Philip J. Fulton

A new law could make it safer to work in waste collection in Ohio

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Monday, August 13, 2018.

Ohio readers know some jobs come with a higher risk of injury and on-the-job accidents than others. Men and women who do manual labor could face significant risks to their health while on the job, and it is important to make these occupations as safe as possible. A recently passed law seeks to do just that for people who work in waste collection.

Just a few weeks ago, the governor signed a bill into law that now requires drivers in the state to move over when they are passing trash trucks with flashing lights. This is to improve safety for the men and women who work this job, as well as reduce the chance of unnecessary accidents. If you work in waste collection, you may find it beneficial to take steps to know how to protect your interests in the event of an accident at work.

Applying for SSD? Here's what you need to know

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Qualifying for SSD/SSI Benefits on Friday, August 10, 2018.

No-one wants to be sick or otherwise not in perfect health. It can really put dark cloud over every aspect in a person's life when their health isn't in a good place. When it comes to being able to work, it can be nearly impossible if an illness or an injury has made it nearly impossible to find, keep or show up to a job. Sometimes, one needs to look at the options available to them when working is no longer an option.

One of those options may be Social Security disability benefits also known as SSD. These benefits are available to those who have worked enough hours (and thus contributed enough of their own paychecks) into a system that is federally run. Due to actual disability, the benefits are handed out on a need basis and the worker must also be unable to perform substantial work at other types of employment beyond their current or most recent job. Medical records can help to prove the validity of your claim.

Ohio man working on factory tower falls to his death

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

Construction workers often perform their job duties at tall heights, whether they are erecting a building or taking one down. While there are measures that can be taken to prevent workers from being injured when working at heights, sometimes falls occur with disastrous results.

According to a recent report from the Columbus Dispatch, a worker in Ohio attempting to deconstruct a tower has lost his life after falling to his death. The deceased was working at a former manufacturing site when the incident occurred in the mid-morning hours. He was declared dead at the scene of the incident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, and according to a spokeswoman, the man was working for a demolition company when he died.

Studies show trends, probability for worker injury

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

Accidents happen -- or, so they say. While there are freak accidents not associated with any fault, rarely does this happen in the workplace. The truth is, most work accidents and injuries are entirely preventable. This is why it is so important to track emerging trends in workplace accidents and injuries to determine where problems lie in the workplace. One or several overseeing bodies, such as OSHA, can set regulations for employers to help prevent these workplace accidents and their resounding injuries from occurring.

However, just because a regulation is in place does not mean an employer will follow it correctly. Worker training, machine maintenance and other factors can cause an Ohio worker to become injured, through no fault of their own.

Preventable hazards threatening safety of construction workers

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Sunday, July 22, 2018.

Ohio workers know construction sites can be risky places to work. From heavy equipment to working from heights, there are various risks associated with working in this particular industry. While this can be a hazardous occupation, the men and women who work on these sites have the right to a reasonable expectation for safety.

It is the responsibility of the employer, site manager and construction company to ensure the elimination of all unnecessary hazards and dangers. One of the most effective ways to do this is by understanding common construction site hazards and taking steps to reduce accidents. Safety standards and enforcement are crucial to the well-being of construction workers.

Depression may qualify an applicant for disability benefits

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Conditions on Friday, July 20, 2018.

Depression is a serious mental illness that can deprive a person of their ability to enjoy life, maintain their health and hold down a job. Ohio residents who struggle with depression understand the severe impact that it can have on one's own life and that of their family. In some situations, depression may be so serious that it qualifies its victims for disability benefits.

Per guidance provided by the Social Security Administration's list of qualifying ailments, depression may serve as the basis of a disability benefits application if it satisfies certain criteria. For example, the applicant must show that they suffer from multiple symptoms of a depressive disorder, such as but not limited to suicidal thoughts, sleep and appetite problems, loss of interest in regular activities, and loss of energy.

Workplace injuries, Ohio railroad workers and FELA

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace injuries on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Some people are not cut out for desk jobs. There is an allure of working with your hands or not being chained to a desk. However, certain manual labor jobs are more dangerous than the average office job. FELA, or Federal Employers Liability Act, was designed to protect railroad workers and to give them recourse, if they suffer an injury on the job.

To even begin explaining how one could be injured working for a railroad is a long list of items. Many of which, may not account for a variety of "mystery factors" that could impact or cause a railroad accident workplace injury. FELA was established over a century ago and continues to provide a system for legal recovery for injured railroad workers and their families.

Are common workplace hazards threatening your safety?

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office on Saturday, July 7, 2018.

Ohio readers know that workplace safety is crucial, no matter the type of job or industry. As an employee, you have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety on the job, even if your job comes with certain inherent risks. Employers have the responsibility of making sure you are as safe as possible and have what you need to complete your job safely.

There are certain types of hazards that are more common that others in the workplace. It is smart for employers to understand common risks and work diligently to rid your place of work from any unnecessary or preventable hazards. With diligence, awareness and safety enforcement, many workplace accidents are preventable.

City cited for workplace safety violations

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace accidents on Thursday, July 5, 2018.

Going to work every day should not be something that we fear from physical standpoint. Yet, often individuals are hurt in workplace injuries that leave them with serious injuries. These injuries can be difficult to overcome, and the damages associated with them can be extensive. Medical expenses can quickly pile up, and these victims may miss work to focus on their health, causing them to be subjected to lost wages. As trying as this can be for workplace accident victims, they may find relief through workers' compensation benefits.

This is the situation two Ohio workers found themselves in earlier this year when the trench they were working in collapsed. Reports indicated that a crew was working in the trench to install sewer pipes, leaving a 21-year-old injured. Another worker, 25-years-old, was also hurt as he attempted to assist the other victim.

What types of damages can families receive for wrongful death?

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

Wrongful death damages are an important Ohio legal remedy for family members who have suffered the loss of their loved one in a workplace accident, construction accident or in some other way. A wrongful death claim for damages can also hold a third-party responsible for the wrongful death accountable.

Though survivor's benefits may be available through workers' compensation, when a third party negligently caused the wrongful death, family members may be able to pursue damages through a wrongful death claim for damages. Wrongful death damages can be more comprehensive than workers' compensation options. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that wrongful death damages depend on the unique circumstances and characteristics of the victim.