Recent Blog Posts

Business Owners to be Charged with Felonies for Failure to Purchase Workers' Comp Insurance

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:12:00 GMT

A new bill before the Massachusetts legislature could seriously affect business owners. If the bill is passed, any business owners that do not purchase workers' compensation insurance can be charged with a felony. As it stands now, business owners who fail to purchase the requisite insurance can be charged with a misdemeanor. The increased penalty is a measure that lawmakers hope will spur more business owners to buy the insurance. This money goes into a state fund that is used when workers are eligible to receive compensation benefits.

When a company does not pay into the insurance benefits fund, the rest of the business community ultimately pays when an employee gets injured. This isn't fair for the other businesses that do make their insurance payments on time say bill supporters and legislators. Reports indicate that business owners who do not make their payments can be fined $1,500 and spend one year behind bars. Do you have questions about workers' compensation laws in the state of New York? If so, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund today to speak with a New York workers' compensation attorney from our office that can provide immediate answers.

Missouri Lawmakers Considering Amendments to Workers' Comp Program

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:15:00 GMT

In order to attract more businesses and workers to their state, Missouri lawmakers are working on a new bill. If passed, this piece of legislation will provide coverage for more ailments under the state workers' compensation laws. One of the primary points addressed by the bill is occupational diseases. Under the old laws, workers' compensation lawsuits targeting occupational diseases would normally go to trial. To avoid lengthy court procedures, the new legislation would include occupational diseases as an ailment that would have to be covered by the state's compensation system.

However, injuries sustained in the workplace as the result of another co-worker will not necessarily been covered. If such injuries are caused "purposefully and dangerously," the courts may not award the victim compensation. These types of cases would be limited under the new laws. Since the bill was passed by a Republican led House, lawmakers are wondering if the Democratic governor will sign it into effect or veto it. Do you have questions about the workers' compensation laws in effect in the state of New York? If so, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund today to receive answers to your questions from a knowledgeable New York workers' compensation attorney now.

Tragedy Strikes during Workplace Accident

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:35:00 GMT

Tragedy struck in Fort Mill last week when a man lost his life on the job. As with any workplace accident, the incident is being investigated by multiple parties. The victim, 59-year-old R.B., was working when he was struck by a forklift. Although he was still alive when paramedics brought him to the hospital, he died shortly after due to massive internal trauma. A forensics unit was dispatched to the scene of the workplace accident along with the York County Sheriff's Office. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified of the incident and is likely to send a representative to aid in the investigation.

Further details about the accident are being withheld at this time. However, it is known that the man was working as an independent contractor. His family is not responding to inquiries from the press as they mourn their loss. Have you recently sustained injuries in a workplace accident? If so, you may be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits which will enable you to focus on your recovery while having financial support. To learn more, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund today to set up a time to speak with a New York workers' compensation attorney from our law office.

Workplace Accident Statistics Every Employee Should Know

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 GMT

A workplace injury can happen to anyone, anywhere, in any line of work. Read the statistics below to learn more about workplace injuries and you'll see how prevalent wounds of this nature are in the U.S. Studies show that more than 4.1 million people are injured on the job each year. This amounts to nearly 4.4 cases out of 100 workers. This applies to all types of workplaces, from construction sites to the office. Of those injured, 2 million people will suffer injuries that will be severe enough to keep them from returning to work.

Employees are more likely to be injured at workplaces that employ between 50 and 249 people, or mid-size companies. Businesses that reported the fewest workplace injuries were small companies, those with under 11 employees. A total of $155.5 billion is spent annually on workplace injuries. Since most of these injuries are preventable, that money could be saved if businesses took better care of their employees. Did you sustain an on the job injury? If so, contact a New York workers' compensation lawyer from our team as soon as possible to arrange your case evaluation. A New York workers' compensation attorney can help you file for these benefits and also represent you if you are denied workers' comp.

Fatal Workplace Accident Takes Place at Recycling Plant

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Tragedy struck at a metal recycling plant last week in Savannah, Georgia. A young man lost his life on the job, prompting OSHA to investigate working conditions at the plant. What the OSHA official discovered were several violations that will lead to fines. F.A., 26, was a temporary worker at the recycling plant. Last week he was removing stripping from a piece of wire when he cut his hand. He saw the blood on his head and he fainted, hitting his head on the concrete floor. Although he was taken to a local hospital shortly after, he lost his life just a few hours later.

