Hey Jim, Can You Loan me $1500 'til My Case Settles?

Brother, can you spare a dime? That's how the old saw goes, and not a month goes by without one of my clients calling, and they "hate to ask, but" look for a loanbfrom me against their comp settlement.

I feel bad for most of my clients. I truly do, and it is hard sometimes for me to say no. But I do.

I explain, as best as I can, that the Rules of Professional Responsibility prohibit me (thank goodness) from loaning my clients money. I always add the postscript that if I lose my license to practice law, I am of no use to them at all.

There are a number of firms out there now that will loan money against a WC settlement. In most cases, I try and steer my clients away from these outfits as I find heir rates usurious. But occasionally, suc a loan is a necessary evil.

I do my best to get to know my clients on a personal level. I like it that way. If I think they need the money, and understand the ramifications of these settlement loans, then after discussing it with the individual, Imake it happen. Most of the time it works.

No matter what, though, I can't loan you a dime (or $1500.00)

Commuting Payments End For Workers' Comp Commissioners - Courant.com

Commuting Payments End For Workers' Comp Commissioners - Courant.com

The Frequency Of Contact Between You And Your Lawyer In The Personal Injury Case

The Frequency Of Contact Between You And Your Lawyer In The Personal Injury Case

Amended Steel Erection standard improves highway construction worker safety

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has added a note to its Steel Erection standard informing employers of certain Federal Highway Administration requirements, to better protect workers and motorists during highway bridge construction.This added information will help prevent tragedies like the 2004 incident in which a 100-foot-long, 40-ton steel bridge girder fell from an overpass under construction in Golden, Colo., crushing an SUV passing underneath and killing the family of three inside. The falling girder could just as easily have struck and killed the construction workers who were building the bridge had they been there at the time; therefore, OSHA is amending its Steel Erection standard to notify employers of FHWA regulations that could save the lives of workers constructing highway bridges.In many cases, the FHWA requires that a Registered Engineer prepare plans for any temporary braces or supports used to stabilize structures such as bridges during highway construction. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the company erecting the bridge contributed to the fatal 2004 incident by failing to follow this requirement.Adding notification of FHWA requirements to the Steel Erection standard is considered a technical amendment because it does not impose any additional compliance burden on employers and therefore does not require a public comment period before going into effect. For additional information see the notice in the Federal Register.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Updated Medical Guidelines take Effect July 1, 2010

June 1, 2010
The Connecticut Worker's Compensation Commission reports it has adopted new guidelines for resolving issues that may arise for either payors or medical providers who practice within the workers’ compensation system. The effective date for these guidelines is July 1, 2010.

To review the new guidelines, click here.