We learn early that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But a recent study of commuter traffic suggests that a longer route between home and work is safer and less likely to end in a car accident. The study by a University researchers was a project to produce an algorithm to…

Workers who suffer on-the-job injuries and are eligible for workers’ compensation have greatly increased odds of dying of a drug overdose and from suicide, newly published research says. The risk of suicide or overdose from opioid painkillers nearly triples in women with workplace injuries serious enough to keep them off the job for more than…

The annual list of the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA safety standard violations in U.S. workplaces features many familiar hazards and one workplace safety standard on the list for the first time. Patrick Kapust, deputy director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, told the NSC’s Safety+Health magazine that the Top 10 list represents the…

There are many reasons a person may quit a job. However, you should keep in mind that leaving an employer that owes you workers’ compensation benefits can complicate a pending workers’ compensation claim. Resigning from a company that is responsible for your workers’ compensation benefits should be a carefully considered decision. Your employer will inevitably argue…

If someone were to mention workers’ compensation fraud to you, what would be your first guess at who is generally responsible? Is it employees? That’s what a lot of people wrongly think. According to a poll conducted on Claims Journal’s website, employee fraud was cited as the number one kind of workers’ compensation fraud. But…

The North Carolina Industrial Commission recently released a report auditing the state’s Workers’ Compensation Program. The report evaluates the degree of compliance of businesses with the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act and how well compliance is being enforced. All companies in North Carolina, with the exception of a few exemptions laid out in the Worker’s Compensation…

In early 1987, I had finally completed the training pipeline as a JAGC Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and was ready to begin to practice law. My first assignment was as a military prosecutor, working for the various commands at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. I had lots of courtroom experience much earlier in…

Now that summer is here, many parents and their children are looking forward to the prospect of summer camp. While summer camp is historically viewed as a rite of passage for children, parents view it as both a learning opportunity for children and a productive means of childcare. Although summer camps are a fantastic way…

The budget conference committee was just appointed, so we finally have an opportunity to let our voices be heard about Section 15.1.6(b) of the budget bill. This provision would dramatically change the terms of Deputy Commissioners who hear workers’ compensation cases at the Industrial Commission. The Senate budget provides for four year terms for deputy…

In most car accidents, you do not need a lawyer. I know that sounds strange coming from a lawyer who is trying to make a living, but it is true. Now, before I give you my rules of thumb about when you need to hire an attorney and when you do not, let me begin…