bsbr8309-73bfts9a4tsahowx

Picking your doctor for a Wisconsin workers’ compensation claim

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 03:11:27 GMT

When you’ve been hurt on the job, does it really matter so much who gets to pick your worker’s compensation doctor?

Absolutely.

Unlike most other states, Wisconsin is very liberal about the way that it treats its injured workers. Under the law, you — not your employer — get to pick your treating physician. You can even change doctors if you decide the first doctor isn’t providing responsible care.

(If you still aren’t satisfied with the medical care you receive, you’ll need your employer’s permission to switch physicians once more.)

Why choosing the right doctor for your care is important

There are plenty of good doctors out there, but not every doctor is good at handling patients who are pursuing worker’s comp claims. A doctor who isn’t familiar with the paperwork and documentation requirements for workers’ comp could end up damaging your claim.

In general, you want to be very sure that the physician you pick is up to the task (and willing to handle the paperwork you need) before you designate them as your provider. Whatever physician you choose will have a drastic effect on both your health and your benefits because they will:

Provide your diagnosis and connect your condition to your work activities
Provide treatment, prescribe medication and send you to appropriate referrals
Decide how much time you need off work and when you can return
Determine what work restrictions you’ll have once you do return to work
Decide whether or not you have any permanent injuries that deserve compensation

Workers’ compensation is supposed to be an easy way for injured workers to get the benefits they need after they’ve been hurt, but things don’t always go as planned. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out for experienced assistance.

What can you do to avoid a dog biting you?

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 03:16:25 GMT

Dogs do not always act according to specific rules, and any dog could bite you if it feels like it. However, understanding a little about how dogs think may help you avoid getting bitten.

The first thing to know is that some dogs are more likely to bite you than others. Certain breeds have it in their nature to attack. Others become aggressive due to the way their owners raise them. If your child is looking for a dog to stroke, steer them away from anything that looks like it is meant to go head to head with mountain lions or armed robbers.

3 things that may cause a dog to snap at you

Here are some of the reasons dogs bite, along with how you can reduce that risk:

It thinks you are prey: You see a dog and start walking faster, so it does too. You start running, so it does too. Stopping can often result in the dog leaving you alone before it gets so excited with the chase that it bites you.
It is not sure what you are: Your oversize polarized wraparound shades combined with your peaked cap and double walking poles leave the dog unsure what species you belong to. It decides attack is the best form of defense. Removing your hat and shades may be all it needs to recognize you pose no threat.
It is defending its territory: The area a dog thinks it must protect may exceed the boundaries of its owner’s land. Sometimes diverting course away from the property may be all you need to do for the dog to relax.

While dogs may have a reason for thinking they need to attack you, it does not make it OK. Finding the owner and holding them responsible for their dog’s actions will be essential to cover the costs that can result from a dog bite injury.

How dangerous is an intersection?

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 03:19:06 GMT

Almost every time you drive, you’re bound to come to some sort of an intersection. It may be a two-way stop, where you have to wait for cross traffic. It could be a four-way stop, where everyone has to wait and take turns. It may even be a light-controlled intersection, where all drivers are just supposed to do as instructed by the automated traffic signal.

Regardless of how common they are, intersections are very dangerous. They’re so notorious for this that researchers have studied them to find the most dangerous ones in each state. Under normal driving conditions, going through an intersection could be the riskiest thing you do on the road.

Why is this?

Crossing traffic will always carry risks

Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like to turn left? Maybe they would rather take three rights and go around the block if it means they can avoid that left turn. Usually, the reason for their fear is that they have to cross oncoming lanes to make a left turn. There’s an inherent danger here because they have to choose the right time to cross those lanes.

This is the same issue you face at an intersection. Even simply driving straight through means passing in front of other cars. You have to count on those other drivers to do things properly and to allow you to cross, just as you yourself have to legally cross at the right time. If another driver is reckless, distracted, intoxicated or simply incompetent, it can result in a serious car accident.

Have you been injured in a crash at an intersection? You may be able to seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills and many other costs. Learning more about your options can help you decide.

Getting ready for fall motorcycling

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 03:20:45 GMT

Fall is an exciting time for motorcyclists. It’s cool enough that the safe leather gear does not get too hot and warm enough that you do not need several layers to keep from shivering.

