Fatal falls seem to be on the rise for our senior citizens. According to Medical News Today, each year, one in three older adults in the U.S. falls, making falls the leading cause of injury related deaths for older Americans. The costs per year associated with the treatment of fall […]
Pro-Asbestos Industry Group Shutting Its Doors
The Chrysotile Institute, a Canadian advocacy group promoting the use of asbestos, has announced its plan to dissolve. The group was formed in 1984 (originally named the Asbestos Institute) and was funded by the Canadian government. The Institute has been controversial, because it has promoted the “safe use” of asbestos, […]
Boating and Child Safety
As the summer approaches, our thoughts often turn to boating. Remember as captain of your vessel, you are responsible for your passengers. Many times we forget about the children. Remember that a child on a boat is still a child. Very few boats are equipped with seatbelts. If you are […]
US Banks to be Examined Regarding Overdraft Fees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently announced that it is reviewing bank practices to determine whether regulations aimed at curbing abuses with overdraft fees went far enough. The agency plans to decide by the end of the year whether additional rules and restrictions are needed to protect consumers. In […]
Bills Introduced to Alter Rule on Generic Drug Labels
Bills were recently introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives that would allow generic drug companies to update warning information about the drugs they manufacture and sell. The bills would also clear the way for consumers harmed by generic drugs to bring failure to warn claims against generic […]
Distracted Driving and Teenagers
It applies to all of us but particularly young adults who are so familiar with smart phones. Some sobering statistics: 20 percent of injury crashes involve reports of distracted driving. In a study of over eighteen months, college students using a sophisticated driving simulator showed an eight times greater crash […]
Always Read the Fine Print
I just received an invitation to a free dinner at a very good steak house. I do not know what is going to be served at the steak house. It has been many years since I have dined at the steak house but my memory was the food was excellent, […]
Workers’ Comp: Can an Employer Have its Injured Worker Declared Permanently and Totally Disabled?
The statute that governs occupational death claims in North Carolina, Section 97-38, sets a time limit for allowing such claims to proceed. An injured worker’s dependents are eligible for death benefits if her death occurs within (a) 6 years of the injury or occupational disease or (b) 2 years of […]
Workers’ Comp: New Study — &ldquo ; Injury is a failure of management.’
Two scholars from the University of Georgia recently performed a study of workplace conditions that contribute to workplace injuries, and the findings are eye-opening. According to the article, an employer’s management, organization, and work-life balance have an effect on injury rates. An employer that runs a ‘smooth and effective’ operation […]
Wreck Damage May Create Diminished Value
Would you pay the same amount for a car that has been in a wreck as one that has not been in a wreck? If your vehicle requires repair at 25 percent of its value or more, the wreck must be reported on the title. For example, if you own […]