Blog

Unsecured boats atop cars can cause crashes

Jul 28, 2016

As we move into mid-to-late summer, many people are trying to get out on the water as much as they can before the weather turns cold. But when their haste means that kayaks or canoes don't get properly secured, tragic accidents can result. Boats are great on water. In the middle of a busy highway, they're much less fun. Last week in Michigan, two kayaks tumbled from the top of a moving SUV. In trying...

Retaliation claims a growing trend in workers’ comp law

Jul 15, 2016

Filing for and securing workers' compensation after an on-the-job injury can be a complicated process in itself. But life becomes even more complicated if you lose your job after filing a claim. Fortunately, it is becoming increasingly common for workers to win cases based on workers' compensation retaliation. Most states have legal provisions that prohibit employers from retaliating against workers' who file for workers' compensation benefits. But proving retaliation can sometimes be tricky; particularly if...

Truck accident fatalities increased in 2015

Jul 13, 2016

According to data collected in a report by the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatalities resulting from truck crashes increased by 4 percent between 2014 and 2015. Overall traffic deaths increased over the same time period by 7.7 percent. While the reasons for the increase in fatalities are still unclear, the report also cited data from the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) showing that drivers traveled 3.5 percent more miles in 2015 than...

Is Obesity A Disability?

Jul 6, 2016

Not unless the condition results from an underlying physical disorder, according to a recent ruling from the Court of Appeals in the Eighth Circuit. In the case in question, a man had been offered a machinist job, contingent on a post-hire medical review. The man, who had claimed on his application to suffer no medical impairments, later lost the job when the medical review revealed that his BMI was greater than 40, which would disqualify him...

Help us help the Union Police Department add a canine officer

Jul 6, 2016

We are proud to partner with the Union Township Police Department to raise funds for the addition of a dual purpose canine to the department. The initial cost of the program exceeds $50,000. We have agreed to match all donations up to a total of $2,500 in order to help the department add the canine officer. The police department proudly serves the residents of Union Township. The addition of a canine would enhance public safety during missing person’s investigations,...

The word “accident” may be going out of style

Jun 30, 2016

Some advocates are pushing journalists and policymakers to stop using the word 'accident' when describing a car crash, believing that the word minimizes the responsibility of the person who caused the crash. With many car crashes being the result of drunken or distracted driving, these advocates may have a point, although the practical implications of switching from 'accident' to 'crash' remain to be seen. Those who don't like the word 'accident' believe that the word...

Does your motorcycle helmet meet safety standards?

Jun 28, 2016

While not all state laws require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, doing so can provide riders an essential layer of protection in the event of a crash. Not all helmets provide adequate protection, however. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). But some riders wear helmets that don’t meet the standard set by the DOT. These helmets function...

Technological advancements may protect construction workers (P.2)

Jun 23, 2016

In our last post, we started a discussion about new technologies that are paving the way for increased construction zone safety. These technologies take a new and exciting approach to keeping our construction workers safe. If we were to think about the typical safety measures we see at a construction zone, we might think about safety cones, signs, and barricades. The way a construction company keeps their road workers safe is regulated by the Federal...

Technological advancements may protect construction workers (P.1)

Jun 22, 2016

Working in the construction industry can be very rewarding. It can be a lifelong career leading to many advancement opportunities. At the same time, construction work can be extremely dangerous. These workers often put their faith in the company they work for as they embark on dangerous projects. They have faith that the company is following all safety procedures and has their workers’ safety as a top priority. Construction workers deserve the best when it...

Why is Scaffolding So Deadly?

Jun 17, 2016

Scaffolding accidents continue to be a major contributor to construction site injuries. According to OSHA, ensuring scaffold safety on construction sites would prevent approximately 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths per year. What is it about scaffolding that makes it so dangerous for workers? In short, there are many things that can go wrong on scaffolding that can lead to falls and serious injuries. Scaffolding instability can lead to collapse, or workers can suffer from a...