Some essential information for those about to start receiving disability benefits

Jul 14 2017

There is perhaps no better moment for someone dealing with an incapacitating injury or illness than the day they learn their application for Social Security disability benefits has been approved. Indeed, it means they now have access to a sort of financial lifeline that they can use to help cover basic necessities. As comforting as it is knowing disability benefits will soon begin, there are a few things that individuals should know about the disbursement process ahead of time. Payments In general, disability benefits are paid on a monthly basis electronically. There are three forms of electronic payment used by…

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Is job insecurity taking a toll on your health?

Jul 07 2017

The unfortunate reality for many workers here in Colorado and across the U.S. is that there will more than likely come a time when they are feeling less than confident about the security of their position. Indeed, anything from a slow quarter or a loss of customers to a merger or rising operational costs can cause both white- and blue-collar workers to wonder whether it’s time to start searching the want-ads. While there is no question that this job insecurity can be stressful, questions arise as to just how detrimental this stress can be to a person’s long-term health. As…

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The occupational hazards of nursing home work

Jul 03 2017

All jobs come with their struggles and hardships, but working in either a nursing home or other long-term care facility carries unique risks. In fact, nursing home workers report more work-related injuries and illnesses than almost any other industry. From safety hazards to difficult working conditions, there are parts of these jobs that are simply hard. Below are just a few of the difficulties these professionals face. 1. Patient to worker ratio Ideally, a nursing home worker would only take care of four or five residents at a time. That rarely happens. With an unbalanced ration of workers to residents,…

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Workers’ Comp Firm Helping Colorado Delivery Drivers

Jul 01 2017

As a delivery driver, you risk your life every day to get packages, produce, lumber and other goods to the right people at the right time. When an accident or injury occurs, you deserve our support. You also deserve to get the money you need to heal and pay for lost wages without a fight. Unfortunately, the work comp insurance industry does not honor your hard work. Instead, they deny claims, avoid giving injured drivers full benefits and create designated provider lists that are not in your best interests. They are, “after all,” a business, and they are not on…

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NSC study puts Colorado in the top five for work safety

Jun 30 2017

The National Safety Council, the nonprofit organization committed to using leadership, research, education and advocacy as a means to eliminate preventable deaths, recently released a fascinating study ranking all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their individual efforts to prevent home, auto and work accidents. Specifically, the report, entitled The State of Safety, provided each state with an overall grade based on the strength of their rules, regulations, laws and policies concerning those issues most responsible for preventable deaths and injuries. It also handed out grades in three separate areas, including road safety, home and community safety, and…

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Resolving work comp disputes: The prehearing conference

Jun 23 2017

When an individual suffers a work-related injury that has left them unable to perform their duties and, by extension, unable to cover the costs of everyday living, he or she will naturally look to their employer’s workers compensation coverage for much-needed relief. What happens, however, when an employer or adjuster makes a critical decision with which the injured worker disagrees, or, worse, the insurer denies work comp benefits altogether?   The good news is that injured workers are by no means at the mercy of uncooperative employers or insurers. That’s because state law grants them the right to request a formal…

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The dangers lurking in summer jobs

Jun 16 2017

Getting a summer job is a great way for a teen to earn money, gain work experience and do something productive. But along with all those pluses come some risks. If you’re a teen and are embarking on the adventure of a summer job, it’s important to understand the dangers you face and do everything to ensure your safety. Statistics about teens injured and killed on the job Young people often work in settings with increased hazards such as restaurants that have cooking equipment and slippery floors. Furthermore, they may not have the experience, training, knowledge, physical strength or (in…

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Understanding the heat-related illnesses that can affect workers – II

Jun 15 2017

In a previous post, we began discussing how even though most of us are welcoming the return of 80- and 90-plus degree days with open arms, it’s nevertheless important to remember that these elevated temperatures can present a very real threat to wellbeing of outdoor workers, including those who earn a living in landscaping, agriculture, construction, and oil and gas. In recognition of this fact and the need to help make the summer of 2017 as safe as possible, our blog discussed the various heat-related illnesses of which workers need to be aware as the mercury climbs. We’ll continue this…

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Gov. Hickenlooper signs Uninsured Employer Act

Jun 08 2017

When it comes to the issue of who is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, the law here in Colorado is explicit: all employers are required to carry this coverage for their employees absent a few specific exclusions. Furthermore, the law declares that both full-time employees and part-time employees are protected by this mandatory work comp coverage, and that neither classification of worker can be required to contribute any portion of their wages toward premiums. As we’ve discussed on our blog, those employers who fail to abide by this requirement can be fined up to $250 by the Division of…

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I Was Fired After a Work Injury. Now What?

Jun 01 2017

It is illegal to fire someone for filing a workers’ compensation claim — and surprisingly common. Some employers break the law. Others watch their injured workers like hawks, making sure they follow every rule, hoping there will be grounds to fire them. Whether you were let go because your injury prevents you from working, or your employer retaliated against you for filing a claim, you can still recover workers’ compensation. Call 303-993-8882 for a free consultation. What Should I Do? Follow these steps to protect your rights and financial security: Retain an attorney as soon as possible. At Alverson +…

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