Misclassifying employees as independent contractors – which is a way for companies to avoid fair employment and compensation rules and regulations – is “one of the most serious problems facing affected workers, employers and the entire economy,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  But it may have just become a little more difficult for companies to deny its workers' fundamental employee rights and benefits. On July 15, 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced new guidance on how to determine who is an independent contractor and who is an employee under the law.  

The holiday season is an exciting, but incredibly hectic time for many. Most people have holiday parties to attend, parties to plan, gifts to purchase and might even have a long road trip planned to visit relatives and friends. 

The joys of spending quality time with friends and family is definitely worth all of the effort and planning. However, the influx of drivers at this time of year creates a great deal of congestion on the roads due to everyone trying to cross off the next item on their holiday agenda, so use these safe driving tips to help keep your travels safe and secure!

Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States.1 About 31,000 Americans are employed as fishers and related fishing workers, and they are subjected to hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long hours, and harsh weather.2 Because there are limited seasons for catching particular kinds of fish, boats may go out despite unfavorable weather conditions, placing workers’ safety at risk.3

Did you know that according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), back injuries account for around 20% of all workplace injuries in the United States? As always, OSHA and other workplace safety administrations are focused on determining what causes serious injuries like these so that in the future, additional injuries can be prevented. So what exactly are the main causes of back injuries?

The Center for Progressive Reform released a Crimes against Workers Database that serves as a valuable tool for safety advocates and others. According to an article in EHS Today, the first-of-its-kind database includes details about 75 incidents involving criminal charges in 16 states.

While an injury is possible in any type of job, there’s no denying that some jobs have higher risks of injury than others. For those working in a high risk job, it is important to know your workers’ compensation rights and understand that every employee is entitled to workers’ compensation if injured on the job, no matter the risk.

After you are wronged or badly injured, your health, your money, and your future may all be at stake. You try to do all you can to recover from a bad situation that is not your fault. You fight your fear and call us for help. Then your lawsuit is finally filed and you can begin to think that this important situation might someday come to an end.

At any given time, one-in-five American adults suffers with a mental health condition that may impacts their daily life. Mental health conditions remain the most expensive health challenge in the nation along with cancer and heart disease. Mental health is the leading cause of disabilities in high-income countries. In the workers’ comp system, mental health conditions have a significant impact on claim and claim duration. 

If you’ve been injured while at work, filing a work injury claim can help get your medical expenses covered through workers’ compensation. There are 5 key steps involved, so knowing exactly what you need to do will help make this process much easier.

Work injuries are not just the result of one-time accidents. Worker’s compensation coverage also covers medical conditions which are related to the job. The American Journal of Epidemiology reports on a study which found that workers in occupations which involved predominantly standing were approximately twice as likely to develop heart disease as workers whose occupations involved predominantly sitting.