The post Things To Know Before Completing Your FCE Test appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>If you suffered an injury on the job, you may be requested to submit to a functional capability evaluation (FCE). This physical test can be used to determine whether you are entitled to receive disability payments. You may also be asked to take an FCE if you attempt to return to work following a workplace accident.
Because the results of these evaluations can affect your finances, it’s important to know what to expect when you are asked to complete an FCE. Keep these key considerations in mind before completing your FCE in Pennsylvania.
The prospect of going before a medical evaluator and having them assess your fitness and functionality after a personal injury might feel overwhelming or unsettling to you. Know that although you can be requested to take an FCE, you cannot be forced to do so.
While you might not be able to be compelled to take an FCE against your will, not doing so can lead to a denial of benefits. Alternatively, if you are attempting to return to work, your employer may refuse to allow you to do so if you do not first complete an FCE.
Your evaluator may know little about your overall medical history, how your injury happened, or the symptoms you experience at home. Consider preparing for your FCE by writing down the symptoms you have been experiencing. You can also describe their intensity and frequency to help the evaluator better understand your performance on the FCE.
Similarly, if you have any preexisting injuries, your evaluator may find that information helpful in reaching their conclusions. You may also be given a questionnaire before the test starts that asks you about your pain and present limitations.
No matter how you communicate this and similar information to the evaluator, do so honestly and without either exaggerating your conditions or minimizing their impact.
An FCE is unlike a physical test you might have completed in high school or for the military. Instead, an FCE consists of a series of tests designed to mimic the activities you would be expected to perform during an average workday.
These include both dynamic tests, in which you will be expected to exert energy, and static tests, where you will be standing still. Although your FCE may take up to four hours, you are typically given breaks during the evaluation.
The tests are designed to be performed with maximum effort. You should do your best, but do not overly strain yourself to the point of injury. If a movement becomes painful, you should let the evaluator know. Some pain can be expected during the FCE, but excessive pain is not the desired result.
There is no one way to prepare for the tests that will be administered during the FCE. As a result, it is in your best interests to take the test seriously and ensure you are prepared.
Communicate with your evaluator during the exam so that they understand the broader picture of your health and the injury you sustained. These and other similar steps can help the evaluator honestly assess your present condition and limitations.
Seeking the advice of a Chambersburg personal injury lawyer before completing your FCE can also provide you with critical insight on how best to proceed.
If you need help with your case, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post Things To Know Before Completing Your FCE Test appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post Types of Car Accident Injuries appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>Broken bones or fractures are incredibly common in a crash. Fractures can happen due to striking a hard surface in the car, like the steering wheel, or being crushed or pinned. Ejection from the car and even the rapid deceleration of a crash can cause a fracture.
Bones commonly broken in an accident include:
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of vertebral fractures, especially in younger people. About 75% of all femur fractures happen in car accidents.
Back pain is one of the most commonly reported symptoms after a crash. An accident is most likely to cause minor soft tissue back injuries like sprains or strains. More serious injuries can include compressed nerves, herniated discs, and injuries caused by significant blunt force or penetrating trauma.
Whiplash is a very common neck injury that usually happens in a rear-end collision. Whiplash is not well understood, but it seems to be caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration. This forcefully snaps the head forward and backward, overextending muscles and tendons in the neck.
It’s believed whiplash occurs in up to 83% of people in a car accident.
Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain injuries are involved in nearly one-third of injury-related deaths. Every year, more than 230,000 people are hospitalized for TBI and 85,000 suffer a disabling brain injury. Motor vehicle accidents are the cause of about 20% of brain injuries.
A concussion is the most common type of brain injury. Also known as mild TBI, a concussion can be caused by a blow to the head or rapid acceleration and deceleration.
Chest injuries in a car accident may be as minor as contusions or bruises, but serious injuries are also common. A crash can also cause fractured ribs, cardiac issues, a bruised or fractured sternum, or punctured lungs.
Crushing injuries happen when the body or a body part is caught between two objects. Crush injuries are deceptive; damage may appear isolated to just an arm, for example, but it can quickly become life-threatening. Crush injuries can result in a cascade of complications.
These injuries may happen in a crash when someone is pinned by a crumpled car or crushed between two vehicles. Crushing can fracture bones and cause extensive damage to blood vessels, muscles, and nerves.
Every year, about 9,000 to 11,500 Americans suffer eye injuries in car accidents. Broken glass and airbag deployment are two common causes of injuries to the eyes in a crash.
