Ramos Law Firm Workers' Comp Blog » Law http://www.ramoslawblog.com Georgia Workers' Compensation, Medicare Set-Asides and Injury Trust Funds Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:07:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Bryan Ramos Teaches Workers’ Compensation at Clayton State University http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/06/24/bryan-ramos-teaches-workers-compensation-class-at-clayton-state-university/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/06/24/bryan-ramos-teaches-workers-compensation-class-at-clayton-state-university/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:39:27 +0000 admin http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1168 On June 24, 2010 Bryan Ramos will be a guest lecturer at Clayton State University.  He will be teaching a class on Georgia Workers’ Compensation at 7:00 pm.

See the links below for the class material.  This information will be available on our site indefinitely by searching “Clayton State”.

Course Material

Slide presentation (1 slide per page)

Slide presentation (6 slides per page)

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/06/24/bryan-ramos-teaches-workers-compensation-class-at-clayton-state-university/feed/ 0 City of Atlanta layoffs http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/06/18/city-of-atlanta-layoffs/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/06/18/city-of-atlanta-layoffs/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:11:03 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1166 According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, dozens of Atlanta city workers, including Department of Corrections and airport employees, were notified on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 that they would be terminated at the end of this fiscal year.  Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed warned members of the City Council’s finance executive committee that layoffs were coming.   Mayor Reed also indicated that in April 2010 67 airport workers would lose their jobs and another 62 vacant positions would be terminated. He also noted that other city agencies would be hit as well, but did not say what positions and how many.

In the event that some of these workers were injured on the job with existing medical restrictions as a result of the work injury, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These workers may have experienced a “change of economic condition”.  In these cases, they are required to take certain steps to make them eligible for benefits.  Moreover, they will be required to demonstrate to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation that their work-related restrictions are keeping them from returning to the workforce.

If these workers are totally disabled because of the work injury and are also laid off, there is a good chance that they are entitled workers’ compensation benefits in terms of weekly income checks and medical treatment.

If you are one of these injured workers, please contact the Ramos Law Firm at (404) 344-3531.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/06/18/city-of-atlanta-layoffs/feed/ 0 What if I am terminated because of my injury? http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/25/1118/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/25/1118/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:08:10 +0000 admin http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1118 Many injured workers are terminated because of their work injuries. If this occurs, the law provides relief under the Workers’ Compensation Act.  In these cases the employee may be entitled to TTD benefits to help replace his income while he continues his job search.  There are certain deadlines to be followed and it may require the filing a WC-14 Request for Hearing.  As such, the guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is advised.

According to the Georgia Department of Labor, it is indicated that the state’s unemployment rate now matches its record high.  The new figures support that the unemployment rate is 10.3 percent.  The jobless rate also increased .2 of a percent point.  Additionally, Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond stated that the Georgia workforce shrunk by 121,527.

If you have been injured on the job and were terminated because of it, please contact the Ramos Law Firm.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/25/1118/feed/ 0 Workplace injuries sustained by manufacturing employees http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/09/workplace-injuries-sustained-by-manufacturing-employees/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/09/workplace-injuries-sustained-by-manufacturing-employees/#comments Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:00:43 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1108 Injuries often occur in the manufacturing settings.  In December 2009, the U.S. manufacturing market expanded at the fastest pace in more than three years.  The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index rose to 55.9, the highest level since April 2006.  The stimulus-driven rebound in global demand is boosting orders that encourages producers to ramp up output and fuel a self-sustaining recovery. Workers often complain of hand and arm pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.  Others may experience traumatic injuries resulting in spinal herniated discs or tears in their rotator cuff.

At the Ramos Law Firm, our attorneys have represented these workers from its inception.  Please call our office for your free consultation.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/09/workplace-injuries-sustained-by-manufacturing-employees/feed/ 0 What benefits am I entitled to if my employer reduces my work hours and pay because of my workers’ compensation injury? http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/11/16/what-benefits-am-i-entitled-to-if-my-employer-reduces-my-work-hours-and-pay-because-of-my-workers-compensation-injury/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/11/16/what-benefits-am-i-entitled-to-if-my-employer-reduces-my-work-hours-and-pay-because-of-my-workers-compensation-injury/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:03:20 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1040 When an employer reduces the injured employee’s hours or pay because of her workers’ compensation accident, the employer may be required to pay a portion of the difference between the average weekly wage before the accident and the average weekly wage after the accident.  The difference in these wages would be taken at a 2/3 rate of pay.  This is called temporary partial disability.  These benefits are calculated on a weekly basis.

In many situations, the employer will not voluntarily commence these benefits to the injured worker.  It is the injured worker’s responsibility to raise this issue with his or her employer.

