Payment may be required from your employer, the state, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, or a combination of these three.

Where to start:
It is the company’s obligation to hire a vocational counselor to retrain you if your doctor finds that you are unable to return to work . However, many insurance companies will simply send you out on job searches for minimum wage employment.

Under Illinois court rulings, three key factors determine if vocational rehabilitation is possible:

1. A reduction in earning capacity is the result of the work-related injury, and evidence shows rehabilitation will have a positive impact
2. The job security of the injured worker is diminished as a result of the injury
3. There is a likelihood that the retraining or rehabilitation will enable the employee to successfully get hired after completing the training.

Under Illinois law, the factors which weigh against vocational rehabilitation include any evidence that rehabilitation has been unsuccessfully tried in the past with the particular injured worker, or that the worker has sufficient skills without rehabilitation that would allow them to return to work.

At this point an injured worker in Illinois should consider consulting with their attorney and hiring their own vocational counselor. A counselor can recommend schooling, apprenticeship programs and retraining rather than simple job searches. The injured worker’s attorney can then petition the Workers’ Compensation Commission to adopt any retraining the injured worker desires. In addition to the basic benefits an injured worker should be recieving, they may be able to be retrained in a new career.

The law offices of Bradley Dworkin has successfully forced many insurance companies to retrain injured workers. Insurance companies are simply interested in minimizing the cost of your claim, but we are here to get you the assistance you deserve. For additional information on pursuing vocational retraining for a return to work, or any work injury inquiry, please contact us today!

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

The Flip Side of Glass Office Space

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Amid a push toward openness in the workplace, more people are working in glass offices or conference rooms. Some 68% of U.S. offices have an "open plan" or "open seating" design, with the desks separated by low or no walls, according to a 2010 survey by the International Facilities Management Association, Houston. The remaining office and conference rooms are often walled in glass.

Why Hire an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

It is common for an employee to feel that they are capable of filing a workers' compensation claim with their employer and receiving full benefits, and that they do not need a workers' compensation attorney. Unfortunately, many of these employees are unaware of what benefits they may not have received, rights that may have been violated, or many other things.

Your employer is responsible for looking out for the best interest of the company, not necessarily the best interest of its employees. A workers' compensation attorney works for you and aims to receive the most benefits possible from your employer on your behalf. Their knowledge and expertise allows them to deal with your employer and their insurance company quickly and efficiently, while you focus on recovering from your work related injury.

Almost every company has an insurance company covering workers' compensation claims. The insurance company, in turn, has in-house legal counsel whose job it is to evaluate your injury and minimize the amount of benefits paid out for your injury. Because the in-house legal counsel is employed by the insurance company, they are acting in the company's best interest – not necessarily in the injured party's best interest.

For this reason, you need your own legal representation. Handling a workers' compensation claim by yourself should not be considered and is not recommended – even if you are an attorney with experience in other segments of the law. Without understanding the legalese, a misstep can cause you to lose all compensation. Your best chance for recovering full benefits is by hiring a workers' compensation attorney.

If you have sustained a work-related injury, you will have your hands full trying to recover from your injury and returning to work if possible. A qualified Illinois workers' compensation attorney will work on your behalf to file a claim and ensure that you receive benefits for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and any other incurred expenses. Contact a qualified workers' compensation attorney in Illinois now.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Gen Y Values Workplace Flexibility

"The traditional eight-hour workday may soon be the exception rather than the rule. New evidence shows that we’re reaching a tipping point in terms of workplace flexibility, with businesses seeing the wisdom of allowing employees — young ones especially — to work odd hours, telecommute and otherwise tweak the usual 9-to-5 grind.

One of the top 12 trends for 2012 as named by the communications firm Euro RSCG Worldwide is that employees in the Gen Y, or millennial, demographic — those born between roughly 1982 and 1993 — are overturning the traditional workday," according to Time.

As more Gen Y employees join the work force, they bring with them expectations about maintaining a work-life balance and workplace flexibility. Technology has made it possible for many of us to work at different times and different locations than was previously possible, which begs the question:

"If I am getting my work done, why does it matter when and where I am doing it?"

An excellent question – and one many employers are responding to by adopting workplace flexibility programs that give employees the freedoms that are valued by Gen Y'ers. And this workplace flexibility goes beyond the "where" and the "when" – it is also the "what", meaning what employees have access to while at work.

It is important to Gen Y'ers to know that they have the freedom to access Facebook and other social media sites at work, as well as anything else (within reason) on the Internet. Employers who place blocks or limits on this usage are a turn-off to younger employees. They want to know that their work ethic and choices are valued and that they are trusted.

Not surprisingly, the companies who have adopted work flexibility programs report higher productivity and worker satisfaction rates than companies with more traditional practices and standards. As a result, Gen Y workers will often choose a more flexible work arrangement over salary or other perks.

Workplace Flexibility May Decrease Work Injury

Another likley effect of workplace flexibility may be decreased incidence of work injury. A flexible work day allows time for employees to take care of themselves – going to the gym to stay fit and manage stress levels or taking breaks throughout the day when needed rather than scheduled. It all adds up to a more balanced individual who is productive and happy – and likely less prone to sustaining a work injury.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

FAA Sued by UPS Pilots Over New Regulations

The AP via Yahoo reports, "United Parcel Service pilots went to court Thursday hoping to make the government include them under new rules designed to ensure airline pilots aren't too sleepy to fly.

Their union, the Independent Pilots Association, filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration one day after the new rules for passenger airline pilots were announced. Cargo carriers are exempt from the rules. The union wants the court to tell the FAA to reconsider including them, too."