Corneal abrasion, or damage to the surface of the eye, accounts for about 61% of crash-related eye injuries. Accident victims can also suffer chemical burns from airbag deployment, lacerations of the eye, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachment.
The risk of organ damage and other internal injuries is why it’s crucial to seek medical treatment after a crash, no matter how minor the accident seems. These injuries may not be noticed right away, but blood clots can happen days or weeks later.
Seat belts save lives but are associated with damage to the kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas.
Knee injuries are common in a crash.
Types of knee injuries you may suffer in a car accident include:
Knee injuries have the potential to cause long-term pain, reduced mobility, and disability.
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating injuries that often results in partial or total loss of sensation and function below the site of injury. Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
Finally, cuts, bruises, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries are very typical in a crash. While these injuries are often dismissed as minor, soft tissue damage can have permanent effects, including limited range of motion, disfigurement, and chronic pain.
Injuries from a car accident should always be taken seriously, even if they seem minor at first. Make sure you seek medical attention after an accident to make sure any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, a car accident lawyer can help. Please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post Types of Car Accident Injuries appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post How Long Does It Take for Points to Come Off Your Driving Record in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>If you receive a traffic ticket that might add points, it is crucial to understand how the system works and consult a personal injury attorney in Harrisburg for help.
When you make mistakes on the road, points get added to your driving record. The amount of points you receive depends on the violation.
Here’s how points can add up for different traffic violations:
For speeding in a work zone, points and penalties get steeper. A driver can receive three points plus a 15-day license suspension for speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit. Four points may be given, and a 15-day suspension for going 16 to 25 miles per hour too fast.
A driver could also receive five Points and a 15-day suspension for speeding by 26 to 30 miles per hour in a work zone. The same 5 Points plus a suspension apply for going over 31 miles per hour in a work zone.
Collecting too many points can lead to your driver’s license being suspended.
When you first hit six points on your driving record, you have to take a written special point exam.
The written test focuses on:
Passing this test within 30 days keeps your driving rights safe and knocks two points off your record. But if you don’t pass or take the test in time, your license gets suspended. You’ll be stuck without it until you can pass the test.
Hitting 6 points on your driving record for a second time puts you in a more challenging spot. Once your points drop below six and then climb back up, you’re called in for an administrative hearing. At this hearing, a review of your driving habits is conducted.
After the hearing, the Department may suggest a license suspension or a special on-road driving test.
If you face a suspension or need to take a test, passing the test within 30 days or completing your suspension period will shave two points off your record. Skipping this hearing, though, leads to a license suspension.
For those reaching six points a third time, the process intensifies. You’ll need to attend another hearing, where the focus is on whether to suspend your license for 30 days. Not attending this hearing means your license gets suspended until you comply.
Points are taken off your driving record in a straightforward way. For every 12 months you drive without any violations, three points are removed from your record. If you manage to get your record down to zero points and keep it there for a full year, any new points you get will be treated as if it’s the first time you’re accumulating points. This system encourages safe driving habits by gradually forgiving past mistakes as long as you maintain a clean driving record moving forward.
If you need help with your case, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post How Long Does It Take for Points to Come Off Your Driving Record in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post At What Age Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat of a Car in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The use of proper restraints can keep your child safe if an accident should occur. Finding the right car seat for your child’s age and making sure to install it correctly is a start. However, one dangerous mistake some parents make is allowing their children to sit in the front seat — restrained or not — while they are still too young.
The laws for child passenger safety are different from state to state. If you are a new parent or new to the Keystone State, you may not be aware of Pennsylvania’s guidelines.
Children must be securely fastened in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the maximum size limits designated by the manufacturer of that specific seat. By law, any child under the age of two needs to ride in a rear-facing seat.
Children must be securely restrained in an approved safety seat placed anywhere in the vehicle. It is recommended to keep children in this age group in a rear-facing seat.
Children must be restrained in a forward-facing booster seat appropriate for their size and height. When the child outgrows the height and/or weight limit of the booster seat, they are ready to transition to a seat belt.
Children must be restrained in a seat belt that fits properly. Proper fit means the belt fits snugly across the upper thighs, not on the stomach. The shoulder belt should fit across the child’s chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
While the law states that children as young as two can be placed anywhere in a vehicle, PDT still recommends that children 12 and under should ride in the back seat.
The fine for a car seat violation in Pennsylvania is $75 for a first offense, plus any applicable court and filing costs. To comply with the law, drivers must provide a safety seat that fits their child’s age, weight, and height.