The attorneys at the Ramos Law Firm understand this concept and have prosecuted many of these cases resulting in causal results for its clients.  If you’ve been injured on the job and you are now making less money because of your work injury, please contact the attorneys at the Ramos Law Firm.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/11/16/what-benefits-am-i-entitled-to-if-my-employer-reduces-my-work-hours-and-pay-because-of-my-workers-compensation-injury/feed/ 0 NCR Columbus Plant Opens on October 29, 2009 http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/11/13/ncr-columbus-plant-opens-on-october-29-2009/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/11/13/ncr-columbus-plant-opens-on-october-29-2009/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:56:58 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1076 On October 29, the NCR Corporation opened its 350,000 sq. ft. ATM manufacturing facility in Columbus, Georgia.  Approximately 870 jobs will be created at the new Columbus facility over the next three years.  It has been reported that 120 employees have already been hired and trained through Georgia’s Quick Start program.  Not unlike other manufacturing facilities, these workers have sustained injuries arising out of, and in the course of, their employment. A common assembly line injury is carpal tunnel syndrome.  Generally, any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.  Tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted arm and hand movements, can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive maneuvers has been referred to as one of the repetitive stress injuries.
At the Ramos Law Firm, our lawyers have handled hundreds of workers’ compensation injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress cases. For more information, please contact The Ramos Law Firm.
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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/11/13/ncr-columbus-plant-opens-on-october-29-2009/feed/ 0 Update on the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/27/update-on-the-georgia-state-board-of-workers-compensation/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/27/update-on-the-georgia-state-board-of-workers-compensation/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:58:18 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1068 There will soon be a few changes to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.  Carolyn Hall, the current chairperson of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, will be stepping down.  It is widely suspected that Rick Thompson will be the new chairperson of the Board.  The third member of the Board has not yet been named by Governor Sonny Perdue. The new appointments to the Board will likely change the attitude towards the injured workers in Georgia.
Additionally, Judge G. Alan Blackburn has ammounted that he will not seek re-election to the Court of Appeals.  He will be leaving the bench no later than December 31, 2010, when his term expires.  It has not been announced whether Governor Perdue will have the opportunity to appoint a replacement judge or allow the Georgia voters to decide in an election.
For more information, please contact Bryan Ramos.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/27/update-on-the-georgia-state-board-of-workers-compensation/feed/ 0 How often can I see the workers’ compensation doctor? http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/12/how-often-can-i-see-the-workers-compensation-doctor/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/12/how-often-can-i-see-the-workers-compensation-doctor/#comments Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:43:08 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1042 When an injury on the job occurs, the Employer and their insurance carrier are responsible for furnishing medical treatment to the hurt employee.  However, the Employer and insurance carrier will generally have a pre-approved list of doctors for the injured work to choose from.  Once the injured worker makes his or her selection, the number of visits is unlimited as long as the occupational injury exists.  Obviously, the treating doctor will set the care plan.  However, as long as the work injury necessitates treatment, the injured employee is entitled to receive the medical care.

In a workers’ compensation claim the insurance company will be monitoring the worker’s care plan and progress.  It is in their best interest to “cut you off” of treatment as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, the insurance companies have hand picked their initial line of physicians for you.  Even more unfortunately, sometimes their loyalties may not run to the patient.

In most cases, an injured worker needs the protection of a lawyer who will put the patient’s best interest in front of his own.  It would be best to be represented by a lawyer who exclusively handles and tries workers’ compensation cases.  At the Ramos Law Firm, our attorneys only handle these workers’ compensation matters.  If you have been injured on the job, call our attorneys for a free consultation at 404-355-3431 or click here to contact us now.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/12/how-often-can-i-see-the-workers-compensation-doctor/feed/ 0 What does “normal”, “full”, or “regular” duty really mean in my GA Workers’ Compensation claim? http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/08/what-does-normal-full-or-regular-duty-really-mean-in-my-ga-workers-compensation-claim/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/08/what-does-normal-full-or-regular-duty-really-mean-in-my-ga-workers-compensation-claim/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:03:50 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1035 In the world of workers’ compensation, the terms “normal duty”, “full duy”,  or “regular duty” work release has a significant effect on a work comp claim.  Essentially, the normal duty release allows the employer to unilaterally suspend income benefits.  In some cases, this regular duty release may give the employer the argument that no future treatment is warranted.  In other words, the employer will argue that the work-related injury has resolved or that the hurt employee is “cured.”  The Employer/Insurer will take the position that the hurt worker is back to “normal” as if the injury never occurred.

When a person is hurt at work and surgery or another invasive procedure is performed, a “cure” may be unlikely.  Interestingly, an injured employee may be issued “permanent work restrictions” but also be released to “full duty”, “normal duty” , or “regular duty” work.  This is a total ideological contradiction.  How can an injured worker have permanent medical restrictions and also be back to normal?

These inconsistencies will often confuse the injured worker.  Don’t be taken advantage of. The lawyers at the Ramos Law Firm can help you protect your rights.  Our lawyers are dedicated to Georgia Workers’ Compensation.  Call us now at 404-355-3431 for a free consultation.
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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/08/what-does-normal-full-or-regular-duty-really-mean-in-my-ga-workers-compensation-claim/feed/ 0 Understanding Your Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claim http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/02/understanding-your-georgia-workers%e2%80%99-compensation-claim/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/09/02/understanding-your-georgia-workers%e2%80%99-compensation-claim/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:42:11 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1032 When an employee files a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia, the process may become confusing, frustrating, and costly.  Generally, the injured worker wants immediate medical care and income benefits because he or she got hurt on the job.  The insurance company, on the other hand, wants to delay and investigate the matter to save as much money as possible.  These opposing forces often cause a lot of heartache and anger.

After the workers’ compensation claim is filed, everyone begins speaking a different language.  The insurance company and their lawyers use acronyms such as TTD, PPD, or MMI.   The doctors will often throw terms around like MRI, CT, PT, or FCE.  The judge may even mandate you to treat with something called an “orthopod”. Being on “workers’ compensation” is not easy and the injured employee did not ask to be hurt.

An injured worker should not go at it alone.  The insurance companies have complex programs and systems designed to maximize the law to their benefit.  Also, many insurance companies hire skilled lawyers who devote their entire lives to protecting these corporations.  It is the classic “David v. Goliath” situation.

Who is protecting the injured worker?  At the Ramos Law Firm, our attorneys can level the playing field for you.  Our lawyers use their knowledge of the insurance defense practice to help workers hurt on the job. We have extensive trial experience, and we are ready to put it to work for you.  For a free consultation, please contact us.

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