Philip J. Fulton

Disabled veterans to get SSD benefits raise in 2019

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

As we begin to wrap up 2018, we start to look towards the New Year and what's next. Every year the Social Security Administration or SSA reexamines the amounts paid to Social Security Disability recipients to determine if the numbers are accurate. Accuracy is based on cost of living, among other factors. In 2019, veterans receiving SSD benefits are going to see a raise in their disability benefits.

Historically, the raise is the largest that disabled veterans have seen since 2012. Veterans are determined a disability rating. The higher the percentage, the more deemed disabled are the SSD beneficiaries and the higher the amount awarded. Veterans with the highest ratings of 100 percent will see nearly a $100 jump in disability pay each month starting in 2019, the largest increase in disability benefits since 2012.

How one proves wrongful death after loved one's work fatality?

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

Losing a loved one tops the list in terms of a person's worst fears. Some unlucky family's fears are confirmed when they get word that their loved one was killed in a fatal accident. How can these things possibly happen? If the fatality happened at work, it could have more to it than a simple work accident - there could be negligence involved.

If negligence contributed or caused a fatal workplace accident, more than workers' compensation could be appropriate. To initiate a wrongful death suit, one will need to prove the following to get a favorable determination. First, the death of a human being must be caused by another's negligence. Next, because of this loss, the surviving family members are suffering and will continue to suffer monetary hardship. Finally, there must also be a personal representative named for any damages awarded.

Which mental disorders are covered by the SSA?

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions on Thursday, November 22, 2018.

A diagnosed medical condition gives a name to a variety of medical symptoms that one may experience on a daily basis. It can also help give a course of action in terms of a treatment plan. However, treating a mental illness is often not a cure. It simply helps one manage the symptoms.

Even if a person is taking all the recommended medical advice and medical prescriptions, mental illness can still be debilitating. So much so, that it makes it impossible to work, or to seek or hold a job. If you or a loved one has been suffering from diagnosed mental illness for a year or more with an inability to work, Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions, could be right for you. Here is a list of medical conditions routinely approved for SSD benefits by the Social Security Administration.

Heavy financial implications for worker's family post-work death

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Thursday, November 22, 2018.

Maybe you've heard the ever-so-often news articles where a worker suffers some event at work, and he or she dies unexpectedly. Maybe you or a loved one or a friend is living that headline. Beyond the emotional shock for a family of suddenly losing a family member, there are usually heavy financial implications for the worker's family. Some of these expenses are immediate in the short term and some of them stem from a loss of income.

Many households are dual-income today. This usually isn't out of ambition on the married couple, more so out of a necessity to make ends meet and provide for themselves and their family. If one income was to suddenly disappear, like it does when a parent passes away unexpectedly in a wrongful death work accident, many families wouldn't be sure how to account for the loss in wages and income for their family.

Veterans can receive expedited processing of SSD claim

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

There are many benefits that are available to veterans and active military members. This is not by accident, as these benefits are well-deserved to those who risk their lives and sacrifice so much for our country. These benefits are not inclusive to benefits associated with Veterans Affairs. The truth is Social Security Disability, which is available to civilians and veterans alike, can provide further benefits for a veteran unable to work due to a physical disability or mental disability.

Some important points to note in which applying for SSD benefits is different than for civilians are the following. It doesn't matter if you were injured on active duty or afterwards, a veteran can receive special expedited processing for a SSD claim. This is true of military members who served active military service on or after Oct. 1, 2001. These benefits can be 'stacked' with other veteran-only benefits. Remember, that a person much be considered unable to work for a long period of time, deemed a year or more, to qualify for SSD benefits.

Returning to your job after a workers' compensation incident

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

A work accident can leave you physically injured and facing financial losses that you may not be able to manage on your own. Through a workers' compensation claim, you can secure benefits that will cover a portion of your lost wages and other financial needs you have. However, for many Ohio workers, they may not be able to return to the same job they had before their injury.

It is possible for your injury and its effects are such that you will be unable to meet the demands of the job you had at the time of your accident. This can be overwhelming, but there are options available to you. Through workers' compensation, you may be able to seek help with finding new employment and reentering the workforce.

Overview of construction accidents and injuries

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace injuries on Friday, November 9, 2018.

Thousands work in the construction sector but not all know the risks or characteristics of the injury that they work in. Often, only after workplace injuries occur, does a worker and their family find out just how dangerous construction accidents and injuries can be. Statistically, construction workers face higher instances of nonfatal injury at work than does the average worker. This means that significant injuries can result and further consequences for the worker.

Because there are so many injuries that can and do befall construction workers, workers compensation claims are fairly common and frequent. For example, in the years between 2005-2007, OSHA totaled the average workers' compensation claims costs for a fall related injury was about $50,383. In comparison, there trades who were injured construction industry, such as roofers and carpenters, the average workers compensation claim was high for carpenters, the average cost was $97,169 and for roofers the average cost was $106,648.

Common risks faced by manufacturing employees

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Some Ohio workers face a higher risk of on-the-job injury because they work in inherently risky jobs. Working in a high-risk occupation, however, does not mean that you do not have the right to a reasonably safe workplace and the training necessary to stay as safe as possible. This is also true for those who work in the manufacturing industry.

Those who work in manufacturing facilities typically have to perform duties around large machinery and equipment that can be dangerous. As someone who works in a high-risk occupation, it may be helpful for you to learn about the most common hazards found in these types of workplaces and how you can keep yourself safe. You may also need to know what to do in case of a workplace accident.

Mental medical conditions can qualify a person for SSD benefits

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

Mental health is equally as important as physical health. That's why if a mental health condition prevents a person from working they could be a candidate to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

Mental illness can mean mental conditions or emotional illness. Just a few common ailments that those who receive Social Security Disability benefits for mental conditions include depression, schizophrenia and anxiety attacks. These are diagnosable medical conditions and have real implications for those who suffer from them, and other mental conditions. It can make it very difficult or impossible to work when suffering from these conditions and under the weight of the symptoms.

Ohio amusement park cited after employee fell in work accident

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace injuries on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

When kids or adults alike think of amusement parks, lots of good memories and good times usually come to their mind. However, for one Ohio employee who worked at an amusement park, this may no longer be the case. After a work accident at an Ohio amusement park, an employee was injured in what OSHA determined a 'preventable' fall. Here's what happened.

The employee was part of a three-person crew working on a skylight within the park. They were removing insulating blankets that covered the roof when the fall occurred. The specific citations from OSHA, after investigation the work accident, claim that the scenario the employees were working in required fall protection systems when employees work at elevated heights, or near floor and wall openings. While the worker's injuries were not elaborated, on, you can imagine what a fall from that height could mean for a person's health.