Although the focus of the study was to get more information opiate addictions, individuals who are seeking opiates for a back injury can give valuable information about the number of people with work-related injuries in Colorado. While it certainly won't capture all of the data surrounding these serious injuries in Colorado, it is a good starting point.
]]> Back injuries can be relatively minor, but it is also possible that a workplace accident can lead to a very serious and potentially paralyzing back injury. It is no wonder that many people who have chronic back pain from work seek out serious painkillers, especially when the injury is particularly severe. Although it is certainly important for a physician to monitor how much of an addictive painkiller an injured employee is taking, the data indicate that workplace accidents are causing considerable back injuries.When a back injury becomes so severe that an employee is no longer able to work, he or she is likely in need of medical intervention. Whether it is a long-term prescription for painkillers or a more invasive procedure, most injured employees will need to apply for workers' compensation benefits to help fund their medical treatment and to cover lost wages during the recovery period.
Source: Insurance Journal, "Opioid Epidemic Plagues Workers' Comp," Denise Johnson and Don Jergler, May 17, 2013
]]>The food industry is one place that many in Colorado may not have thought of as being particularly dangerous, but it is estimated that one farm worker dies every day at work. It is not just farm workers, however; there are truck drivers, employees at food manufacturing plants and warehouse workers who are injured or killed, too. For the families of the men and women killed in the food industry, they will likely need to apply for Colorado's dependency and death benefits.
]]> For the farm workers, there are considerable dangers, including heat and the risk of falls. Moreover, individuals can become trapped in grain silos or electrocuted by irrigation systems. These are just a few of the many different ways in which a farm worker can become seriously injured or killed on the job.While the number of fatal workplace accidents has fallen since the federal Occupational Heath and Safety Administration was founded in 1970, there is still room for improvement. With approximately 4,000 people dying in workplace accidents each year, there is always a way to improve safety.
Source: People's World, "Report: Food on American tables costs a life a day," Mark Gruenberg, April 25, 2013
]]>In order to adjust for seasonal demand, or rapid changes within an organization, companies sometimes hire temporary workers. These workers can contribute to many industries, but sometimes they aren't given the full training a normal employee would receive because they won't be at the company for a long period of time. However, safety training should still be at the forefront of any companies training policies.
]]> These policies can help prevent significant injuries that might occur. Often simple safety measure can greatly reduce the risk of injury, but they only help if an employee, either permanent or temporary, knows that the measure exists.OSHA hopes to increase awareness of injuries to these workers by keeping track of the amount of time temporary workers are supervised on the job, either by a staffing agency or the company using the staffing agency for workers.
If someone is injured on the job, they could be killed or seriously disabled. These injures can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Often temporary workers aren't insured under a health plan by the host employer, but that doesn't mean they should have to bear the cost of a workplace injury. Speaking with an experienced workers' compesation attorney might be a wise decision for anyone who is injured while working.
Source: The Bloomberg BNA, "New OSHA Enforcement Initiative Focuses on Temporary Staffing Agency Workers," Occupational Safety & Health Reporter, May 2, 2013
]]>Physicians involved in the trial recently completed the procedure on the first patient involved in the trial. The doctors took nerve tissue from the participant's leg and used the tissue to grow Schwann cells. Then, they transplanted the Schwann cells back into the patient's body, to combat the paralysis.
]]> The researchers hope the study will eventually be able to help the 1.3 million Americans who are paralyzed as a result of sustaining spinal cord injuries, according to statistics from the Christopher and Diana Reeve Foundation. In addition, the physicians believe the study may be able to aid in creating new ways to treat neurological diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.Unfortunately, at this stage in the trial, there are strict requirements for those who wish to participate. The injured party must have sustained damage to his or her upper and middle back that resulted in a certain amount of paralysis. The study participants will all be between 18 and 50 years of age. In addition, in order for someone to qualify for the trial, he or she must enroll in the study within just five days from the date of the injury.
When someone sustains an injury while on the job, he or she may be eligible to receive workers' compensation payments.
