Staten Island Workers' Comp and SSDI Law Blog

Injuries can fall anywhere on a large spectrum from relatively minor and non-life-altering, such as minor bruises, to those that can completely alter an individual's life. The latter types of injuries can leave a victim with not only extensive physical limitations but also emotional turmoil, which can be exacerbated by financial hardship. This financial hardship can be caused by massive medical expenses and lost wages due to an inability to work. At least with regard to this aspect, there is good news in that these individuals may be able to recover Social Security disability benefits.

These benefits may be especially important to those who suffer from traumatic brain injuries, as the costs associated with such an injury can be excessive. However, just like with any other injury or illness, in order to qualify as a disability, a sufferer must show that he or she meets certain federal requirements.

Employees across the nation face unpleasant events in the workplace. Some of this could seriously impact their lives, such as a serious accident. A workplace accident can leave an individual with significant injuries, requiring him or her to incur extensive medical expenses and lost wages. As burdensome as this can be, it pales in comparison to the losses suffered by family members that lost a loved one in an on-the-job accident. In addition to the emotional pain and suffering they may face, these surviving family members can face extensive financial losses that can affect them both short and long-term.

Perhaps the one piece of good news for these families is that they may be able to recover death benefits through the workers' compensation system. Under New York law, surviving spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents and even grandchildren may be eligible to receive death benefits depending on the circumstances at hand. These benefits can include funeral costs and lost wages. However, the amount actually recovered varies depending on the circumstances at hand.

As previously discussed in this blog, many Social Security disability claims are denied. There is a variety of reasons for this, but in most instances, disabled individuals are unable to convince a claims adjudicator that his or her medical condition meets federal requirements necessary to be deemed disabled. Other claimants see their claims denied due to their lack of work history or a filing error. Regardless of how it comes about, a denial can leave a disabled person desperate for the assistance they need.

Fortunately, the Social Security disability system has an appellate process. This means that claimants who have had their claim denied can challenge that decision, sometimes at multiple levels, all the way up to federal court. Of course, in order for the decision to be reversed, an individual must put forth compelling evidence as to how he or she meets all federal requirements. To do so, many disabled individuals will need to gather medical records, beneficial testimony and craft strong legal arguments that support their position.

Nursing is a demanding profession, and whether you are an RN or CNA, you likely know that the job is often just as strenuous as it is rewarding. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nursing boasts more nonfatal occupational injuries than any other profession, so medical providers should be proactive in protecting themselves.

There are a number of injuries that nurses might be particularly vulnerable to. If you are a nursing professional who has been hurt on the job, you should be aware of the most common injuries that occur in your field, including these top three. If you have been hurt on the job, though, it is important to get treatment and legal representation.