Detroit Social Security Benefits Law Blog

What is occupational lung disease and how can it be reduced?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, August 10, 2018.

Workers in Michigan who work in certain environments are at risk for developing occupational lung disease. There are a number of different types, and most of them are preventable. Although affected employees can get workers' compensation for their symptoms, the better solution is to maintain safe working conditions and find appropriate treatments for those who are currently suffering.

According to the Marshfield Clinic Health System, occupational lung diseases are the result of breathing in harmful particles found in the air. The sources for these irritants include:

Fires
Smokestacks
Mining
Factories
Exhaust
Agriculture
Construction

How does law enforcement detect distracted driving?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC on Thursday, August 9, 2018.

Michigan readers know distracted driving is a serious problem, and it is one of the most common reasons for car accidents in the state. Despite the prevalence of awareness campaigns and efforts to discourage drivers from engaging in distracting behavior while behind the wheel, it remains a prominent safety threat. This type of negligent driving is always preventable and always dangerous.

Law enforcement works diligently to prevent dangerous driving, yet accidents still happen. One way you can protect yourself is to learn the common signs of distracted driving and how to know if this is what caused your accident. If you received an injury in a collision caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to take action and seek compensation through a personal injury claim.

How to get benefits for a traumatic brain injury

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Monday, August 6, 2018.

Residents in Michigan who have had trauma to the brain more than likely suffer from some type of a brain injury. While these can vary from mild to severe, it can be scary for anyone dealing with the repercussions. Those with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are more than likely not able to function at normal capacity, resulting in the inability to work and earn income. Help for these sufferers may come from social security disability benefits.

According to the Social Security Administration, traumatic brain injury can be categorized two ways. One is when an injury severely limits physical functioning and mental functioning in one of the following ways:

Trouble interacting with others
Issues with managing oneself
Difficulty remembering or understanding things
Hard time concentrating

How does prescription drug use affect driving?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in car accidents on Monday, July 30, 2018.

It is a well-known fact to the majority of drivers in Michigan that driving after drinking alcohol comes with dire consequences. Many of them also realize that driving under the influence of illegal drugs is a terrible idea. However, there is a little more confusion when it comes to driving after taking prescription drugs. Because they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific condition, many do not think twice before getting behind the wheel while under their effects, but doing so can lead to the same consequences as a DUI.

According to the FDA, prescription drugs can cause a variety of reactions, depending on the particular medication. Some of these side effects include:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Slowed reaction
Blurred vision
Inability to pay attention

What is vocational rehabilitation?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in Workers' Compensation on Monday, July 23, 2018.

Most injured workers in Michigan are covered by their employer's workers' compensation insurance. This means their medical care is paid for and they also receive compensation for lost pay. One important aspect of workers' comp that not all employees are aware of is vocational rehabilitation. This helps employees get back to work quicker and is beneficial both to them and their employers.

According to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, vocational rehabilitation is available for workers who have an illness or injury related to work that makes them unable to return to their previous positions. The rehab services vary depending on each employee's situation, and it works best when implemented early on.

Can you get disability benefits for mental issues?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Monday, July 16, 2018.

Living with a mental illness can be challenging, and it can also make it difficult to work on a regular basis. Employees in Michigan who suffer from long-term and persistent mental issues may be able to receive social security disability benefits if they meet certain criteria.

According to the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, there are many types of mental disorders that the social security administration acknowledges as qualifying for disability benefits. Some of these include:

Eating disorders
Affective and personality disorders
Mental illnesses that have a physical cause
Anxiety
Paranoia and psychotic disorders

Does arthritis count as a disabling medical condition?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC on Thursday, July 12, 2018.

Various types of medical conditions can stand between you and your ability to work. If you find yourself in a place in which you can no longer maintain gainful employment because of your physical limitations, you may have grounds to seek benefits through the Social Security Administration. Some people with serious cases of arthritis may be eligible for these benefits.

Arthritis is a relatively common medical condition, yet it can be disabling in severe cases. Some in Michigan who suffer from this type of disease deal with debilitating pain, lack of mobility and other complications. If arthritis has severely impacted your abilities, you may need to seek help regarding your potential disability claim.

What exactly does workers' compensation cover?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in Workers' Compensation on Monday, July 9, 2018.

Workers in Michigan who suffer injuries on the job may wonder how they are going to pay for their medical care and for the bills that stack up while they are out of work. Most workers are covered by workers' compensation insurance, which most employers are required to have for their employees. This benefit can make a big difference for those who would not otherwise be able to pay for treatment or afford not to work.

According to the Chronicle, workers' compensation covers all-related medical expenses and other necessary treatment or rehabilitation. It also covers missed wages up to a certain amount. Compensation benefits may also cover the costs of training if the employee is unable to return to the job he or she was previously doing. For workers who are killed on the job, the surviving family may also receive benefits to help with bills.

Examining your financial needs after a crash

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in car accidents on Friday, June 29, 2018.

When people think about some of the consequences that car accident victims face, they may focus on the physical consequences of a crash (such as a brain injury or broken bone) or the emotional pain that families experience when they lose a loved one. While these are extremely difficult consequences that shatter the lives of car crash victims, there are many other ways in which victims’ lives are turned upside down. For example, someone who is recovering from a motor vehicle collision may be struggling with a wide variety of financial problems.

Expensive medical bills is one of the most obvious reasons why car accidents can be financially devastating. Following a wreck, a victim may struggle to pay for many different expenses related to emergency treatment, rehabilitation and even long-term care. Moreover, there are other ways that the lives of victims are turned on end from a financial point of view. Some people may not be able to keep their job due to injuries they suffered in a car wreck, which can lead to lost wages and a lifetime of decreased earning ability. Furthermore, some families face financial problems due to funeral costs, as if it is not difficult enough to bury a loved one who passed away in a wreck.

What should I do if my social security disability is denied?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Stilman, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability on Monday, June 25, 2018.

If you have a long-term injury that prevents you from working in Michigan, you may be able to receive disability benefits through social security. If you have applied for the benefits and you receive a denial letter, there are things you can do to reverse this decision.

FindLaw reports that it is not unusual for the Social Security Administration to deny a disability application, but that going through the appeals process usually turns out favorably for the applicant. The first thing you need to do is find out why it was denied in the first place. Common reasons include:

You cannot be located
Your disability is estimated to last shorter than a year
You earn too much money
You did not provide the correct records or information
You did not follow the recommended treatment protocol