Hayward WI Workers' Compensation Law Blog

How can you avoid overexertion while lifting?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workplace Injuries on Tuesday, July 9, 2019.

Laborers in Wisconsin may be at risk of overexertion injuries from lifting heavy objects. If you find yourself doing a lot of lifting as part of your job, it is important for you to learn proper lifting techniques, as well as behaviors to avoid, in the interest of preventing injury.

According to Princeton University, you should work at a steady pace and avoid rushing your lifting activities. You should also avoid working while overly tired. Both speed and fatigue can impair your decision-making abilities and reaction time if something should go wrong. Avoid any behaviors that put you at greater risk while you are lifting. These include extending your arms overhead while holding a heavy object and/or throwing materials, as well as lifting and twisting at the same time.

Types of easements

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Real Estate Title Work on Monday, June 24, 2019.

People who live in Wisconsin might have found their dream home but they should make sure to carefully review the title report and other documentation they receive before making any final decision to complete a purchase. One of the things that prospective home buyers should investigate is whether there are easements on the property. If an easement does exist, it is important to learn what it covers and how it might impact their use of the property.

As explained by The Washington Post, there are multiple types of easements. Some may be identified in a title report, such as with an easement in gross. This type of easement generally grants access to the property by utility companies or other entities. Another easement that might not appear in a title report but that is important to learn about is the easement appurtenant. This allows someone else to use a part of the property to access their property or another location, such as a park or beach. Driveways and other roads may be included in these easements.

What are unfair collection practices?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Bankruptcy on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Life can be stressful when money that you owe goes to collections. You may be contending with phone calls and letters from debt collectors. Sometimes collectors can go to extreme measures to attempt to collect a debt. There is almost nothing more annoying than being woken up early in the morning by a creditor calling you, or repeated phone calls throughout the day. However, constant phone calls are not the only tactic some debt collectors resort to. You and other Wisconsin residents may wonder what is considered normal and what is unfair and abusive.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers are protected by law from unfair, abusive and unscrupulous debt collection methods. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from the following tactics:

Repeatedly calling you on the phone at all hours, including at work
Yelling, using obscenities or making physical threats
Making false claims, such as threatening to have you arrested or claiming to be a government agent
Misrepresenting the amount you owe

Know about problems with a home's title

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Real Estate Title Work on Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

When you purchase a home in Wisconsin, you may think the house is yours as soon as you and the seller agree on a price. However, in order for you to become the legal owner of the house, the title has to be clear. We at Lein Law Offices know there may sometimes be a defect with a house's title and that people may need help clearing up these issues.

There are many reasons a home might have a title problem. According to the Washington Post, there may be a lien on the property, and someone generally has to pay this debt before transferring ownership of the house. This lien might be a contractor's lien if the previous owners had work done on the house. However, this lien might also be in the form of child or spousal support. A house might also have a lien on it if the previous owner was behind on his or her taxes. Additionally, bankruptcy can cause a problem with a house's title. If the previous owner filed for bankruptcy, a court typically has to remove the property from the case so that the title can transfer to you.

Who is eligible for workers' compensation?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, May 17, 2019.

The purpose of the workers' compensation system is to allow both employers and employees to quickly settle claims related to work-related injuries and avoid a lengthy court process. Many workers in Wisconsin who become injured in connection with their jobs are eligible to claim workers' compensation benefits. However, just because you sustain an injury on the job, it does not automatically follow that you should receive workers' compensation.

According to FindLaw, there are certain classes of employees who may not qualify for compensation even after a work-related injury. These classes can include agricultural workers, undocumented workers, domestic workers and seasonal workers. However, it is important to note that regulations governing compensation for workers in these categories vary by state.

What is a muscle strain?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workplace Injuries on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

Muscle strains are among the most common workplace injuries that you may sustain in Wisconsin. According to the Mayo Clinic, muscle strains occur when a muscle or tendon becomes stretched too far while in use. If you do not recognize the phrase "muscle strain," you may be more familiar with the term "pulled muscle," which describes the same condition.