Source: Sun Sentinel, "Doctors seek new subjects after first successful cell transplant," Diane C. Lade, March 14, 2013.
]]>Some states are unable to report deaths in the transportation industry. Others may not cover workplace violence. With this in mind, it is important that anyone in Colorado looking into fatal workplace accidents remember that the number reported may actually be much fewer than the actual number of deaths.
]]> Although it did not happen in Colorado, North Carolina has recently attracted attention for the large gap in the number of deaths reported by its department of labor and the number reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The discrepancy was noted in a recent report by the National Council on Occupational Safety and Health. The organization found that the number of deaths reported by the Bureau was roughly three times as high as those reported by the Department.When researchers delved deeper, they found that the Department of Labor did not have the jurisdiction to report on certain industries, such as transportation. Moreover, there were certain kinds of work-related deaths that were outside its purview.
It is important to remember that the family of anyone in Colorado who is killed in a fatal workplace accident can likely receive death and dependency benefits. Whether these employees' deaths are reported by the Colorado Department of Labor or not, families can work with a death benefits attorney to file for the death and dependency benefits they deserve.
Source: Huffington Post, “North Carolina Workplace Deaths Nearly Three Times That Reported By State: Study,” Jillian Berman, April 30, 2013
]]>In that vein, one state has made a move to make it easier for firefighters to obtain workers' compensation for fire-related cancers. While cancer and other illnesses can make an individual eligible for workers' compensation, employees must prove that there was something at work that caused the illness. This can be very difficult, even when there is a high chance that something in the work environment is responsible. For firefighters who are constantly exposed to carcinogens, smoke and other deadly substances, it may be even more difficult.
]]> But legislators in Michigan are trying to remedy that situation by listing 10 cancers that, if a firefighter is diagnosed with one, he or she will automatically be eligible for workers' compensation. While this may not be happening in Colorado, if it works well, it might make its way west. Currently, the bill is still in the Senate, but it has already cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee with a vote of 3 to 0.Workers' compensation is not a trivial benefit and could be absolutely essential income for someone recovering from cancer. If there is a way to simplify the process without exposing the workers' compensation system to too many fraudulent applications, wouldn't it make sense to do so?
Source: Detroit Free Press, "Firefighters diagnosed with cancer could get workers' comp under proposal," Robin Erb, April 23, 2013
If you would like more information about workers' compensation and Colorado firefighters, please visit our website.
]]>It is true that there are federal protections for older employees, but it is believed that many workers are afraid that if they report injuries that they may face some kind of retaliation. Whether that would be reduced hours, dismissal or some other kind of consequence, older workers may not be willing to tell supervisors that they sustained an on-the-job injury.
]]> On the other hand, some note that older workers likely have a higher rate of unionization, which would allow them to select the companies that have a better safety record. Some also think that older employees may not believe they will get much in workers' compensation benefits.Even though employees may have concerns about reporting an injury and filing for medical malpractice, these resources are available for employees who are injured at work. Consulting a workers' compensation attorney is a good way to determine whether a construction worker would be eligible for benefits and how to protect oneself when filing a claim of an on-the-job injury.
Source: Engineering News-Record, "Senior Moments: Are Older Workers at Greater Risk of Injury?" Erin Richey and Johanna Knapschaefer, March 28, 2013
]]>That is why many employees in Denver may be concerned about a recent announcement recalling roughly 3.4 million vehicles after a manufacturer of airbags admitted that the airbag inflator could catch the airbags on fire. Fortunately, there have yet to be any reported injuries or deaths, but that doesn't mean that an employee may not become injured before he or she can get his or her car fixed. If something like this does happen, he or she may be able to work with a workers' compensation attorney to file for benefits.
]]> Some of the top-selling vehicles in the state and country are being recalled, including the Nissan Maxima, the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla and Camry. In addition, cars manufactured in 2000 or later could be at risk.Nor is this the first problem these car companies have had with their airbag manufacturer. Between 2008 and 2011, 2.8 million Hondas were recalled because the driver airbag was defective. Moreover, between 200 and 2004, 1.73 million Toyotas were recalled because of defects.