A representative from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was sent to investigate the plant. The representative with OSHA found 9 violations that were deemed to be "serious." The plant has already been fined a total of $15,697. It is possible that the company will later be sued by the family of the young worker for his wrongful death. If you were injured on the job and are wondering how you can collect workers' compensation until you recover, contact a New York workers' compensation attorney from our firm. With help from a New York workers' compensation lawyer, you can obtain benefits you need to pay your bills and obtain medical treatment so you can heal from your injuries.

Worker Killed during a Logging Accident

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Logging is a difficult job that sometimes takes the life of a worker. One such workplace accident happened last week in Warrensburg which took the life of a 66-year-old man. According to the police report, the victim, M.D., was working with a crew out in the woods when a single log fell off the pile. It rolled down on top of him, pinning him underneath. This was no ordinary log as it was measured at over 2 feet wide.

None of his coworkers actually saw the accident happen. The police believe that M.D. may have laid there for at least one hour before someone discovered him. By that time, he had already passed away. Have you recently been injured in a workplace accident? If so, contact a New York workers compensation attorney from our law firm as soon as possible. When you are injured on the job, you be eligible for workers' compensation benefits from the state. To learn more, you'll want to discuss your accident and injuries with a lawyer from our office.

Court Rejects Facebook Photos in Workers' Compensation Case

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Social media is being used for much more than checking up on peoples' statuses these days. It has been brought into courtrooms across the country, such as the court that is reviewing a case of workers' compensation in Arkansas. The man at the center of the case, 27-year-old Z.C., suffered a hernia while on the job. His lawsuit states that he was seriously injured when a refrigerator fell on top of him. At the time, he was working at a warehouse showroom in Pine Bluff. While he was able to receive temporary total-benefits disability for over a year, he decided to sue his company when they denied him an extension of benefits.

As part of their rebuttal, the company showed pictures of the victim drinking and "partying" that had been posted on his Facebook account. While this stood in the lower court, an appeals court has overturned the right to use these pictures in future court proceedings. Do you have questions about workers' compensation benefits and your eligibility? If so, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund today to arrange a consultation with a New York workers' compensation attorney from our firm who can address your questions.

Wrokplace Accident Leads to Death

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

A family received tragic news over the holidays after a workplace accident took the life of a 41-year-old man near Milaca. The victim was working on the job as a crush operator using a belt system when he was struck in the head. Although emergency medical teams assembled quickly on the scene of the workplace accident, the man lost his life. Police were given the sad task of informing his wife and five children that he left behind.

As with any workplace accident the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will send a representative to examine the scene of the accident. The representative will work with local law enforcement to determine whether the workplace is safe to resume operations.

Have you recently been hurt in a workplace accident? If so, contact a New York workers' compensation attorney from our law office as soon as possible. Once you contact our law office, you'll be able to discuss your case with a New York workers' compensation lawyer who can advise you of your rights and options as a victim.

Man Loses Life While Working on Mushroom Farm

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:30:00 GMT

While you would not think that anything serious could happen on a mushroom farm, it did in one city when one man lost his life while working on the farm. According to the police reports, the construction worker was hit with a piece of equipment. He walked into a front-end loader and was killed instantaneously. The loader was being driven in reverse by a fellow employee who did not see the victim.

At this time, the workplace accident is under investigation by OHSA. It is uncertain whether the man operating the loader will be charged in the accidental death. The identity of the victim will not be released until the next of kin has been notified.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you need to seek legal counsel immediately by contacting a New York workers' compensation attorney. In some cases, you may be entitled to benefits for your workplace injury. To learn more, speak with a New York workers' compensation lawyer from our team today.

Employee Hurt at Steelmaking Company

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT

Tragedy struck at a steelmaking business when an employee became stuck between two stainless steel coils. While the company is not releasing any additional information about the employee or the accident, it is known that police are currently investigating the workplace accident. The company did shut down all productions immediately after the accident and did not reopen for one day. All of the employees, of which there are nearly 1,750, were offered grief counseling through the company at no charge.

Have you recently been hurt in a workplace accident? Is your pain and suffering preventing you from returning to work? If so, you need to seek legal counsel immediately so you can learn more about workers' compensation benefits.

Don't wait to contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund to have your case reviewed by a New York workers' compensation lawyer. Our legal team has helped many people involved in workplace accidents seek justice for their injuries and suffering. We can help you, too!

Retailer Sued for Young Worker's Death

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:40:00 GMT

A young boy killed on the job is now the center of a lawsuit against a major retailer. The 17-year-old employee was operating a floor buffer on a wet floor when it malfunctioned and electrocuted him. Although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, the teen lost his life shortly after.