PennDOT maintains more than 75 fitting stations for car seats. Drivers will not typically be issued a fine for incorrect car seat installation, but ensuring the seat is installed correctly offers the best protection for your child. Find a fitting station in Pennsylvania by searching the Safe Kids Website.
Pennsylvania law does not specify the age a child can ride in the front seat because age is not the only consideration for safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children 13 and under ride in the back seat to avoid injury. According to the AAP, a child is ready to sit in the front seat only when the seat belt fits them properly.
A small fine is nothing compared to the safety of your child. Sitting in the front seat is more likely to put your child in the direct line of a collision. In addition, airbags are designed to protect adults. An airbag inflates at approximately the height of a child’s head, potentially causing a serious and even fatal airbag injury. For their sake, keep your child properly restrained in the back seat for as long as possible.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post At What Age Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat of a Car in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post How Long Does It Take State Farm to Settle Claims in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>By the end of this time, State Farm must respond to your claim in writing.
If the insurance company accepts your claim immediately, they must pay it promptly. However, the insurance company almost always asks for more time. They must provide a reason for the delay, and they must continue to give updates every 45 days. You will probably receive your money within a few weeks to a few months after you first file your claim. In unusually long cases, you could end up waiting years for your money.
Many factors that can delay the resolution of your claim, including the following:
There are many other possible reasons for the delay. The ways in which your claim is likely to experience delays depends to a great extent on the specific facts of your case. Talk to your lawyer about this once they have gotten up to speed on your case.
State Farm may deliberately delay claims, hoping that you will just give up and accept their ‘lowball’ offer, or accidentally miss the statute of limitations deadline to file a lawsuit.
Be on the lookout for the following tactics:
If the insurance company manages to lull you into missing the statute of limitations deadline to file a lawsuit, the value of your claim will drop to zero immediately.
No matter your problem, you’re almost always better off with a lawyer than without one. Experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers have often dealt with insurance companies, and they should know how to expedite claims against State Farm.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post How Long Does It Take State Farm to Settle Claims in Pennsylvania? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post What You Should Know About GEICO Insurance Claims appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>But GEICO didn’t get over $32 billion in assets by saving their customers money. It’s a business, and its priority is on its bottom line. For car accident victims, this often means receiving settlement offers that are much lower than the damages they’ve truly incurred.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help level the playing field between you and GEICO so that you can recover the compensation you deserve. To speak with an attorney with experience standing up to insurance companies like GEICO, contact our office today.
For more information on how to deal with GEICO if you’ve been involved in an accident, continue reading.
After an accident, the GEICO claims adjuster may contact you and try to get a recorded statement. You are not legally required to provide a statement right after the accident, and most personal injury lawyers would advise against it.
There’s a risk that you will make an innocent statement, such as “I’m fine” or “I didn’t mean to.” The insurance adjuster may use that against you later in the process to deny or reduce your claim.
At some point, you may need to speak with the claims adjuster. But keep any such communication brief. Give them the bare essential details of the accident, such as your name, the date, and the location of the accident. You do not need to describe your injuries or how the accident occurred. You can also tell them to direct any further communications to your attorney.
If you end up filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver, you may have to give an official statement to the insurance company (such as during a deposition). However, at that point, your attorney will have explained your rights, and they will be able to protect your interests from any unfair practices by the insurance company.
You may be surprised to learn that GEICO often calculates medical costs based on the “usual and customary charges” in your area rather than your actual medical bills. GEICO has a team of medical professionals who will review your medical records and determine the value of your medical costs based on the typical treatment for your injuries and your location.
This can result in GEICO’s estimate of your medical expenses being dramatically lower than what you were actually charged. It can also be difficult to challenge these calculations without an experienced personal injury lawyer at your side.
Your attorney will fight for you to receive compensation for all of your medical costs and will argue that the expenses you incurred were necessary and reasonable.
Many people assume that the value of their car accident claim is the total of their medical costs and vehicle damages. However, you can recover compensation for several other losses, known as damages.
For example, you may be able to recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic losses:
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will review the facts of your case and listen to your story to determine what damages may be available to you.
GEICO and its representatives may make you feel pressured to accept a settlement offer quickly, but you don’t have to. You need time to have your injuries evaluated, hire an attorney, and explore your options. Take your time and make an informed decision that’s right for you.
If you don’t like GEICO’s initial offer, your attorney can demand a better offer. If your attorney ultimately isn’t able to negotiate a favorable settlement, they may recommend that you file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you were injured in a car accident in Lebanon, PA, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to deal with GEICO. Contact our skilled Lebanon personal injury lawyers, who have a proven track record of standing up to GEICO on behalf of our clients.
