Detroit Social Security Benefits Law Blog

Why is the use of disability benefits on the rise?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Like many other people in Michigan, you may be worried about the dismal state of Social Security benefits, and with good reason. According to Forbes, the Social Security Administration was predicted to begin operating at a deficit by as early as 2016. Perhaps because of this impending shortage, you may have heard many rumors and assumptions floating around about why Social Security claims have grown exponentially.

Before discussing those topics, it is important to understand how or why you become eligible to receive disability insurance. You may be eligible for DI if you meet the following qualifications:

Your condition may result in death.
Your condition may last for a year or more.
Your condition hinders your ability to perform job duties.
Your condition makes it difficult to adjust to another type of job.

The dismal state of Social Security benefits

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

For some time now, people have spread rumors that Social Security might not exist when they retire. This has led to some degree of panic across Michigan. However, is it true? After all, there can’t be that much smoke without fire. Can there? The unfortunate answer is yes. Social Security is indeed running out of money.

In fact, CNN reports that Social Security has experienced a negative cash flow since 2010. In other words, the program is paying out more in benefits than it receives in taxes. There is general optimism that Congress will not abolish Social Security, but it is nonetheless in a weak position to tackle the number of baby boomers currently heading for retirement. CNN estimates that Social Security has enough money to make it to 2035.

Falls remain a leading source of injury on construction job sites

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC on Friday, March 8, 2019.

If you work in construction, you understand your job may come with certain risks. Construction work is manual labor, which is inherently dangerous, especially when safety is not a priority on a Michigan jobsite. One of the most common risks construction workers face when on the job is the chance of falling while working from heights.

Whether it's on a ladder or on an elevated platform, you have the right to a work environment that is as safe as reasonably possible. This means that employers should strive to implement various safety strategies and give workers the right tools to do their jobs with minimum risk. As a construction worker, you may find it beneficial to learn what to do in the event that you experience injuries in a jobsite fall.

How Social Security disability beneficiaries can find work

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Suffering from a disability does not have to be the end of your life as a worker. Many people on Social Security Disability (SSD) still have the ability to find employment, though they may have to switch jobs to accommodate their disability. If you are currently receiving disability or are planning to apply for benefits, you should know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers assistance in helping you retrain and find new work in Michigan.

According to the SSA website, people receiving SSD may be eligible for the administration’s work incentive programs, such as the Ticket to Work program. Anyone from the age of 18 to 64 who is on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is able to benefit from the Ticket to Work program. Participation is not automatic, though. You may choose whether to participate or not.

Who determines if your disability qualifies for SSI benefits?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Friday, February 22, 2019.

You have recently filed an application to see if you are eligible to begin receiving Social Security benefits for your disability and are waiting to hear back whether or not your claim was approved. As with all other states, the state of Michigan upholds pretty stringent guidelines when determining whether or not your situation qualifies you to begin receiving benefits. This strict process of screening applicants prevents people from taking advantage of a valuable resource for injured individuals.

As soon as you recognize that your injury may qualify you for assistance, you should begin the application process right away. It would be wise to read through the application in its entirety before you fill it out so you can be confident in providing detailed answers that address all of the aspects required. Once submitted, you may be wondering how it is decided whether or not you are eligible to receive financial assistance.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in workplace accidents on Sunday, February 17, 2019.

Depending on what type of work you do at your Michigan job, you may have to perform a number of repetitive motions every day. If these motions involve your hands, fingers and wrists, you could wind up with carpal tunnel syndrome. As the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains, carpal tunnel syndrome starts in your wrists, but almost invariably progresses to your hands, arms, shoulders and possibly even your neck and back.

To understand carpal tunnel syndrome you must first understand a little about the anatomy of your fingers and wrists. Your wrists actually each contain a carpal tunnel, the narrow opening through which nerves and tendons go from your fingers and hands to your arms. Specifically, your flexor tendons move your fingers and thumbs. Your medial nerves transmit feeling, including pain.

Man killed in trench collapse, company fined

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in workplace accidents on Friday, February 15, 2019.

When construction companies begin working on a new project in Michigan, they often implement stringent protocols to maintain safety for their workers. The construction site may be regularly monitored by superiors who help to identify and manage potential risks that could become dangerous if left unnoticed. However, there are times when corners are cut and a seemingly simple oversight can put the lives of workers at the construction site in immediate danger.

This is what happened in a situation that occurred in Daly City, California when a man was killed after a trench he was working in collapsed on him. The trench was 14 feet high and had been noticeably unstable, yet no precautions were taken to stabilize the areas for the workers' safety. Upon noticing signs that the ground was unstable, the company continued to instruct workers to excavate the area.

What to do next after a denied workers' compensation claim

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

After suffering an injury at work, you understand how the impact of your accident can affect multiple areas of your life. In addition to the physical pain you are enduring, you are also dealing with medical bills and other recovery needs. It is important for you and your Michigan family to secure workers' compensation benefits as soon as possible.

Injured workers have the right to seek support after suffering an injury or occupational illness as a result of their jobs. However, it is not always easy to secure these benefits, even with a valid claim. In fact, you may find that you received a notice of denial after submitting your claim. This is frustrating, but there are other steps you can take to secure the financial help you deserve.

Who covers a work-related car accident?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in car accidents on Friday, February 1, 2019.

If you drive a car for work, or you run an errand for your employer, in Michigan and you are in a car accident, who pays for the expenses? It depends on a variety of factors, such as who the at-fault party is and if the company owns the vehicle. If you experience injuries due to the accident, you may receive compensation in a number of ways.

According to NCCI, if you experience injuries from an on-the-job accident, the employer's workers' compensation should cover your medical expenses. In fact, motor vehicle accidents are responsible for a large number of workers' compensation claims. If the accident results in a fatality, workers' comp is also responsible for death benefits to the survivors.

Things you should know about workers' compensation benefits

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Workers' Compensation on Monday, January 28, 2019.

If you suffer an injury or illness on the job in Michigan, you may be eligible for benefits through workers' compensation. Some businesses are exempt from providing this benefit, but most companies must provide this insurance, which covers a number of different things.

According to Michigan's Workers' Compensation Agency, most public and private businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees. Federal workers' compensation laws cover some employees, such as federal workers and those who work across state lines, but most employers must follow the state regulations. These regulations require workers' compensation for the following:

All public businesses
Private companies that employ one or more full-time (35 hours or more/week) employees
Private businesses that employ three or more part-time and full-time workers
Homeowners who employ one or more workers full-time
Agricultural owners who employ three or more full-time employees