Author Archives: Jason Kobal
The ‘Reasonably Necessary’ Proof Requirement
To most insurance adjusters, “reasonably necessary” means “cheapest possible.” Likewise, most Claims Examiners, who are basically semi-independent adjusters, don’t consider anything other than the cost when they approve or deny medical bill payment. Cost is one component of the reasonably necessary requirement. But, it’s only one component. At Administrative Law Judge appeal hearings, a… Read More »
Seven Occupational Diseases in Florida
After several years of steady decline, workplace absenteeism is once again on the rise. An occupational disease, many of which are discussed below, often causes absenteeism. Other causes include child care issues, workplace injuries, and transportation issues. If disease-related absenteeism lasts more than seven days, benefits are available that replace lost wages and pay… Read More »
Seven Occupational Diseases in Florida
After several years of steady decline, workplace absenteeism is once again on the rise. An occupational disease, many of which are discussed below, often causes absenteeism. Other causes include child care issues, workplace injuries, and transportation issues. If disease-related absenteeism lasts more than seven days, benefits are available that replace lost wages and pay… Read More »
The Three Types of Negligence in Car Wreck Claims
Driver error causes over 98 percent of the car crashes in Florida. This driver error usually falls into one of the three categories discussed below. Sometimes, driver error is a wrong-place-at-the-wrong-time accident. For example, Sam might answer a call on his cell phone at the same moment Jill steps out into the street. However,… Read More »
Fundamental Elements of a Social Security Disability Claim
Depending on the recipient’s income and a few other factors, the average Social Security Disability benefit is almost $1.500 per month in Florida. That monthly cash, along with automatic Medicaid eligibility, could change the life of a family that includes a disabled person. However, benefit eligibility is not the end of the story. SSD… Read More »
Local Workers’ Comp Fraudster Sentenced in Delaware
A woman who used an alias and a fake Social Security number to obtain disability payments from two employers will spend the next five to ten years in prison. According to court documents, the 57-year-old woman claimed that in 2019 she was hurt from a fall while working at the Family Dollar store. She… Read More »
Medical Bill Payment Ambushes
Legally, workers’ compensation insurers must directly pay all job injury-related medical bills. Unfortunately for victims, insurance companies don’t always follow these requirements. They’re determined to cut benefits and pad their profits, even though these companies already earn more than $1 trillion a year. Furthermore, under the law, injured workers aren’t financially responsible for any… Read More »
Determining the AWW in a Workers’ Compensation Matter
In 1973, the Average Weekly Wage in America was $132. By 2024, the AWW had increased to $960. Obviously, individual wages among injured workers vary significantly. Additionally, the composition of the AWW varies significantly. Wage income is not always the same thing as cash income. More on that below. Maximum lost wage replacement benefits… Read More »
Mental Stress is Now the #1 Job Injury
Anxiety, stress, and related mental illness now account for 52 percent of all job-related injuries, according to a recent study. A new Atticus study found that mental health issues such as stress and anxiety are now the number one most common workplace injury, making up most of all workplace injury cases. Google searches for… Read More »
Am I Disabled?
Over 13 percent of the U.S. population, or some 42 million people, is disabled. In the everyday world, “disability” basically means a physical, emotional, or other impairment that significantly impairs at least one daily function, such as concentrating at work or walking up stairs. Usually, we associate disabilities with permanent conditions. Recovering surgical patients… Read More »
