The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently published final rules regarding the evaluation of medical evidence in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. These rules become effective March 27, 2017. A very important change under the new rules is that adjudicators of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI claims no longer have to give special weight to the medical opinions of a claimant's treating source, i.e, a treating primary care physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist. The medical opinions now will be evaluated equally for "persuasiveness" based supposedly on consistency and supportability.
Falls in Tennessee contribute to workplace injury rates
Falls at work are among the most common mechanisms of injury for today's industrial employees. The fact is that falls at the same level and falls to a lower level account for billions of dollars in lost productivity and workers' compensation claims every year. These workplace injuries can cause emotional, physical, and financial difficulties for those affected. A worker injured on the job can lead to costs related to hiring a temporary replacement and other indirect expenditures related to quality of production, according to insurance companies.
Trauma surgeons give tip to avoid slip-and-fall accidents
A group of trauma surgeons out of Germany are hoping to help reduce the number of patients they see in their Emergency Departments with this tip: walk like a penguin.
Car accident victims can get uninsured motorist coverage
Many Tennessee drivers worry about the financial impact of getting involved in a car crash. This is a legitimate concern, particularly for drivers who may get into a car wreck with an uninsured motorist. The good news: States around the nation are starting to offer auto insurance that protects against underinsured motorist accidents.
How Long Until My Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Hearing?
People applying for and appealing a denied claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are rightfully concerned with the length of the process. I try to regularly provide an update on processing times and approval rates for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims at some hearing offices (ODAR). Please remember that these statistics are only for claims pending at the hearing level or Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. The claims at a hearing office have already been through the Application and Reconsideration steps (typically 6-12 months of waiting already).
What steps should I take after a dog bite?
How should you respond when you have been bitten by a dog in Tennessee? In the immediate aftermath of this type of personal injury, you probably have a lot of questions. Instead of suffering through the anxiety that can come along with being the victim of a dog attack, consider enlisting the services of a qualified attorney. You can also take some steps to protect yourself and your family after your dog bite injury.
Five tips to avoid winter driving dangers
Weather is a contributing factor to many car accidents. Over 1 million accidents are attributed to weather conditions, and these car crashes are often highest in the winter months. A recent piece by AAA digs into these statistics and finds that weather related accidents translate to 425,000 injuries and 5,100 fatalities annually.
Tennessee workplace injury can lead to PTSD
Would you think of a mental or emotional issue as being relevant to a workplace injury? Research shows that many Tennessee victims of workplace injury may actually be at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder in connection with their on-the-job ailments. This psychological condition can lead to longer-term occupational illness, which is why physicians urge early intervention to protect workplace injury victims.