As you get your bike ready for fall, it is essential to take a moment to get yourself and your motorcycle ready for the changes in the weather.

Here are a few ways you can plan for a safer ride this fall.

Check your apparel

It is challenging to ride safely if you are too hot or too cold. While fall weather is great for riding, the fluctuating temperatures can make dressing difficult.

Consider having extra storage on your bike for storing layers of clothing. Depending on what time of day you start your ride, you may find yourself adding or removing layers while you enjoy the fall weather.

Changing visibility

In addition to the weather, fall brings shorter days. You may already be experienced at riding both during the day and at night, but as the days change in the fall, it is essential to be more aware.

Also, while you may be ready for the changes in visibility that come with shorter days, some drivers on the road may not be similarly prepared. In addition to making sure your motorcycle’s lights are in working order, you should also consider adding high-visibility outer layers to your apparel.

Everyone on the road has a responsibility to make sure other riders and drivers can see them. When you take extra precautions to ensure you are visible, you can reduce the likelihood a driver does not see you.

Wildlife adventures

The changing of the seasons also means changes for the wildlife that call Wisconsin their home. In the fall, many creatures are taking the last weeks before winter to gather food. When you are riding, be aware of areas that tend to have more wildlife activity.

It is critical to take extra precautions when the seasons change to be ready to enjoy your motorcycle safely.

How the SSA’s definition of disability can complicate your claim

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 03:22:49 GMT

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a rather strict definition of what it means to be “disabled” in a way that qualifies you to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

You need to understand how the “12-month rule” could affect your claim if you intend to file a claim.

What’s the 12-month rule?

Among other criteria, the SSA says that you can only qualify for SSDI benefits if you have a mental or physical impairment that is either expected to be fatal or:

Has lasted for a continuous period of 12 months or longer
Can be expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or longer

For many disability applicants, this isn’t that difficult. They may have suffered from their condition for years before they finally deteriorated to the point where they could no longer continue working.

However, for those who have a condition with a more recent onset, the path forward can be a lot more arduous, depending on their particular condition. In essence, the SSA may deny or delay your claim while you seek to prove that your disability isn’t something that will “go away” or become manageable with treatment.

How difficult is it to assert certain claims before the 12-month mark?

People commonly run headlong into this restriction when they’re newly diagnosed with something like a back condition.

For example, if you have suffered a severe injury to your spinal column that has left you even partially paralyzed, there’s little doubt that your condition is long-lasting. However, if you have another injury — like a broken back or a slipped disc — you may have to work hard to convince SSA that your condition isn’t treatable through medication, surgery or physical therapy.

If your condition is disabling but fairly recent, then it may take more effort than normal to get your Social Security disability claim approved. Understanding how to construct your application for the best possible results is key.

Getting used to driving a new car after a crash

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:24:42 GMT

Are you going to be driving a rental car in the aftermath of a crash? Maybe you need to buy a new one because yours is beyond repair. Either way, you’re going to be finding yourself behind the wheel of an unfamiliar car at a time when you’re probably already nervous about driving again.

Even if you get a newer model of the same car, there are going to be a lot of differences to get used to. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with all of those changes before you’re out on the road. That requires a bit of time and patience.

Know how to make adjustments

Before you drive anywhere, make sure the seat and mirrors are adjusted properly. Don’t forget the side view mirrors. If you’re sharing the car with someone who’s a different size, you’ll need to know how to readjust things when it’s your turn to drive.

Learn where all the controls are

Just like people taking their driving test, you should be able to quickly find the controls for the headlights, hazard lights, windshield wipers and defroster. You should also learn how to work anything in the onboard entertainment/media center that you’ll be using. However, it’s best to select your entertainment choice and destination on your GPS navigation system before you set off while you’re still getting accustomed to the vehicle.

Get used to the feel of the car

A new car may brake with just a light touch. The steering wheel may turn much more easily than your old one. Those are just two of the differences you’ll likely notice. If the car has a different shape or size than you’re used to, judging how much space you have around you can be tricky. It’s best to allow yourself plenty of room behind other vehicles and pay attention to what your lane control, blindspot detection and other safety systems are telling you.

Start out gradually

Take short trips on familiar streets at times when traffic isn’t bad at first until you get used to driving the new car. This will give you a chance to break it without worrying about other drivers getting impatient.

