Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can You Get Workers’ Compensation if You Get COVID-19 in New York?
The coronavirus is still rapidly spreading throughout the United States. New York, which was considered the epicenter of this deadly disease, is still seeing many cases. So far, there have been 413,000 cases in the state, with more than 32,000 deaths. Many people are contracting COVID-19 through the workplace. This is especially true for… Read More »
Social Security Disability as Income Protection
Millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The past few months have shown that losing a steady paycheck for a month or longer can have serious effects. Most people live paycheck to paycheck and have no savings to help them. The same thing can happen when a person becomes… Read More »
Veterans to Possibly See Cost-of-Living Increase in 2021
2020 has been a rough year for many Americans so far, and we’re only just about halfway through it. For veterans, though, there is a glimmer of hope as the House passes a cost-of-living increase for recipients of veterans benefits. On May 28, House lawmakers passed legislation approving a benefits increase. However, their job… Read More »
Benefits Available for Gay Veterans
In the past, being anything but a straight male or female would have gotten you discharged from the military. That’s why the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was enforced decades ago. Servicemen and women tried hard to not disclose their sexual orientation. They kept quiet and stayed “in the closet” during their time of… Read More »
Mother Unable to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Son’s Workplace Death
As a parent, it can be upsetting to learn that your child was killed in a workplace accident. It can be even more devastating to learn that the employer is failing to take responsibility for the death and even the workers’ compensation system is denying you any compensation for damages. Sadly, this is the… Read More »
Downward Trend in Opioid Prescriptions for Workers’ Compensation Patients
Injured in a workplace accident? You’re not alone. Many people experience slips, trips and falls as well as machinery malfunctions while at work. Every year, more than 4,000 people are killed in workplace accidents and many more are injured. These workplace accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, including head trauma, back and… Read More »
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits During a Pandemic
When a person becomes disabled and can no longer work and earn an income, they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are available to you and your immediate family if you meet the criteria. You must have earned sufficient credits by working for a sufficient period of time. You must have… Read More »
Why Are Social Security Disability Claims Denied?
Nobody plans on being disabled, but things happen. People get injured at work. Some are involved in serious car accidents. A person may suffer a fall at home, breaking their arm or injuring their back or neck. Accidents happen, and while many people heal from their injuries, some sustain long-term or even permanent injuries…. Read More »
Contract Workers Fighting for Workers’ Compensation, Other Rights Amidst Pandemic
Freelancers, rideshare workers, contract workers and others in the gig economy have been fighting for equal rights for a long time. They are not the same as employees, since they work their own schedule and often use their own equipment. They also do not receive benefits such as unemployment insurance, health insurance, retirement pensions,… Read More »
Do Social Security Disability Recipients Qualify for Stimulus Checks?
By now, you have likely heard about the stimulus checks for Americans as part of the coronavirus crisis. At the end of March, President Donald Trump approved a $2.2 trillion stimulus package to aid Americans financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This package includes $1,200 checks for taxpayers based on income, plus $500 for… Read More »