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post What You Should Know About GEICO Insurance Claims appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post How Long Does It Take To Receive My Workers’ Comp Check? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>If you are one of these people and you are still waiting on your check, you need to understand how the system works.
The main advantage of the workers’ compensation system is that you don’t have to prove your employer was at fault to win compensation. In most cases, you can receive compensation even if the accident was your fault.
The main disadvantage is that your compensation is likely to be much lower than it would be if you won a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can help you evaluate whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit in your case.
Your best chance of receiving your compensation quickly is to strictly follow the timeline. Take care of the following as soon after your injury as you can:
If you file your report any time between Day 21 and Day 120, you will receive benefits only from the date of your filing, not retroactively to the date of your accident. If you delay past 120 days, you might not receive benefits at all.
Your employer should promptly report your injury to workers’ compensation. If they don’t, they could significantly delay your receipt of benefits.
You must endure a waiting period after you report your injury, while involved parties determine whether they believe your claim is valid. First of all, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law mandates a seven-day waiting period.
If you are out of work for seven days or less, you cannot claim any lost earnings (although you can still claim medical expenses). You can claim disability payments for your second week, and if your period of disability exceeds 14 days, you can even get reimbursement for your first seven days off work.
There are several possible delays in processing your claim.
The workers’ compensation insurance carrier will need some time to verify your claim. They will review your medical records, your employment records, and the facts surrounding your accident or illness.
Pennsylvania law requires them to decide on your claim within 21 days of receiving your notification. Ideally, they will issue you a Notification of Compensation Payable within that three-week window.
Any delay in reporting your injury, by you or by your employer, will probably delay your receipt of a Notification of Compensation Payable. The insurance company might be responsible for some delay as well.
The real delays begin if the insurance company or your employer doubts the validity of your claim. If the insurance company is stubborn enough, you might have to file a claim petition and attend a hearing. Even this is no guarantee.
Your best bet, however, is to provide accurate information and not exaggerate the seriousness of your injury even a little bit. The insurance company refers to exaggeration as “malingering,” and it can carry serious consequences.
Your wage replacement benefits should arrive once every two weeks. It might take two or three weeks for the first check to arrive, however. You should continue receiving these checks until you return to work.
If the insurance company denies your claim, you might experience months of delay. In a worst-case scenario, you might never receive any money at all. This is where the assistance of anty experienced workers’ compensation lawyer really comes in handy.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you every step of the way, from reporting your injury to appealing your denial. Most workers’ compensation lawyers charge nothing upfront – and nothing ever in attorney’s fees – unless they win money for your claim.
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
The post How Long Does It Take To Receive My Workers’ Comp Check? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Sternum? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>Most fractures to the sternum are caused by direct trauma to the area, such as that experienced in a car accident, a fall, or during high-impact sports. With that said, it’s important to know what the symptoms of a fractured sternum entail so you can take action as soon as possible.
The first warning sign of a fractured sternum to be aware of is any pain or discomfort that occurs while breathing following an accident, such as a slip and fall at work or something similar at home.
Other symptoms include the following:
The symptoms of a bruised sternum are almost identical to the symptoms of a fractured sternum, but treatment for the two conditions can be radically different. If fragments of the sternum bone were displaced, surgery may be required. In any case, do not ignore the warning signs of a fractured sternum; seek emergency medical care right away.
Since trauma is the most common cause of a fractured sternum, several treatments may prove necessary.
Your doctor will order a specific type of X-ray known as a lateral radiograph to check the extent of the injury. If follow-up appointments are suggested, you need to make sure you keep up with your appointments, as it is vital to have the progress of your healing monitored to avoid any complications.
Although rest is the most common treatment for a break in that area, a sternal fracture may require more serious care, and ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications may only be enough to reduce swelling and manage pain temporarily. If your pain is severe and not improving, consult with your physician.
Though rare, surgery may be required to reposition the bone. While recovering, follow these suggestions to avoid developing a chest infection:
Contact your doctor if you feel short of breath, develop a fever, or begin coughing up phlegm that is green, yellow, or bloody.
A fractured sternum can be a serious injury that causes recurring chest pain for upwards of eight to 12 weeks. The trauma that caused the fracture could also bruise underlying heart or lung tissue, leading to long-term complications if the sternum does not heal properly.
Older adults and those with diabetes are at higher risk for a painful condition called pseudarthrosis, which may require surgery. Stiffness and pain in the arms, shoulders, and spine may also develop.
