Social Security Disability: why playing by the book pays off

Jan 03 2018

There are many factors that go into determining whether your Social Security Disability (SSD) claim gets approved. Today we’ll examine a few easy and straightforward ways to improve your chances of a successful claim. Follow the law. If you get caught committing fraud for SSD benefits, this is–not surprisingly–a reason to have your benefits denied. The federal government does not take fraud lightly, and they will prosecute. And once you’re behind bars, you’re automatically exempt from SSD. In addition, if a crime you committed resulted in or exacerbated a disability, you will be unable to apply for SSD even after…

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Workplace safety concerns grow in U.S. craft beer industry

Jan 02 2018

Craft beer has been good to Colorado, a state that ranks third in the nation in sales within this industry. But as craft beer’s success has skyrocketed in the past 20 years, so have concerns about workplace safety — an area that until the last few years had been overlooked by some beer enthusiasts turned entrepreneurs. Injuries, even deaths Broken bones after falling from ladders, severe burns due to tank explosions, and sprains caused by slipping on wet floors are only a few of the reported injuries that have taken place at the nation’s more than 5,200 microbreweries, brewpubs and…

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How Do I Qualify for SSDI Benefits?

Jan 01 2018

A person with a medical condition or a combination of impairments preventing him or her from working for at least a year, or expected to prevent him or her from working for at least a year, will likely qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, proving that he or she cannot work is the responsibility of the disabled person. Unfortunately, there are many eligibility issues that can present problems for people who need benefits as soon as possible in order to support themselves and their families. Preventing Setbacks & Challenges At Alverson + O’Brien, we are familiar with…

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Workers’ compensation for Uber drivers?

Dec 19 2017

While it may not have the obvious risks of jobs like fire fighting or working in construction, rideshare drivers have one of the most dangerous work environments in the country. In addition to the usual risks that come with being on the road–usually in urban areas–for long stretches of time, the risks drivers face from unruly passengers have received little media attention. However, rideshare drivers must often contend with different forms of violent behavior from their passengers. If you’re a rideshare driver, the likelihood you’ll be murdered on the job is five times greater than the average of all other…

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By the numbers: Workplace injuries

Dec 16 2017

The population of the Denver metro area keeps growing. According to federal government figures, we have more than 2,800,000 residents, with more expected in coming years. If current trends hold steady, we should top 3 million in population in less than 4 years. As large as our city has become, it is dwarfed by a population growing even faster: the number of American workers who are injured on the job annually. The National Safety Council says that every 7 seconds, a worker is injured on the job somewhere in the U.S. That adds up to nearly 13,000 per day and…

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The effect of workers’ compensation claims on your employer

Dec 07 2017

A mental barrier many employees face when injured on the job is whether or not a workers’ compensation claim is going to hurt their employer. Especially for those who work for small businesses and mom-and-pop shops, there is a fear that one workers’ compensation claim could kill the company. Fortunately, this is not the case – at least not in Colorado. All public and private employers in the Centennial State are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage if they have one or more full- or part-time employees. There are limited exceptions to this rule, so even if you are…

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Tips to prevent back pain at work

Nov 24 2017

Although workplace injuries and accidents sometimes happen in Colorado, physical fatigue from the daily grind is much more common. Many people suffer from back and neck pain at work, whether it’s from too little or too much movement. You might feel incredibly sore at the end of the day simply from doing your job. Soreness from repetitive motion, heavy lifting, or restrictive desk work isn’t the first thing you might think about in regards to workplace injuries. However, these can all lead to serious pain and health problems in the future. You don’t only have to have a physically demanding…

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Construction workers at higher risk for opioid addiction

Nov 22 2017

The opioid crisis that has spread rapidly throughout the United States is now so severe that it is considered a national public health emergency. Much attention has been given to the widespread effect of the crisis, but there is one field where its deadly influence has been largely ignored: The construction industry. Construction work is already one of the most hazardous job fields in the country. Construction workers often face perilous situations that put them at increased risk of workplace accidents and injuries. In addition, it has been determined that construction workers are also at increased risk of opioid addiction….

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Seasonal retail employees have workers’ compensation rights

Nov 15 2017

The holiday season is a hectic time for retail workers. You are often working longer and irregular hours in stores with impatient shoppers while trying to meet the needs of the business. Many retailers rely on seasonal workers during this time to manage the additional load. While working long holiday hours, you risk the possibility of slipping and falling and having items falling on you as you work with a large inventory. If you are taking on a seasonal retail job this year, you have the same rights as a non-seasonal employee when it comes to workplace accidents. Staying safe…

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Accidents happen in the workplace even after safety training

Nov 07 2017

Can you remember the last time you attended safety training at work? It may have been an early morning for you, and the droning voices or late 80s training videos started to lull you to sleep. One elbow is resting on the table, your head resting on your hand, and that’s all it takes to let your attention wander as you struggle not to fall asleep. Safety training may not be the most exciting part of a job, but they are essential to keeping you safe. Your employer should be offering regular instructions to all employees to help avoid workplace…

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