Detroit Social Security Benefits Law Blog

Auto accidents and vacation plans

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in car accidents on Friday, January 11, 2019.

When a motor vehicle collision occurs, it can throw a victim’s life off in all sorts of ways. They may have to miss out on work because they were hurt in the wreck, or they could have a hard time with hospital expenses or feel very depressed. There are many other ways in which lives are shattered as a result of auto accidents and some of the other crash-related consequences should not be overlooked. For example, someone who may have been planning a vacation may be forced to cancel their plans after a wreck.

Auto accidents can leave victims with physical injuries, mental challenges and financial hardships, all of which can get in the way of vacation plans. Moreover, some may find themselves dealing with a lawsuit that consumes even more of their time. As a result, canceling vacation plans may be unavoidable, and this can be very hard for some people. People who have to cancel these plans may be devastated, such as those who have been planning a special trip for years, had to visit a loved one’s wedding in another country or take care of important business.

How to reduce distracted driving in Michigan in 2019

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC on Monday, January 7, 2019.

If you have been on the road lately, you may have noticed drivers who are not looking at the road, but are looking at their phones instead. With their advent and rapid rise in their technological advances and popularity, cell phones are now part of our daily lives. However, one place where cell phones do not belong is behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is a problem in Michigan and elsewhere in the United States, and law enforcement and other authorities continue to look for ways to discourage this dangerous behavior. Ultimately, it is up to the individual behind the wheel to make safe choices and put his or her phone down. One way to reduce distracted driving may be to make drivers more aware of its risks and dangers.

You may be able to get disability benefits for PTSD

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability Benefits for Injuries on Monday, January 7, 2019.

If you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Michigan, and it is affecting your ability to work to your previous ability, you may be eligible to receive social security disability benefits. Whether you are a victim of a traumatic event, are a veteran or cannot recover from a violent crime, the related symptoms can be debilitating and prevent you from performing your job.

The Social Security Administration outlines what constitutes PTSD, who is most vulnerable to it and some of the symptoms. PTSD can affect a wide variety of people in any age group. Those at high risk of getting it are people who:

Are witness to, or a victim of, a traumatic event
Experience trauma or abuse in childhood
Are gravely hurt during a traumatic event
Have another mental condition such as substance abuse or depression
Have been in combat
Do not have a support system after a traumatic event

Teen drivers and auto accident risks

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in car accidents on Friday, December 28, 2018.

For young drivers, there may be many different challenges that surface on a daily basis. Issues at school or work can be very stressful, as well as various social situations that can create problems (including peer pressure to drink, etc.). These factors, along with other hurdles such as inexperience on the road, can lead to a higher chance of a motor vehicle wreck. Unfortunately, many teens have lost their lives in traffic accidents or sustained serious injuries. Moreover, the accidents caused by teen drivers have caused many other people to become hurt or killed on the road.

If you are the parent of a young driver, you should try to do what you can to ensure that they are safe while driving. If you are a young driver yourself, be very careful while you are behind the wheel and make sure that you focus on safe driving at all times. For example, watch out for any distractions such as cell phones that could lead to a crash.

Keep your child safe while traveling with others

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in car accidents on Monday, December 24, 2018.

As a parent in Michigan, you know it is the law that your child uses a car seat or other safety seat while riding in your car. However, what if you are riding with a friend or you are taking Uber or a cab? Are you aware of the laws surrounding child safety in these situations? Do you know how to attach a car seat to other vehicles? This information is important to know so you can ensure your child's safety even when you are not the one driving.

According to Kids Ride Safe, each state outlines what the laws are regarding the usage of safety seats in rideshare and for-hire vehicles. In Michigan, the law is not crystal clear, which can be confusing for parents. It is lawful to use a restraint system for children three and under, and it is the driver's responsibility to make sure this occurs, but the law does not state whether this extends to drivers of rideshare vehicles.

How long can you receive disability insurance?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Social Security Disability on Monday, December 17, 2018.

If you have an illness or injury that prevents you from working in Michigan, there is a good chance you are receiving social security disability benefits to help counteract the loss of income. You may be wondering if these benefits ever go away. As long as your disability does not get better, you should be able to receive benefits until regular retirement kicks in. However, there are instances in which your benefits decrease or go away completely.

According to USA Today, the Social Security Administration performs a case review every once in a while to confirm your situation is the same. If doctors' notes reveal your health is better, there is a chance you will see a change in your cash and health insurance benefits. However, if nothing is different, you will continue to receive the same amount. If the case review shows you are working at a new job, your benefits may also change depending on the amount of income you are making.

Steps to reduce the effects of toxins at the workplace

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, December 14, 2018.

As an employee in Michigan, you have a right to a healthy, safe workplace. However, there are potentially dangerous toxins in many work environments. Alder Firm, PLLC often represents clients seriously injured on the job due to unsafe conditions.

According to FindLaw, the law requires employers to provide information regarding hazardous materials present at the work site. Material Safety Data Sheets provide facts about the toxicity, reactivity, protective equipment and proper procedures for handling and storing particular substances. They also include information regarding health effects, first aid and disposal requirements.

Is there a higher risk for workplace accidents during the winter?

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC on Monday, December 10, 2018.

As Michigan workers know, the winter months can make certain parts of life more complicated. From driving in the snow to exposure to the cold, employees can face an elevated risk for accidents and injuries at this time of year. You may find it beneficial to learn more about winter hazards, your employer's responsibilities and ways to protect your interests in the event of a work-related accident.

Employees have the right to a reasonable expectation of safety, even if they work outside or in hazardous conditions. This means it is the employer's responsibility to remove unnecessary hazards, provide adequate safety training and provide the equipment necessary to avoid injuries. During the winter months, it is especially important to be cautious and vigilant.

Medical conditions that affect driving

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in car accidents on Friday, November 30, 2018.

There are many different risk factors when it comes to auto accidents, but some are especially concerning. For example, someone who is suffering from a medical condition that could affect their ability to drive should make sure that it is okay for them to be on the road. Unfortunately, some people drive with medical conditions even though doing so is extremely dangerous. For example, someone may struggle with debilitating vertigo, vision problems or they may have seizures, which can significantly increase the probability of a wreck.

People drive with these medical conditions for various reasons. Some may not even realize that their medical condition interferes with their ability to drive to such an extent, while others may know that they should not be on the road but feel as if they have no other choice. For example, someone who has difficulty seeing the road because their eyesight has deteriorated may continue driving because they need to get to work or take care of some other responsibility.

Protect yourself from debris on the road

On behalf of Barry Adler of Adler Firm, PLLC posted in car accidents on Monday, November 26, 2018.

If you are a driver in Michigan, there is a lot to be aware of on the road. Between practicing defensive driving to avoid accidents with other vehicles and driving in inclement weather, you need to be alert at all times. Another thing you need to be on the lookout for is debris that has come off another vehicle. Whether it is blocking the road or is flying through the air, this situation can lead to serious injury or death. Fortunately there are steps you and other drivers can take to avoid these disasters.

So, what types of objects should you be concerned about? The Star Tribune touches on just some of the potential debris that can cause issues for drivers. These include:

Mattresses
Trailer hitches
Vehicle parts
Pieces of wood
Construction cones
Truck toppers
Pieces of metal