Ramos Law Firm Workers' Comp Blog http://www.ramoslawblog.com Georgia Workers' Compensation, Medicare Set-Asides and Injury Trust Funds Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:21:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Hearing loss at work: potential changes to acceptable levels http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/03/09/hearing-loss-at-work/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/03/09/hearing-loss-at-work/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:21:41 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1139 Citing that nearly 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise on a daily basis and that occupational hearing loss continues to plague industry workers, the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) requested a reduction of the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise exposures recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  By adopting this reduction, the United States would be level with nearly every other country in the world.

“Nearly every other nation on earth has adopted a more protective 85 dBA exposure limit – which means that U.S. workers have a substantially greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss than do the workers of almost every other nation,” said Rick Neitzel, PhD, CIH, NHCA President.   “Also, workers in industries like construction, agriculture, and oil and gas drilling are currently not covered by an effective regulation, which is unacceptable, given the high levels of noise exposure associated with these industries.”

Currently, there has been discussion at the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation adopting a lower hearing loss threshold.  The attorneys at the Ramos Law Firm are monitoring this development as to whether it will find its way into the 2010 legislative bill.

If you have suffered a hearing loss at work, call now for your free consultation (404) 355-3431 or contact the Ramos Law Firm via our website.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/03/09/hearing-loss-at-work/feed/ 0 Bryan Ramos announced as a 2010 Georgia Rising Star http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/03/08/bryan-ramos-announced-as-a-2010-georgia-rising-star/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/03/08/bryan-ramos-announced-as-a-2010-georgia-rising-star/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:19:48 +0000 admin http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1131 Super Lawyers published their 2010 Georgia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list this month.  The Ramos Law Firm is proud to announce that Bryan Ramos has been selected as a Georgia 2010 Rising Star.  Click here to see the profile as it appears in Atlanta Magazine and Super Lawyers Magazine.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/03/08/bryan-ramos-announced-as-a-2010-georgia-rising-star/feed/ 0 Fuel Tank Company to be headquartered in Gainesville, GA http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/02/18/fuel-tank-company-to-be-headquartered-in-gainesville-ga/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/02/18/fuel-tank-company-to-be-headquartered-in-gainesville-ga/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:20:23 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1127 Yazaki Corporation will create 40 new jobs as it places its North American headquarters in Gainesville, Georgia.  This company makes fuel tanks for original manufacturers.  The company will occupy a 45,000 square foot building in the Gainesville Industrial Park West.  Operations should commence in 2010.

The attorneys at the Ramos Law Firm have handled workers’ compensation claims for automotive and factory employees.  These injuries stem from carpal tunnel claims to more severe injuries involving spinal protrusions and disc herniations.  If you have been injured on the job, please do not hesitate to contact our attorneys.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/02/18/fuel-tank-company-to-be-headquartered-in-gainesville-ga/feed/ 0 An increase in housing construction may lead to an increase in Workers’ Compensation claims http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/02/18/an-increase-in-housing-construction-may-lead-to-an-increase-in-workers-compensation-claims/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/02/18/an-increase-in-housing-construction-may-lead-to-an-increase-in-workers-compensation-claims/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:04:41 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1122 The Washington Post recently reported that housing construction posted a better-than-expected increase in January.  This activity is the highest level in six months.  This slump has been the worst in decades.  However, this gain provides a glimmer of hope to the industry and a return to work for Georgia’s construction workers.

At the Ramos Law Firm, we have represented many construction workers.  In many cases these workers present the highest risk of injury given the nature of the job.  Typical injuries include back pain, torn rotator cuff tears, and knee pain.  If a construction worker is injured on the job, he or she should receive immediate medical treatment.  In fact, the worker may choose a doctor from a pre-selected panel of doctors.   If the injured worker’s injury is severe enough to miss time from work, he or she would be eligible for temporary disability benefits.

For more information or if you need assistance getting the treatment you need, contact us at 404-355-3431 or click here.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/02/18/an-increase-in-housing-construction-may-lead-to-an-increase-in-workers-compensation-claims/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 Pilgrim’s Pride Leaves Chapter 11 Bankruptcy http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/21/pilgrim%e2%80%99s-pride-leaves-chapter-11-bankruptcy/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/21/pilgrim%e2%80%99s-pride-leaves-chapter-11-bankruptcy/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:57:19 +0000 Bryan Ramos http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1114 The chicken processing company, Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late December 2009. The company is a Texas based corporation that has many plants in Georgia.  This company spent thirteen months reorganizing itself through Chapter 11.  Additionally, Pilgrim’s Pride acquired the Atlanta based Goldkist Corporation, and announced that it would close it’s plant in Dalton, Georgia, and announce another closure in Athens, Georgia.

The attorneys at the Ramos Law Firm have represented the workers in various chicken processing plants, and they are familiar with the tactics employed by these corporations. If you have been injured on the job, please feel free to contact the Ramos Law Firm for your free consultation.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2010/01/21/pilgrim%e2%80%99s-pride-leaves-chapter-11-bankruptcy/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 Deepest Sympathies to the Family of Georgia Paramedic Paul Holmes http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/12/31/deepest-sympathies-to-the-family-of-georgia-paramedic-paul-holmes/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/12/31/deepest-sympathies-to-the-family-of-georgia-paramedic-paul-holmes/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:59:07 +0000 admin http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1103 The Ramos Law Firm extends its deepest condolences to the family of Paul Holmes, a Georgia paramedic, who died early Monday morning at Grady Memorial Hospital.  It is the Firm’s understanding that Mr. Holmes was injured on the job early Sunday morning when the ambulance he was riding in was involved in car accident.  Mr. Holmes was responding to a vehicle fire when the work injury occurred.  Mr. Holmes was recently trained as a fire fighter for Douglas County and had worked with the county’s EMS department since May 2008.

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/12/31/deepest-sympathies-to-the-family-of-georgia-paramedic-paul-holmes/feed/ 0 IPE Rebroadcasts Law Office Management for the Paralegal: Legal Admin and Tech http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/12/03/ipe-rebroadcasts-law-office-management-for-the-paralegal-legal-admin-and-tech/ http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/12/03/ipe-rebroadcasts-law-office-management-for-the-paralegal-legal-admin-and-tech/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:11:28 +0000 Gail Bailey http://www.ramoslawblog.com/?p=1088 On Friday, December 4, the Institute for Paralegal Education is rebroadcasting a seminar that was original taped in January of this year.   The seminar is entitled Law Office Management for the Paralegal and includes discussion regarding the following topics:

  • General Law Office Administration
  • Managing People Inside and Outside the Firm
  • Financial Management
  • Legal Administration and Technology
  • Avoiding Ethical Dilemmas

The seminar is scheduled to run from 12 – 7 Eastern time.

For more information or to register click here.

Original post with PowerPoint presentation of Legal Administration and Technology

Click here to go to the General Law Office Management PowerPoint slides

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]]> http://www.ramoslawblog.com/2009/12/03/ipe-rebroadcasts-law-office-management-for-the-paralegal-legal-admin-and-tech/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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