While many muscle strains occur suddenly due to a forceful injury, some muscle strains are chronic, meaning that the injury develops gradually over time due to repeating the same movement over and over.

Responsible Party Hosts Reduce Drunk Driving Risks in Wisconsin

By Matt Lein of Lein Law Offices on Friday, April 26, 2019.

Spring break and the graduation season are upon us, which means more road risks involving young drivers, including an increased risk of drugged or drunk driving.

It's an issue that made news this week after the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard a case to determine whether law enforcement can draw blood without a warrant from suspected drunk drivers in Wisconsin, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, safety advocates continue to push lawmakers to do more when it comes to reducing drunk driving risks in Wisconsin. One proposed measure would make a first-offense DUI a crime. Wisconsin is the only state where it remains a civil violation.

But this spring it will be responsible party hosts that have the greatest impact on road safety, particularly where young drivers are involved. Our injury lawyers in Hayward and Winter encourage you to plan carefully and act responsibly, to avoid turning your celebration into a tragedy.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Accidents a Spring Risk

By Matt Lein of Lein Law Offices posted in Motorcycle Injuries on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

As the snow melts and spring arrives in earnest, we will begin to see more riders on the road. Too many motorists think motorcycle safety messages are aimed at riders. In reality, it is vehicle drivers that are responsible for the vast majority of collisions involving motorcycle riders.

Each year, more than 5,000 riders are killed on the nation's highways and byways, accounting for about 1 in 5 road deaths, despite there being far fewer motorcycles on the road than passenger vehicles. Per mile driven, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates riders are at least 20 times more likely to be killed than automobile occupants.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Winter and Hayward urge drivers to exercise patience and caution when around motorcycles. Allowing a rider to pass before proceeding is typically the safest option when it comes to avoiding the risks of causing a serious or fatal traffic collision.

Wisconsin is a great state for riding and as a result we have a surprisingly high number of serious and fatal motorcycle collisions. Last year, 85 riders died in Wisconsin motorcycle collisions, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association.

Workers Memorial Day honors those affected in workplace accidents

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workers' Compensation on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Not every job is inherently dangerous, as we at the Lein Law Offices understand. Anyone can be injured or suffer a job-related illness, regardless of where they work. Therefore, thousands of people every year are killed in work-related accidents, and millions more are injured or become ill on the job. You and other Wisconsin residents may be interested in learning about the upcoming Workers Memorial Day.

Chances are that you hold a job or someone close to you works, which means that workplace accidents can affect everyone across the country. On April 28, safety advocates and government agencies will honor the lives lost and people affected from work-related accidents and illnesses. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization explains that Workers Memorial Day serves to educate the public about the ongoing issue of workplace safety, as well as to fight for better safety standards and to hold negligent companies accountable for failing to meet standards, which continually results in tragic workplace accidents.

What is osteoporosis?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Personal Injury on Monday, April 8, 2019.

When people in Wisconsin talk about slip-and-fall accidents, osteoporosis is often part of the conversation. Though osteoporosis is not a cause of accidents or falls, it may make the effects of a fall worse if you have it, resulting in fractures and other serious injuries that may not have occurred in the absence of the condition.

According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoporosis occurs when your body breaks down old bone without producing enough new bone to replace it. This causes your bones to become weak, brittle and more susceptible to fracture due to a fall or impact. There are many risk factors for osteoporosis, some of which are within your control. For example, you can help prevent osteoporosis with cessation or reduction of smoking and drinking alcohol, increased calcium intake and regular exercise. However, some risk factors for osteoporosis, such as your family history or your age, are beyond your ability to change or control. Certain medical conditions also increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, though treatment of the underlying condition may help improve your chances of avoiding it.

Your Northern Wisconsin Injury And Title Insurance Resource