It remains to be seen if any Colorado employees will report injuries and apply for workers' compensation from these airbag defects.
Source: Reuters, "Airbag problem forces recall of millions of vehicles," April 11, 2013
Find out more about workplace injuries by visiting our workers' compensation page.
]]>The problem, it seems, is quite complex. Part of the problem is that many immigrants are afraid to report dangerous workplace conditions, fearing retribution. For those employees who are not in the country legally, this could mean that they could be deported from the country and potentially forced to leave their families behind. In addition, when the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration does step in, it is limited in what it can do on behalf of workers.
]]> One of the most horrific stories of late was that of the death of a factory worker originally from Mexico. He had been working at a factory without receiving any training or safety equipment when he was burned on over 80 percent of his body with a mixture of boiling water and acid. Tragically, the atrocious workplace accident did not end there; he was left for 40 minutes before he was taken to a clinic and then to the hospital. Sadly, he died three days later.One of the best ways to improve workers' safety, say individuals fighting for reform, is to make the matter important to the public. Many people fail to recognize that many of the same risks that immigrant workers face are the same ones that low-paid American-born workers face. Trying to improve workplace conditions and safety in general would go a long way to reducing migrant workers' deaths.
Source: The Raw Story, "Temporary and migrant workers face 'systemic' problem of workplace dangers," David Ferguson, March 28, 2013
If you would like to find out more about risks migrant workers face, please see the source above. If you want to learn about how our law firm has worked with family members who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents, however, please visit our Colorado dependency and death benefits website.
]]>But the situation can get even worse when your employer suddenly accuses you of committing workers' compensation fraud. Not only does this carry with it legal ramifications, but it can also mean serious penalties if the claims are found to be true.
]]> Three workers in Oklahoma this month are facing a similar situation after their supervisor accused them of lying about how they were injured on the job. Now the three men must once again prove their case in front of the attorney general in an attempt to prevent their benefits from being taken away.According to a report filed in December 2011, the three men's faces were severely burned after a leaking welding torch caught fire in the plant one month earlier. But in the two years since being granted workers' compensation benefits, the men's employer now thinks that they suffered injury as a result of other means.
In Colorado, we see cases like this all the time. Paying out workers' compensation benefits can get expensive, which is a cost many companies do not want to pay. But regardless of cost to the company, there should be no reason for accusing someone of lying unless there is substantial evidence to say otherwise.
Based on information provided by the men's employer, prosecutors believe that the men actually burned themselves while using small explosives just outside the plant. The employer claims to have discovered what appeared to be explosive materials near the plant and also that there is allegedly no evidence of an equipment malfunction on site.
Depending on how a judge interprets the evidence presented before them, the men could face serious felony charges.
Source: News OK, "Burned workers in Tulsa are charged with workers' comp fraud," Nolan Clay, March 29, 2013
]]>It is undeniable that construction work in Denver County does come with certain risks. Being around that many power tools, construction supplies and heavy machinery could easily cause an accident, serious injury or death. But that is also why employers train employees. It is their responsibility to ensure that they are preparing their workers for a less-than-safe environment by providing them with training and protective equipment to do their jobs. When employers fail to do so, it can cause serious problems on Denver-area work sites.
]]> Granted, we don't know what caused this house to collapse, yet whether it was the fault of the employer, another employee or even the injured employee, it would not matter if he were applying for Colorado workers' compensation. The program is designed to compensate any employee, regardless of fault, for the injuries he or she sustains on the job.It is not yet known what the extent of the construction worker's injuries is, nor whether he is expected to recover fully, but as he does, he may wish to contact a workers' compensation attorney to discuss what steps he must take to successfully file for benefits.
Source: The Houston Chronicle, "Construction worker injured when house collapses," Dale Lezon, March 7, 2013
Stop by our workers' comp for construction workers page to learn more about how to apply for workers' compensation in Denver County.
]]>It is recommended that anyone who is seriously injured in an on-the-job accident, whether it is a construction accident or not, seek medical attention immediately. After that, it is important to consult a workers' comp attorney who can start to determine if the employee is eligible for benefits and what documentation and evidence will be needed to secure those benefits. Trying to get benefits without legal assistance may just cost an injured employee more time and potentially preclude him or her from the benefits he or she is owed.
