Torrance California Workers' Compensation Law Blog

What is horseplay in the workplace?

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in workplace accidents on Friday, November 8, 2019.

When at work, employees should be engaged in the task at hand and be concentrating on the work that they have to do. If an employee becomes injured while engaging in a work-related task and damages occur, they will have the right to claim workers' compensation as a result.

Workers have the right to claim workers' compensation even if the reason why they became injured was that they made a mistake. However, if it is believed that the employee was engaging in horseplay when they became injured, they may not be able to successfully gain compensation.

Employer responsibilities regarding workplace safety

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in workers' compensation on Friday, October 25, 2019.

All employees have the right to expect a reasonably safe workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put standards in place that dictate safety regulations across industries. However, it is not always possible to prevent accidents from occurring, and injuries can still occur.

If you have been recently injured in the workplace, you may be disappointed by the way that your employer has handled the situation. After a workplace injury, you should make sure that you consider filing for workers' compensation, and make sure that you understand the responsibilities that your employer has toward you.

Is your disability case under review?

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz on Saturday, October 12, 2019.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits is not always easy. If you have certain medical conditions or difficult situations, the Social Security Administration may fast-track your application. For most people, however, the process of obtaining the financial help they need is long and frustrating. More than half of first-time applicants receive rejections.

Therefore, you may have been relieved when the agency approved your application for benefits. It still meant you had to wait the required time before your money began to arrive, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel during your difficult time. However, if you recently received a notice that the SSA is reviewing your case to determine whether to discontinue your benefits, you may have concerns about your future.

Complications that can result after a ladder fall

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in workplace accidents on Friday, October 11, 2019.

Construction workers often use ladders so that they can conduct their job. Ladders can be used safely, but care must be taken to ensure that they are well-maintained, placed at the correct angle and are not subjected to weights beyond their loading limit. Different types of ladders have different capacities; therefore, workers who use different types of ladders each day should be aware of how to use each one.

If you have been injured due to suffering a fall at work, you will likely be entitled to workers' compensation. The amount of workers' compensation you will be able to claim will depend on the medical bills that were associated with the incident and the amount of time you spent away from work during recovery. You may be able to gain additional benefits if you have become disabled as a result of the injury. The following are some complications that can arise after a ladder fall.

Can I get disability benefits if I work part-time?

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in social security disability insurance on Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

If you have a disability, you likely struggle to work full-time. You may get tired more easily or be unable to physically cope with strenuous work over a long period. If you are struggling financially because of the income you have lost as a result of acquiring a disability, you must have a good understanding of the benefits that you could be entitled to.

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are available for those who are not able to earn a meaningful income due to their disability. There are additional criteria that must be met to qualify.

Can you get workers’ comp for stress?

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz on Sunday, October 6, 2019.

Let’s not kid ourselves, every job has its share of stress. No matter if you work in manual labor or spend your days at a desk, every occupation has something that raises blood pressure and maybe makes you want to tear your hair out. You’ve probably heard of workers’ comp for physical injuries, but is there any merit to filing workers’ comp for stress?

Though some might scoff at the idea of filing for compensation for a mental wound, the answer is more complex than no. It’s a strong “it depends.” Psychiatric damage is significantly harder to prove than physical damage. More specifically, the challenge lies in finding cases where the level of suffering brought to one’s mental health justifies compensation.

Types of workplace safety violations

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in workers' compensation on Friday, September 13, 2019.

You have the right to a safe workplace. If you believe that your workplace presents any unreasonable hazards or health risks, you may want to report this the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Under the law, you have the right to make a report without fear of retaliation.

There are several types of violations of OSHA rules that you should be aware of before making a complaint. The following are some of the most common workplace safety violations under OSHA regulations.

What injury risks do miners face?

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in workplace accidents on Friday, August 30, 2019.

Mining is one of the most dangerous industries. Countless individuals are hurt or killed while working in narrow or hollowed-out workspaces thousands of feet underground each year. Hard rock and coal mines are particularly dangerous. Those who work in these types of environments run a higher risk of getting hurt than others.

One risk that individuals who work in these mines face is being injured in blasting-related accidents. The most serious injuries occur when explosives are detonated to break down rock.

Understanding why your disability benefits claim was denied

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in social security disability insurance on Thursday, August 15, 2019.

Unfortunately, many people struggle to earn an income when they become disabled. This means that they have to look into other options for gaining income, and one of the most obvious options is to try to seek Social Security Disability benefits.

Successfully making a Social Security Disability claim can often be challenging, however. In fact, the vast majority of claims are denied the first time. To be successful in your application, you must be conscientious and consistent. By understanding why your disability claim was denied, you will be better equipped to make another application. The following are some of the most common reasons why disability benefits claims are denied.

Recognizing the first signs of repetitive motion injury

On behalf of Ozurovich & Schwartz posted in workers' compensation on Friday, August 9, 2019.

Repetitive motion injuries are fairly common in a wide range of professions. This is because many workers repeat the same types of movements several times per day while at work. Over time, this can cause injuries, and many cause workers to file for workers' compensation as a result.

If you believe that you are suffering from a repetitive motion injury, it is important that you notify your employer as soon as possible. If you fail to notify your employer in good time, you may lose your right to make a claim. You should also develop a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of a repetitive motion injury, as well as know your rights when it comes to workers' compensation.