After investigating the workplace accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Canada has determined that the employer is to be held at fault. Along with one of the boy's supervisors, the company now faces eight civil charges. Three of the charges are against the supervisors.

In the lawsuit, it is said that the boy's death was a result of the company failing to supply an appropriate floor polisher, failing to inspect the garage at least once a month, failure to inspect the polisher and failure to provide employees with the proper training to use the equipment.

If someone you love has been hurt in a workplace accident, you should take the time to contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund as soon as possible. When you contact our firm, we will evaluate your case and let you know which legal options you have at your disposal. Don't wait to get a New York workers' compensation attorney involved in your case.

18-Year-Old Killed during Workplace Accident

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:10:00 GMT

A tragic workplace accident has taken the life of an 18-year-old man who had just started working at the company where he was killed. The young man was apparently working out in a supply yard when a semi truck hit and ran over the man. Emergency workers immediately responded to the accident and the semi truck was even lifted up with a crane in order to get to the injured teenager, but unfortunately it was too late. The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has started investigating the accident. OHSA has seized the truck and placed a stop-work order affecting the immediate area surrounding the accident. The company that employs the young man and the semi truck driver has decided not to comment on the accident until the OHSA investigation is completed.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious workplace accident, an experienced New York workers' compensation attorney may be of great value to you as you seek benefits. To get help from an experience lawyer, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund now to arrange an initial consultation.

Workers' Compensation Explained

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Workers' compensation is a state-by-state insurance program that provides workers with monetary awards and/or benefits if they suffer work-related injuries, illnesses, or accidents. A variety of different circumstances can lead to a person qualifying for workers' compensation. Common injuries that lead to a workers' compensation claims include back problems, slip-and-fall accidents, broken bones, lung disorders, eyesight deterioration, and cancer.

Serious long-term illnesses are usually the result of poor working conditions in factories, mines, or other hazardous workplaces. But injuries can also occur in typical office settings and lead to serious impairment.

If you think that you might have a valid workers' compensation claim, you might be entitled to payments for your medical care expenses, rehabilitation expenses, replacement of your income if your injury permanently affects your ability to work, compensation for training for a new position, or disability payments of up to two thirds of your current wages.

The best way to ensure that your workers compensation claim is handled carefully and that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to is to work with an experienced New York workers' compensation attorney. To learn more, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund now!

Contractor Killed during Workplace Accident

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:30:00 GMT

A swimming pool contractor was seriously injured when his leg became entangled around a cement truck auger. The young man was apparently attempting to fix a clogged feed line in the cement truck. In order to do so, he climbed into the back of the cement truck and apparently got too close to the still-turning auger. Emergency medical services were called in and, fortunately, they were able to remove the man's leg from the auger by reversing the direction of the large drill. The emergency workers were successful at removing the man's leg from the auger without having to amputate any part of the leg.

The contractor was airlifted to the closest hospital for treatment after a tourniquet was placed around his leg. Currently the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating this workplace accident to determine if safety precautions were followed. The accident occurred in the middle of the day when the man and his crew were installing a swimming pool in a residential backyard.

If you've suffered a workplace injury, contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund today to discuss your case with a New York workers' compensation attorney and to find out if you might be entitled to benefits for your injuries.

Benefits for Dependents of Deceased Workers

New York Workers' Compensation Lawyer — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:15:00 GMT

Most people know that if someone they are dependent on is hurt at work, that person can claim workers' compensation in order to recoup some of the financial losses suffered as a result of the injury. Not many people know, however, that if a worker's injuries ultimately result in that person's death, people who are dependent on that person's income can usually claim death benefits from their state.

Most states have a death benefits program built into their workers' compensation benefits. However, the guidelines for collecting death benefits and who qualifies vary from state to state. That is why it is important to hire a New York workers' compensation attorney to help you sort out the complicated matter of death benefits after the loss of a loved one.

In most states, death benefits can be collected by a spouse, child, or other dependent who relied on the financial support of the person who suffered a work-related injury that led to their dad. Some states give greater benefits to people who are considered wholly dependent on the person who was killed. People who are only partially dependent on the person, such as a spouse who also works, can usually claim smaller sums.

A knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney from our firm can help you sort through the complicated matter of receiving any death benefits that you might be due as the result of your loved one's tragic death. Contact Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund today to enlist our help!