Transportation Secretay Ray LaHood has indicated that although UPS and other cargo carriers are not included in the new FAA regulations, it is hoped that they will voluntarily enact the same standards for their carrier pilots. LaHood intends to meet with representatives from the country's top cargo carriers for this purpose.

While the pilots union objects to being excluded from the new FAA regulations aimed at decreasing incidence of pilot fatigue, UPS does not. A statement from a company representative indicates that "One size has never fit all when it comes to crew rest regulations. UPS believes the FAA has recognized this fact and made an appropriate decision in its new rule."

Pilot Fatigue | Work Injury

Pilots work under more stressful conditions than many other workers because they are responsible for multiple human lives during their shift. Additionally, one pilot error – even a minor oversight – can have catastrophic or deadly results. For this reason, it is imperative that airline pilots maintain a healthy lifestyle and get enough sleep to avoid fatigue and work injury. Additionally, pilots can take the follow precautions against pilot fatigue while flying:

• Stay engaged by conversing with other crew members
• High protein meals and snacks are a better choice for keeping energy up than high-fat or high-sugar items
• Drink water or sports drinks to stay hydrated; caffeinated beverages may provide a quick boost of energy if needed
• Take mini breaks to stretch or move about the air craft from time to time if possible
• Keep the temperature in the flight cool to stay alert

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Numbers of Part-Time Workers Near Record Levels

"A near-record number of Americans are working part time, even though they would prefer full-time jobs.

The number of part-timers who really want full-time positions — so-called involuntary part-time employees — has risen from 8.4 million in January to 8.9 million last month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s double the number before 2007," reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our Chicago workers compensation attorneys feel that in an economy where several individuals are watching unemployment rates as a sign of what is to come, this finding is significant. Why? Because it represents people who, while employed, are "under-employed" – which could still be a problem for the economy.

Additionally, Illinois work injury attorneys can tell you that often part-time employees are exempt from benefits like paid sick and vacation days and health insurance. So, what does that mean for workers compensation benefits?

Luckily, in the state of Illinois, almost all workers are covered by workers compensation benefits. According to the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission, "Almost every employee who is hired, injured, or whose employment is localized in the state of Illinois is covered by the law. These employees are covered from the moment they begin their jobs." Good news for part-time employees in the state of Illinois. 

If you or a loved one have sustained an Illinois work injury, contact an Illinois work injury attorney right away. This is especially important if you are a part time employee and either your employer or their insurance company are trying to deny your workers compensation rights due to your part-time employee status. While you may not qualify for other company benefits, you likely have workers compensation rights under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act. An experienced work injury attorney in Illinois will go over your situation and advise you on the best course of action to pursue.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

GI Joe Crewmember Killed on Job

"E! News confirms that Mike Huber, a local man hired as part of the crew for G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation, died on the New Orleans set today after working on a high-powered scissor lift that tipped over.

Virginia Lam, a spokesperson for Paramount Pictures, told E! News, 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Huber family at this time. The safety of our cast and crew is our top priority and the studio is fully cooperating with all investigating agencies as they examine the circumstances surrounding this unusual accident'." 

The film began shooting in New Orleans in August and stars Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum. It is scheduled to be released in June, 2012.

High-Risk Jobs and Work Injury

Our Illinois work injury attorneys know that high-powered scissor lifts likely fall under machinery that require training to operate. For this reason, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have specific guidelines for or all industries, particularly those that have higher than usual risk and accident rates.

Some of the work injuries that can occur when working on scissor lifts include:

• Fall Hazard: Scissor lifts are often extended several feet in the air. If an individual falls from an extended lift, they are likely to sustain serious work injury or even death.

• Instability: Lifts can be unstable work surfaces, particularly when combined with inclement weather (see below). Similarly to above, the fall hazard is substantial, especially when a lift is swaying or tipping. 

• Increased Risk with Inclement Weather: There are specific OSHA guidelines governing wind speeds at which scissors lifts should not be operated, due to the increased risk of the above points.

If you or a loved one work with dangerous machinery similar to high powered scissor lifts, always ensure that you take the proper safety precautions recommended by OSHA. Never use machinery that you are not familiar and comfortable with, and make sure you have received adequate training. Additionally, if for any reason you have concerns about your safety when operating high powered machinery, speak with your employer right away.

Our Illinois workers compensation attorneys know that accidents do happen in the work place. It is our job to help you work with your employer and insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contact our team of experienced Illinois work injury attorneys today.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Bradley S. Dworkin shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Amazon Warehouse Employee Sues Over Working Conditions

AOL Jobs reports, "A report says workers at an Amazon.com warehouse in Pennsylvania who were subjected to sweltering conditions last summer also say they endured frigid wintertime conditions a year ago."

The local paper, the (Allentown) Morning Call has indicated that workers at the warehouse experienced three fire alarm evacuations last November and December, resulting in the necessity for medical attention. Workers were treated for exposure as a result of being outside for several hours at sub-freezing temperatures.

The incidents were reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the corresponding documents were obtained by the Morning Call. In spite of complaints documented in the file indicating that workers were exposed to severe weather conditions – some pregnant or with other medical conditions exacerbated by the below freezing temperatures, "OSHA did not inspect the facility. Instead, it asked Amazon to investigate the matter and report its findings by Dec. 14. OSHA requested that Amazon post a copy of the OSHA letter where warehouse employees could see it," according to the Morning Call report. 

Amazon has indicated that their procedures have been updated to allow re-entry to the building more rapidly after fire alarms. Additionally, the protocol now includes distribution of hats, blankets and hand warmers as necessary.