Meanwhile, if your crash was caused by another driver, make sure that you’re getting the compensation you need to cover the cost of new transportation as well as medical bills and other expenses and damages.

Why are dog bite attacks so expensive?

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 03:26:53 GMT

Any kind of injury or illness can come with expenses that hurt your finances. However, dog bite attacks often proved to be far more financially devastating than people expect.

What at first seemed like a minor issue may eventually result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages. What makes dog bite attacks so expensive?

Dog bites can easily become infected

Dogs have notoriously disgusting dietary habits. They will eat garbage, including plainly rotten food. They will eat excrement, vomit or even afterbirth from other animals. You have no way of knowing what a dog may have had in its mouth before it bit you.

Additionally, puncture wounds from canine teeth often go deep enough to make them difficult to clean, increasing the risk of a serious infection that requires medical intervention.

Dog attacks often lead to trauma

For many people, especially children, the physical injuries from a dog attack will pale in comparison to the psychological trauma. Victims may require years of counseling before they can truly overcome the consequences of the animal attack.

They often result in disfiguring wounds

Between the risk of infection in the deep and often torn nature of the wound itself, dog bites frequently require reconstructive plastic surgery. In 2018, almost 27,000 people had to undergo reconstructive surgery as the result of a dog bite attack.

These procedures can cost tens of thousands of dollars. You may need to file an insurance claim against the animal’s owner or even explore a civil lawsuit to cover those costs. Being realistic about the potential expenses of a dog bite attack can help you decide what steps to take in the aftermath of one.

3 criteria you need to meet to receive SSDI benefits

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 03:29:31 GMT

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a crucial benefit for working individuals who suffer serious injuries or develop disabling medical conditions. SSDI benefits will help you cover your living expenses when you can no longer work because of your health.

However, only certain people actually qualify for these benefits. Determining whether or not you can potentially qualify for SSDI can help you decide if applying is worth the effort. There are two specific criteria that your circumstances must meet for you to get SSDI benefits.

You must have made adequate contributions to Social Security

How much you pay in taxes, including towards Social Security, depends on your overall income. The more you earn, the more you will generally have to pay. Those deductions from your paycheck add up over time and lead to eligibility for SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns points to individual taxpayers based on their earnings and therefore their contributions to the program. You will need to earn at least 40 credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, and you can only accumulate four credits each year.

Currently, every $1,470 of income earned and taxed will accrue one point for the taxpayer. To make a claim for SSDI, you not only need 40 points overall, but you will also need to have accrued at least 20 of those points in the 10 years leading up to your application.

Your condition should prevent you from working your job and any other job

Sometimes, people associate so strongly with a particular job or career that when they can no longer do that work, they assume they have a permanent, total disability. However, many times skilled workers who can’t continue in the same career they have long enjoyed can still perform other jobs.

You will need a formal diagnosis and medical records supporting your claim that your condition is severe enough to completely prevent you from securing gainful employment. Additionally, the medical condition will need to persist for at least a year or be permanent. The greater the impact of the condition on your ability to work or live on your own, the stronger your claim for benefits.

Understanding when you might qualify for SSDI benefits and help you decide whether applying now would be in your best interest.

Will insurance be enough to protect you after a Wisconsin crash?

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 03:31:25 GMT

Many people think that car insurance protects the victims of crashes from losses. However, insurance in Wisconsin is a liability-based program. It does offer coverage to people hurt by irresponsible drivers, but its primary role is to protect the person who caused the crashed from financial liability.

Unless you pay for special coverage, you will be dependent on the other driver after a crash. Unfortunately, that might mean that there isn’t enough insurance to repay you for the losses you incurred because of the wreck.

What insurance does Wisconsin require?

Under state law, to register your vehicle and legally drive it on Wisconsin roads, you need to carry both bodily injury liability protection and property damage liability protection.

The state only requires $10,000 in property damage coverage . In a crash that hurts one person, the minimum injury liability coverage is just $25,000. In crashes where two or more people get hurt or die, a driver could have just $50,000 worth of insurance.

The problem with relying on someone else’s insurance

You didn’t cause the crash, so you should not be the one saddled with medical bills or car repair costs. However, when someone doesn’t have insurance or has the cheapest insurance policy they can find, their coverage may leave you with a lot of unpaid bills.