]]> In this story, a construction worker was airlifted to a hospital after he sustained a very serious injury to his hand. Some reports claim he had partially severed his hand, but there was no official word on exactly what the injury was or what the construction worker was doing prior to his injury. All that was released was that he was severely injured in an on-the-job accident.Regardless of what the injuries are, it is fairly certain that the construction worker will be missing some work before he is able to return.
Source: WIBW, "Worker Airlifted After Accident At Manhattan Construction Site," Lindsey Rogers, Feb. 28, 2013
]]>So, in some states, there are school districts that are allowing staff members to carry guns with them. Of course, these staff members must be trained and, if a staff member is injured during a district-sponsored training, he or she is likely eligible for workers' compensation. And, that is exactly what happened to a school maintenance worker who was recently shot at a gun training.
]]> A school staff person was working with a trainer when his weapon became jammed. The trainer cleared the gun, but when the staff person fired, the bullet ricocheted and hit the employee in the leg. He was rushed to the hospital and is fair condition, but that does not mean that he won't be missing work. In addition, being shot could have some long-term effects on his ability to do his job in the future.If this kind of accident were to happen in Colorado, it is very likely that the maintenance worker would be eligible for workers' compensation. Even though the accident was no one's fault, employees who are injured at work or during work-sponsored activities can apply for workers' compensation benefits. This is one more thing to consider if the Colorado legislature wants to allow school employees to be able to carry guns.
Source: USA Today, "Texas school worker shot in handgun training session," Doug Stanglin, Feb. 28, 2013
If you would like to learn more about this story, please visit our source above. If you would like to find out more about Denver no-fault work injuries, however, you should visit our website.
]]>In this story, a group of restaurant employees were injured when their building was razed by an explosion. Fourteen people were seriously injured in the explosion and fire and at least one person was killed. It is still unknown how many of those injured were restaurant employees and whether the body that was found was that of someone who worked at the restaurant. Emergency medical responders are continuing to excavate the restaurant and look for at least one worker who remains missing.
]]> It is believed that the explosion was caused by someone hitting a natural gas line, but investigators are still looking into who that might have been or what exactly happened. It was reported that gas company employees were on the scene prior to the explosion, but it is clear that they were not entirely sure where the leak was coming from before the restaurant blew up.At the time of the explosion, it appears that only employees were in the restaurant after having sent patrons home. The explosion did damage the strip mall in which the restaurant was located, however, so it is not entirely clear if it was only restaurant employees who were injured in the blast.
Source: USA Today, "Body found in rubble of Kansas City gas blast," William M. Welch and Dough Stanglin, Feb. 20, 2013
Following a workplace injury, many people in Colorado need medical treatment, but are stymied from collecting for their medical bills by a workers' compensation insurance company. Find out how we have worked with victims of on-the-job accidents to get compensation for medical treatment by visiting our website.
]]>In an effort to address these issues, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration asked all oil and gas employers in Colorado and across the country to "stand down." This voluntary work stoppage is an attempt by the federal government to have employers re-examine their safety procedures and look for risks that may cost employees their lives.
]]> There is only so much that the federal government can do to force employers to create safe work environments for their employees. They can mandate employers follow specific safety features as part of their work processes and they can dictate what kind of training is necessary for employees before they operate specific machinery or engage in certain fields, but employers must actually implement these requirements. Though the threat of a hefty fine will certainly scare many employers into complying with federal requirements, not all employers will do what is required of them.When something tragic like a workplace death does happen, however, the surviving family members are left with some options. In many cases, they can file for Colorado workers' compensation dependency and death benefits. Though a sum of money will never bring back a loved one who has died on the job, it can help families transition into a single-income household and allow them to worry about one less thing as they grieve their tremendous loss.
Source: KBTX, "Workplace Deaths Drop - But Not in the Oil Industry," Yang Wang and Lise Olsen, Feb. 10, 2013
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