Whether caused by a motorcycle accident, a fall, or a sports injury, a fractured sternum can cause painful complications that require intensive medical care.
If you have suffered a sternal fracture due to negligence or unsafe practices on someone else’s part, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Protect your health by consulting with a physician, and protect your legal rights by scheduling a consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
The post What Are the Symptoms of a Fractured Sternum? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post What Is a Long-Term Disability in Social Security Disability Cases? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>If that happens, you may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) benefits through your employer. However, the insurance company may advise you that you must file for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits to continue receiving long-term disability payments.
In this blog post, our Harrisburg disability lawyers discuss the difference between LTD and SSDI and how they impact each other in a disability case.
Long-term disability (LTD) is a group insurance policy that your employer may provide. Some employers pay the premium for their employees, but not always. Your employer may require you to pay all or part of the premium for LTD if you want coverage.
LTD insurance provides wage replacement if you become disabled. You typically receive 50 to 70 percent of your earnings before becoming disabled. You may receive LTD benefits until your retirement age, depending on the policy terms.
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is a government-funded disability program for disabled workers. The Social Security Administration administers the program.
You must meet strict requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits. Your impairment or disability must prevent you from performing a substantial gainful activity (i.e., work). The disabling condition must prevent you from working for one year or longer OR result in death.
The amount you receive in SSDI benefits depends on your previous earnings. However, there is a maximum amount of disability you can receive through SSDI.
For 2024, the maximum SSDI benefits are $3,822 per month, but few people receive the maximum benefit. The average SSDI benefit in Pennsylvania is approximately $1,494 per month.
You continue to receive SSDI benefits as long as you are disabled or until age 65 years. At 65 years old, your SSDI ends, and retirement benefits begin.
In most cases, you begin receiving LTD benefits before SSDI benefits. Your insurance policy may have an exclusionary period for benefits, but it is often shorter than the time it takes to get approved for SSDI benefits.
However, most LTD policies include clauses that require you to apply for SSDI benefits. Failure to file an SSDI application could cause you to lose your long-term disability payments.
The insurance company might offer to help you file the claim. However, it could be questionable whether the company is protecting your best interests or looking out for itself.
Therefore, you may want to consult a Harrisburg disability attorney of your choosing for help. Some insurance policies cover the cost of hiring a private attorney to help with SSDI applications. A disability lawyer will review your LTD policy and advise you of all legal rights under the policy.
The reason the LTD insurance company requires you to file for SSDI is purely to benefit them. LTD insurance policies often contain clauses that allow them to offset your LTD benefits if you are awarded Social Security disability. Therefore, your LTD benefits could decrease by the amount of your SSDI benefits.
It might take several months to be approved for Social Security disability benefits. Until your SSDI application is approved, the LTD insurance company will generally pay the total amount of your long-term disability benefits.
Furthermore, the LTD policy probably contains a reimbursement agreement. You must reimburse the LTD company for any offsets that would have been active if you received retroactive SSDI benefits.
For example, suppose the SSA pays you for six months of back benefits. If the offset for those six months is $3,000, you would need to pay the LTD insurance company that amount. If not, the insurance company may reduce your LTD payments until it recoups the past-due amount.
It can be challenging trying to thread your way through the disability bureaucracy, particularly if you’ve never done it before. A disability lawyer can guide you through the thicket so that you end up with the most favorable possible results. Contact a lawyer today to set up a free initial consultation so that a lawyer can evaluate your disability claim.
If you’ve been injured in a social security disability, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post What Is a Long-Term Disability in Social Security Disability Cases? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>The post What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
]]>A car accident lawyer aims to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve after a car accident in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The attorney handles everything from negotiating with insurance companies to getting your case ready for trial.
Considering hiring a car accident lawyer after an accident is a wise move. They play a big role in increasing your chances of getting fair compensation.
Here’s what a car accident lawyer does for you:
Choosing a car accident lawyer means having an ally familiar with local laws and dedicated to fighting for your rights and rightful compensation.
The amount of money you can get from a car accident varies a lot. It depends on many things. Understand what affects your compensation is a crucial part of determining what your case is worth.
Here are some factors that play a part:
Every case is different, so it’s important to talk to a car accident lawyer who can look at your specific case and give you an idea of its value.
After a car accident, the legal process unfolds in several steps. It starts with you reaching out to a lawyer and often ends with a settlement or trial.
You can expect the following process after a car accident:
It’s important to remember that each car accident case is unique, and your lawyer will tailor the approach to best suit your specific situation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963
The post What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do? appeared first on Marzzacco Niven & Associates.
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