Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Benefit Cuts Under New York Workers’ Compensation Reform
New York has had a strong workers’ compensation program for a number of years, and with New York’s recent budget approval, more good news is on the way for injured workers, or so proponents of the reform would have you believe. Reform has rarely meant good change, for the worker anyways. Often, workers’ compensation… Read More »
VA Benefits for Rape Victims
While many people and the media portray the horrors of battle as the most traumatic and psychologically scarring aspect of military service, for many it is not. Tens of thousands of women and men leave the service having been sexually traumatized. In fact, over 20,000 service members were sexually assaulted in 2014 alone. And,… Read More »
The Four Levels of Appealing a Social Security Disability Denial
Being accepted into the Social Security Administration’s Disability program is complicated and the odds are not in your favor, even if you have an obvious and severe physical or psychological disability that keeps you from working at your full capacity. According to the Social Security Administration, during the 10-year period from 2001 through 2010,… Read More »
Study Finds New York Construction Fatalities on the Rise
The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) released a study entitled “Deadly Skyline” in early 2017 that has found disturbing evidence of employer safety violations that lead to worker deaths. The Committee found that construction deaths are increasing, non-union construction sites are more dangerous than union sites, Latino workers face higher… Read More »
When Can I Sue My Employer?
In most circumstances, the workers’ compensation system does not allow for an employee to sue their employer. However, this is not always the case. In 2015, a construction worker was killed and others were seriously injured when a wall collapsed on the construction site in Brooklyn. According to Eyewitness News ABC 7 New York,… Read More »
The Four Disability Classifications
When you suffer a workplace injury or illness, your medical bills should be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. In addition to medical coverage, workers’ compensation pays for up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. There are four classifications of workers’ compensation disability benefits, according to the New York Workers’ Compensation Board,… Read More »
New York Social Security Disability Mental Disorders
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are not only available to people who have been severely wounded or disabled through an illness. People with certain mental disorders may qualify for benefits as well. However, if you attempt to qualify for SSD benefits, your condition must meet the Administration’s requirements. By working with an experienced New… Read More »
VA Disability Overpayments Cause Havoc for Veteran Families
Disability compensation is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and is a tax-free benefit, according to the New York State Division of Veteran’s Affairs. This benefit is earned by veterans who have become disabled due to military service-caused physical or mental injury, or have become sick during their active service. Additionally,… Read More »
Vocational Rehabilitation Training for Veterans
Serving in the military creates a strong work ethic, strong sense of community, teaches service members how to operate successfully as a team, and equips individuals with highly technical skill sets. Then, one might rightfully ask, why is it so hard for veterans to find steady, good paying jobs? The fact is that nine… Read More »