Workers' Compensation Blog Posts
Dangers of Meatpacking Industry Employment
Although injuries have diminished in the meat and poultry field, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that safety dangers are more insidious than they appear and workers are at great risk of serious injuries. Congressional Democrats requested that the GAO conduct a study to assist the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)…
When Can You Collect Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation in AZ?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 44 percent of Arizona’s workers are not currently employed. In fact, Arizona ranks in the bottom ten U.S. states for percentage of workers who are gainfully employed. Many of Arizona’s employees are not currently working due to heath concerns or disabling injuries sustained…
Construction Fatality at AZ Hospital May Be Wrongful Death
Few industries in the world are as dangerous as the construction industry, as more people are injured and killed in this line of work than in any other profession. Tragically, that reality was once again hammered home when a construction worker was killed while working on a project at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The worker who was killed was not…
U.S. Workplace Deaths Increase by Two Percent
In 2014, the total number of workplace deaths increased by two percent, most notably among contracted, self-employed, and aging workers. Preliminary numbers from the federal government put the 2014 total death toll at 4,679, whereas the 2013 death toll was 4,585. Fatal workplace injuries among women rose 13 percent in 2014, yet these fatalities comprised…
New Mexico Court of Appeals Rules Workers' Compensation Must Cover Medical Marijuana
States around the country are grappling with changing legislation and social attitudes towards medical marijuana. In New Mexico, the states Court of Appeals added to the national conversation by decided that an injured employee was entitled to reimbursement for medical marijuana under the states workers compensation law. Case Background Gregory Vialpando…
8 Common Workplace Violations
Employment laws can vary from state to state, but knowing what your legal rights are in the workplace can help you determine if your employer is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act. From overtime to vacation pay to bonuses, employers are known for violating certain employment laws. Here are eight of the most common workplace violations. Unpaid…
President Obama Seeks Broad Expansion of Overtime Pay
President Obama has announced that he will be seeking a broad expansion of overtime pay. The president will be ordering the Department of Labor to require that businesses pay more overtime to the millions of workers who clock in more than 40 hours a week. Workers such as a fast-food managers, loan officers, computer technicians and others classified…
Palm Trimmer Dies After Being Caught Under Palm Fronds
A Mesa palm trimmer died on Wednesday afternoon after being caught under heavy palm fronds while on the job. Working as part of a landscape crew, the man was trimming palm trees in a private residential area using a belt and spikes to climb the tree. At about 35 feet up in the tree he got caught under the weight of the palm fronds. When co-workers…
Supplemental Benefits under Workers Compensation
When it comes to on-the-job accidents, if theres anything more frustrating than being unable to work, its receiving a reduced paycheck because of your injuries. If you were injured at the workplace and your weekly benefits arent enough, you may be eligible for supplemental benefits. Workers compensation systems differ from state to state, but many offer…
Sustaining a Head Injury at Work
Head injuries can lead to life-changing damage, and can have far-reaching consequences. When a head injury leads to brain damage, the effects can be devastating to the victim and their family. Unfortunately, most head injuries lead to permanent impairment. Commonly, victims will sustain a head injury at work. Workers in a variety of industries are…