You may be able to make a claim against expanded coverage in your own policy if you paid for that. You may also need to consider filing a civil lawsuit against the driver who caused your crash. Determining how much the crash will cost you can be an important first step in responding to a major collision caused by another driver.

A denied SSDI claim is often just the first step toward benefits

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 03:35:25 GMT

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be a very humbling experience. You have to accept the idea that your medical condition could permanently affect your earning capacity. You also need to acknowledge that you need help in daily life or that you don’t have enough income to support yourself anymore.

Once you reach that point, you then it needed to gather enough medical documentation to prove that your condition affects your daily life. You have to submit your evidence and certain paperwork to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, many people who need SSDI won’t receive benefits right away when they apply. Instead, the SSA denies their application.

A denial does not need to be the end of your claims process

The SSA is very strict in its interpretation of rules when trying to determine if someone qualifies for benefits or not. Not sending in enough medical documentation or using the wrong words to describe your medical condition could be enough to disqualify you from benefits when you initially apply.

You have the right to appeal your denial , starting with a reconsideration. Sometimes, all you need is a review by another worker at the SSA. Other times, you may need to is that the case to an administrative law judge. There are even more appeal options available to those who don’t secure an approval in court.

Every year, a noteworthy percentage of individuals initially denied benefits receive SSDI upon appeal. Recognizing that a denial isn’t the end of the road and getting support with your appeal can help you get the SSDI benefits you need.

2 motorcyclists injured, 1 teen accused of reckless driving

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:37:05 GMT

When drivers don’t pay close attention to the road, there is an increased risk that someone could get hurt. Take, for example, a case in Appleton in which a car struck a motorcyclist. Both the motorcyclist and their passenger were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

The information from the police revealed that a 16-year-old boy had been driving aggressively when he crossed the center line and struck the motorcycle. Both the motorcycle’s driver and passenger suffered serious, though not life-threatening, injuries.

The police released information showing that they took a blood sample and that alcohol wasn’t a factor in the crash. However, the teen driver will face charges for reckless driving . As the investigation unfolds, they could face other penalties as well.

Distractions can be dangerous or deadly on the road

The reality is that distractions can be quite hazardous while driving, especially for motorcyclists, who remain vulnerable. In the few seconds that a driver looks away from the road, they may not see a light turn red, could potentially cross over a center line or may hit someone who stopped ahead of them.

Adding aggression to distracted driving is asking for trouble. Speeding while driving distracted could mean traveling even greater distances without the person behind the wheel looking up. This greatly increases the risk of crossing the center line or blowing through a red light and hitting someone.

Those who are injured in motorcycle crashes like this have an opportunity to hold the distracted or aggressive drivers responsible for their actions. Dangerous driving behaviors are against the law, and those who participate in them should be held accountable.

Does a dog’s breed affect your rights after it bites you?

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 03:39:34 GMT

Any dog, from the biggest bull mastiff to the tiniest Chihuahua, could become aggressive and cause a person serious injuries. While big dogs could do more obvious damage with a single bite, small dogs may have access to more vulnerable parts of the body, like the throat and eyes, because people tend to hold them in their arms.

If you have recently been the victim of a dog bite, the breed of the animal could actually influence your options after the attack. Why would the breed of the dog matter when you need financial compensation?

Certain breeds have a known association with dog bite attacks

Experts track dog bite incidents and try to analyze that information for trends. Certain dog breeds, either due to their popularity or to the way that people treat them, have a stronger association with serious bite incidents.

For that reason alone, some insurance companies list certain dog breeds as dangerous or restricted. Rottweilers, pit bulls and Dobermans are among the so-called dangerous breeds. The insurance company may not cover property owners who have animals that belong to those breeds.

If a homeowner lies about the breed of their dog or doesn’t disclose the presence of the animal to the insurance company, their homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance might not actually pay for the losses someone else suffers when their dog attacks.

Those who can’t make a claim against insurance may have few options other than a civil lawsuit to recover medical costs, lost wages and other financial consequences of a vicious dog bite attack. The better a victim understand their rights, the easier it will be to stand up for them.

Who pays the medical bills and other losses after a car crash?

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:42:15 GMT

If you’re involved in a car crash with another driver, one of the first questions you’ll have is how you’re going to get your medical bills and other losses covered. It’s not your fault that another person wasn’t paying attention and hit you, so it is reasonable to ask that they cover your expenses.

