Hayward WI Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Workers' compensation case complicated by claims

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workers' Compensation on Monday, November 11, 2019.

Workers' compensation insurance is one of the few guarantees in a world full of risks. Wisconsin's requirement that employers can pay for workers' injuries on the job helps make sure that employees aren't an injury away from financial ruin.

The process of determining whether an injury or illness is covered by workers' compensation is relatively simple: If a worker was doing something related to his or her job at the time, the ailment is usually covered. But some cases may end up confused from the point of view of those who decided if compensation applies.

Negligent entrustment in Wisconsin

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, November 7, 2019.

You know that the potential of being involved in a car accident in Hayward is always there, yet you likely still feel comfortable taking to the streets anyway due to the assumptions that other drivers are as safe and responsible as you are. Yet not all are, and even when such drivers indicate their carelessness or incompetence behind the wheel, people still seem willing to allow them access to vehicles. Many have come to us here at the Lein Law Offices after having been involved in accidents with such drivers wondering if there is any way to hold the people who entrusted them with vehicles legally responsible.

There is, thanks to a legal principle known as negligent entrustment. The logic behind this law is that vehicle owners should take care in who they loan their vehicles to. That need for such care is emphasized by them being held liable for any accidents those using their vehicles cause.

How do you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Social Security Disability on Friday, October 18, 2019.

Chances are you know someone who is on disability, and you may think that it is a simple process to apply for and receive Social Security Disability benefits. The truth is a bit more complicated for Wisconsin residents who are disabled and unable to work.

Disabilities that impact one’s ability to work and perform daily functions are not uncommon. In fact, explains the Social Security Administration, about one out of every four Americans will become disabled before they turn 67 years old. Social Security Disability benefits are meant to assist those who are unable to work because of their disabilities, but there are strict rules regarding eligibility. First, you need to be “insured.” This means you worked in jobs covered by Social Security long enough to be able to receive benefits, and you have a condition the SSA recognizes as being a disability.

Find out about the different types of work comp benefits

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workers' Compensation on Wednesday, October 2, 2019.

At Lein Law Offices, we know that the period following a work-related injury in Wisconsin can be a frightening and confusing time. Not only do you need to receive the necessary medical treatment for your injury, but you also need to deal with the bureaucracy involved in filing for workers' compensation benefits. This is not something that you can put off until you feel better. There are time limits that apply, and if you miss the deadlines, you may not be able to collect benefits at all.

It may help to alleviate your confusion if you know more about the different sorts of workers' compensation benefits that are available. There are essentially three, i.e., wage loss, medical expenses and death benefits, and each has its own eligibility requirements.

What are the risk factors for PTSD?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workplace Injuries on Friday, September 13, 2019.

A workplace accident in Wisconsin that poses a genuine threat of death or grievous bodily harm can result in post-traumatic stress disorder. However, you can also develop PTSD from multiple traumatic experiences that happen over time. Therefore, people in certain professions, such as law enforcement or emergency health care, may be at greater risk of developing PTSD than those in other careers.

If you have a particularly dangerous job or experience a traumatic workplace accident, you should know that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is not a foregone conclusion that you will develop PTSD. The condition affects approximately 7% to 8% of the population at one time or another.

Relaxing trucker drive-time rules a threat to public safety

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Personal Injury on Friday, August 30, 2019.

Commercial trucks often substantially outweigh smaller, non-commercial vehicles, and because they are so heavy and massive, they pose more of a threat to Wisconsin motorists than the average car or truck. At Lein Law Offices, we understand that trucker drive-time rules exist to protect motorists from truckers who may operate their tractor-trailers while drowsy or fatigued, and we also recognize that relaxing the current rules dictating truck driver drive times and rest breaks could significantly hinder highway safety.

According to the L.A. Times, many truckers and business owners have long argued for more flexibility when it comes to the hours-of-service rules that currently dictate how often they must stop and rest. Now, the current presidential administration is considering relaxing the rules regarding rest breaks and service hours, even though doing so could be highly detrimental to public safety.

Treating bite injuries in the aftermath of an attack

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Personal Injury on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

When any animal attacks, the bite injuries left behind can have potentially long-lasting consequences. Wisconsin residents who become involved in such attacks may have to deal with painful and extensive recovery periods that leave them emotionally, physically and financially drained.

Mayo Clinic states that animal bites should be treated seriously and quickly due to the threat of infection that they pose. While cat bites are actually typically more likely to become infected than dog bites, a dog bite can still have a serious impact. Canine teeth can get deep below the skin, injecting bacteria into the tissue. If this gets into the fat or even bone, it can cause deep rooted infections that are hard to treat. Some severe cases even result in gangrene or sepsis, which can both be fatal.

What causes workplace injuries?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Workplace Accidents on Friday, August 9, 2019.

Employees in Wisconsin spend a good chunk of time at work. Because of that, it is of utmost importance for these work environments to be safe, hazard-free, and comfortable. But every workplace has its share of dangers. What are some of the most common ones?

FindLaw takes a look at some of the most common types of workplace injuries. They are broken down into seven categories, including:

Repetitive motion injuries
Slip-and-fall incidents
Musculoskeletal injuries
Workplace violence
Burns
Motor vehicle accidents
Machinery or object based injuries

What are the pros and cons of Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

On behalf of Lein Law Offices posted in Bankruptcy on Friday, July 26, 2019.

If you are having financial difficulties in Wisconsin, it is a good idea to consider all your debt-relief options, including bankruptcy, to decide on the course of action that will best serve your situation.

Depending on your income and overall financial situation, you may qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There can be a stigma attached to filing for bankruptcy and specific challenges involved in filing for Chapter 7. However, according to FindLaw, there are ways that it can benefit you as well.

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.

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