Philip J. Fulton

How a wrongful death claim can help surviving family members

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Thursday, May 17, 2018.

A wrongful death claim for damages is an important legal resource for surviving family members of loved ones wrongfully killed by the negligence of another party. Families can use a wrongful death claim to hold the negligent party responsible and recover compensation for the damages they have suffered as a result of the loss.

A wrongful death claim for damages is brought by the lost loved one's estate for the benefit of surviving family members to help with the financial and emotional damages they have suffered as a result of the wrongful loss of their loved one. Wrongful death claims are governed by wrongful death statutes in each state and require that the loss of a loved one was caused by the negligence of another party and resulted in harm to the victim's family.

The process of getting workers' compensation benefits in Ohio

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Workers' Compensation on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

Knowing how to respond following a workplace accident and what steps to take next can be essential for injured workers. The period of time following a workplace accident can be difficult for injured workers as they are unable to work and face mounting medical bills to treat their injury. Obtaining the right medical care and needed benefits can be critical to getting their lives back to normal, which is why workers' compensation benefits are important to understand.

When a worker has suffered a workplace injury in Ohio, they should immediately seek medical assistance and report their work-related injury to their employer. It is also important for the worker to be familiar with their managed care organization, so they can provide that information to their doctor and also ensure the proper paperwork is being completed. There are different types of workers' compensation benefits available for workers who have suffered workplace injuries in an on-the-job accident.

A few things to know about Social Security disability benefits

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

Understanding the ins and outs of Social Security disability benefits is helpful for individuals in Ohio who unexpectedly find themselves unable to do their jobs because of a disabling medical condition. Facing medical challenges can be enough of a struggle without also suffering the inability to work. Fortunately, Social Security disability (SSD) benefits provide an important lifeline to disabled individuals who are unable to work because of their disability.

To begin with, it is important to note that Social Security disability insurance is earned by workers as they pay into the program during their working years through their payroll taxes. SSD benefits can help replace the income of a disabled individual unable to work because of their disability. Once the disabled individual meets the work history requirements for SSD benefits, the disabled individual must demonstrate they suffer from a disability that is so severe it prevents them from working and is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death.

Ohio workers are dying in fatal workplace accidents

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in workplace accidents on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

Workers' compensation benefits may be available in circumstances of workplace injuries and fatal workplace accidents. A recent fatal workplace accident in Ohio highlights concerns that on-the-job injuries are increasing, and high-pressure work environments could be one of the reasons to blame. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that during 2016, workplace deaths exceeded 5,000 nationally, which was the first time they had exceeded that total since 2008. 2016 also brought the third straight increase in fatal workplace accidents over the previous year.

In Ohio, though workplace deaths had increased between 2013 and 2015, they declined in 2016. The number of workplace deaths for 2017 has not been released yet, but there were several workplace deaths in Ohio during 2017. In total, approximately 40 percent of fatal workplace accidents involve some form of transportation, and injuries and violence account for another 23 percent of deaths. The latter category is the second most common cause of workplace deaths. In addition, during 2016, exposure to harmful chemicals rose 22 percent, while fires and explosions declined.

The basics of qualifying for SSD benefits

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Qualifying for SSD/SSI Benefits on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Knowing how to qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, and navigate the maze that can sometimes be the process of applying for SSD benefits, is important for disabled individuals in Ohio. In general, disabled individuals who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death may be eligible Social Security disability benefits if all other requirements are met.

SSD benefits are something that many disabled individuals and their families may rely on, so it is helpful to understand the application and qualification process for SSD benefits. A variety of different types of illnesses and injuries may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. What is in important is to submit thorough and complete medical records and to understand how to properly document the medical condition the disabled individual is suffering from.

Nursing assistants face many workplace risks

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in blog on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

You know you will never have trouble finding a job in your field because there is a critical shortage of nursing assistants. However, as you watch your co-workers struggling with pain and injuries, you may wonder how long it will be before you end up in the emergency room. The shortage of nursing assistants and the increasing number of people seeking medical help are a recipe for disaster.

Few people would consider working in the health care field as a dangerous job, but in Ohio, nursing assistant ranks as one industry with the highest rate of reported injuries, just under law enforcement and slightly above construction workers. Those in your profession suffer three times more injuries than most other workers.

Social Security funding increase directed at disability backlog

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Social Security Disability on Friday, April 13, 2018.

The backlog for processing Social Security disability claims is a well-known and well-documented problem. This blog recently discussed how important it is to understand how to qualify for Social Security disability benefits and to be familiar with the application process. Because the process can be complex and lengthy, it helps to understand how claims for Social Security benefits are evaluated but some recent good news may help address some of the backlog.

Applicants for Social Security disability benefits, which includes health insurance and a monthly payment, wait an average of 600 days for a judge to determine if they will receive the important benefits. In all, the backlog for processing Social Security disability (SSD) claims extends to over 1 million applicants. Fortunately, a funding increase for the Social Security Administration, recently passed by Congress, may help with the backlog.

Welders have the right to recovery after a work-related accident

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in blog on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

As a welder, you understand this profession comes with certain risks. You may have a job that exposes you to a higher risk of injury than other professions, but you still have the right to a reasonably safe work environment. If you suffered an injury while working as a welder, you have the right to seek financial support through a workers' compensation claim.

Injured workers have the right to recovery in Ohio, regardless of the type of injury he or she suffered or the type of job a person has. If you think you could have a valid workers' compensation claim, you will find it beneficial to seek a complete explanation of your legal options and support as you walk through the claims process.

How do I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Qualifying for SSD/SSI Benefits on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Social Security disability benefits are important benefits for many disabled individuals. Because of their importance, disabled individuals may wonder how to qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. There are both work history and medical requirements that must be met to qualify for SSD benefits. Qualifying for SSD benefits is important for disabled individuals and their families which is why they should understand the process of applying for benefits.

To qualify for SSD benefits the disabled individual must have worked jobs that paid into Social Security and must meet the requirements to be considered disabled according to the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. Generally, disabled individuals who are unable to work for a year or longer because of their disability may be eligible to receive SSD benefits.

Wrongful death resources to protect surviving loved ones

On behalf of Philip J. Fulton Law Office posted in Wrongful Death on Friday, March 30, 2018.

Wrongful death resources are important for family members of loved ones who have been wrongfully killed by the negligence of another party. A wrongful death claim for damages is a claim brought on behalf of the lost loved one's estate for the benefit of surviving family members. Different types of wrongful death damages may be available depending on the circumstances and characteristics of the victim to help families following an unexpected loss.

Both financial and emotional damages may be available to surviving family members through a wrongful death claim for damages. Damages can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of support and services, lost prospect of inheritance and loss of companionship. Each state has a wrongful death statute that defines wrongful death and elements of the claim must be met. In general, for a wrongful death claim to be successful, there must be the loss of the loved one that resulted from another party's negligence and that the surviving family members suffered harm as a result.