Most of the time, victims of motor vehicle accidents have the option to file a claim against the other person’s insurance coverage. This is the most common way to seek compensation and to get coverage for medical bills, lost wages, damage to your vehicle and other losses.

Unfortunately, there are times when this isn’t an option. For instance, if a driver did not carry auto insurance or if the auto insurance doesn’t cover enough, you may need to pursue other options to get the money that you need to move forward with your life.

How can you get compensated if the driver doesn’t have insurance (or doesn’t have enough?)

There are usually a few other options to help you cover your losses. One option is to use your own auto insurance if you have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. In that case, your insurance provider will handle your claim and pay out based on your policy’s benefits plan.

You may also use your own health insurance coverage to take care of medical bills. This may leave you with deductibles or copays, but combined with Med Pay or personal injury protection insurance , you may have enough to cover your losses and future medical expenses as well.

Finally, if this isn’t going to be enough, you do have the option to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.

What happens if you need to pursue a lawsuit?

If you pursue a lawsuit, your attorney will talk to you about the likelihood of recovering the compensation you need before you begin. There are several options for getting your care and financial losses covered, so a personal injury lawsuit is usually one of the last options. Regardless, if you need to hold the other person responsible and there are no other solutions, your attorney can help you take the case to court.

For motorcyclists, danger is always present on Wisconsin’s roads

Thu, 27 May 2021 03:53:51 GMT

Contrary to popular fiction, the average motorcyclist isn’t a daredevil. In fact, every motorcyclist knows that the roads are dangerous, and they often go out of their way to avoid problems.

The biggest nemesis a motorcyclist can have , however, is other drivers — the kind operating passenger cars and other vehicles. Those vehicles are large, and motorists feel some sense of entitlement to the road, and they don’t always remember that motorcyclists are even around.

How dangerous are the roadways for motorcyclists?

At least two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents also involve another vehicle. An astounding 70% of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections.

Most of the crashes between motorists and motorcyclists occur because car drivers fail to look for the narrow profile of a motorbike. This often results in motorists failing to yield to motorcyclists’ right of way.

Previous research shows that motorcyclists’ risk of suffering injuries in a crash is five times that of passenger car occupants. Motorbike riders’ chances of dying on the road in an accident are 26 times that of passenger car occupants. These injury and fatality risks that motorcyclists face are partially attributable to them lacking the protection of the outer shell of a vehicle that passenger car occupants enjoy.

You do have rights if a motorist strikes you

Motorcyclists struck by automobiles are lucky to survive their crashes. Riders tend to suffer more catastrophic injuries such as fractures, amputations or head and spinal cord injuries in their accidents. These can be costly to treat.

Wisconsin law might allow you to recover compensation if someone’s negligence resulted in you suffering catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident such as those mentioned above. An attorney can help you learn more.

Loud pipes don’t save lives: Be wary of inattentive drivers

Thu, 13 May 2021 03:55:30 GMT

One of the greatest risks for a motorcyclist is an inattentive driver. Many accidents happen because someone turns in front of a bike, merges into the side of the bike or cuts the motorcyclist off — all because they never saw them to start with.

A common way that some bikers try to mitigate this risk is by riding loud motorcycles. There’s an old saying that “loud pipes save lives.” The hope is that a driver who isn’t looking or isn’t paying attention will at least hear a motorcycle coming, bringing their attention back to the road. But does this work?

Studies show that noisy pipes don’t attract the attention of other drivers

Many people still believe in this motto, but it is a myth. It’s even been tested. In one study , researchers found that no one in a car could hear a motorcycle that was 50 or more feet from the car. It took until 33 feet to hear anything, and even then they could “barely” hear the loudest bikes in the study.

In short, most people don’t hear motorcycles until they’re right next to them anyway, by which time it’s too late. There is no advance warning from riding a loud bike. This may not always have been true. A modern car is optimized for occupant comfort, though. Cabins are insulated and quiet. Car companies run commercials advertising this as a perk. Throw in some noise from the radio, and your average driver won’t ever hear a motorcycle.

What does this mean for you?

For you, as a rider, this means you can’t always trust that drivers will see you. They are still going to make the same mistakes due to distraction and inattention. Just be sure you know how to seek compensation when they do. An attorney can protect your interests as you pursue what you need to pay your bills.