Staff Writer - Aronova & Associates

10 Common Long Term Workplace Illnesses

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Staff Writer

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10 Common Long-Term Workplace Illnesses

When people think of workers being hurt on the job, they often think of sudden accidents in which a worker is injured or killed.

Unfortunately, these aren’t the only ways that workers in New York State can be hurt on the job. Some workplace conditions can cause or contribute to long-term illnesses. These illnesses can develop gradually and become worse progressively. Many of them can ultimately be fatal.

Common Occupational Diseases

In New York, an occupational disease is any medical condition that is disabling and is caused by exposure to workplace irritants or stems from the nature of the work.

Here are 10 of the most common long-term workplace illnesses:

Cancer from asbestos exposure. Construction workers, plumbers, electricians, or other workers exposed to asbestos in buildings — which has been banned for decades — can develop cancer as a result. Several types of cancer have been traced to asbestos, including mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of internal organs that is rare and often fatal.
Silicosis. Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by breathing crystalline silica dust.
Hearing and vision loss. Workers who were not given appropriate safety equipment and worked in blasting, tunnel construction, or demolition can develop both vision and hearing loss.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Office workers whose hands and arms must be in certain positions and who are not provided adequate keyboard, computer, furniture or other equipment can develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Exposure to toxic fumes. The inhalation of paint and welding fumes can affect health. Multiple workers can be exposure to paint and welding fumes.
Back injuries. Construction and warehouse workers can develop back injuries if they are not taught the proper method of lifting loads or are overtaxed.
Heart attack and stroke. Stress can cause heart attack, stroke, and other heart disease-related illnesses.
Repetitive stress injuries. Workers on assembly lines or other functions where they repeat movements can suffer repetitive stress injuries.
Sick building syndrome. When 20% or more of the workers in a building becomes ill, the building can be classified as a “sick building,” and their illness “sick building syndrome.” The key is that the symptoms abate once the workers are not in the building. The symptoms can be respiratory, such as difficulty breathing or sinus problems, itching and burning eyes, fatigue, dizziness, or even cancer. The illness may come from the mold or other unhealthy conditions in the building.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This is a disease of the central nervous system that may develop after an accident.

The symptoms of long-term workplace illnesses often don’t become noticeable for many years on the job. As a result, both employers and insurance companies often argue that illness is not a result of workplace conditions.

All the more reason to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

Aronova & Associates: Workers Compensation Lawyers Long Island Trusts

Aronova & Associates are workers compensation lawyers Long Island relies on for aggressive and knowledgeable representation. If you or a loved one have an illness caused by the workplace, we will fight for your right to maximum compensation. If the illness caused your loved one to die, we can file a wrongful death case.

Call us today at (516) 640-3900 for a consultation about your case. The initial consultation is always free.

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Aronova & Associates is a firm for all New Yorkers. Our services are available in multiple languages and tailored to the needs of every client. The first step in providing you with the help you need is a free consultation to discuss your case. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to get to work for you.

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Top 5 Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Staff Writer

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Top 5 Safety Tips for Construction Workers

Construction workers build the country—literally—but they also put life and limb on the line. It’s no secret that this industry has one of the highest rates of fatal accidents and serious injuries, and it certainly doesn’t help that not all construction companies are scrupulous in following safety requirements.

Because of the serious risks involved, construction workers are urged to take matters into their own hands by carefully following safety tips.

#1 Stay focused and aware

It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the most important safety steps you can take doesn’t have anything to do with Job site safety. Fatigued construction workers are much more likely to become injured employees, and so your first safety tip is simply to get enough sleep each night. Getting enough quality sleep will help you stay focused on your work and aware of what’s going on around you, and less likely to have an accident.

#2 Keep your work area clear

Next to you, you should only have the tools and materials you need for the task at hand and nothing more. It’s easy to trip over tools, especially when you’re focused on what you’re doing. Keeping your work area tidy is particularly important when you’re working at height. Many construction workers in New York suffer serious and potentially fatal injuries because of accidents that occur on scaffolding.

#3 Wear personal protective equipment

Employers have a duty to ensure that every construction worker is properly equipped with personal protective equipment, and that they know how to use it and when to wear it. But reality doesn’t always align with safety guidelines. If your employer isn’t providing you with the PPE you need, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak up and request it. If you need to purchase it yourself, it may be tax-deductible. Having appropriate PPE is only half the battle. When you’re in a rush to get a job done by the deadline, it might be tempting to skip going back down the scaffolding to grab protective eye goggles or a dust mask. Remind yourself that your health is more important than a deadline.

#4 Check your tools

Even top-of-the-line tools are prone to damage. Don’t assume that, just because your nail gun or compound miter saw worked fine last time, that it automatically will the next time too. Check the electrical cord for signs of fraying or other damage (and make sure it’s not anywhere near water!), and examine the rest of it for potential problems. Don’t use tools that you suspect might be unsafe.

#5 Become buddies with your doctor

It’s considered standard practice for construction workers to try to tough out an injury or illness. But continuing to work after you’ve torn a rotator cuff or inflamed a bursa sac will definitely make the problem worse. Find a primary care physician you feel comfortable with, and get little issues checked out before they turn into potentially disabling conditions.

New York construction injury attorneys

Construction workers who suffer serious injuries on the job site need strong legal advocates on their side. Aronova & Associates invites you to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with one of our construction accident lawyers in New York.

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Social Security Disability Claim Denied Here Are 5 Possible Reasons Why

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Staff Writer

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Social Security Disability Claim Denied? Here Are 5 Possible Reasons Why

If you have a disability that prevents you from working, the U.S. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program can be a source of economic support. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, and people who are disabled are eligible provided they have enough “employment credits” in their previous employment history.

SSDI beneficiaries have to be 18 years old or older. The children and spouse of someone who is disabled and unable to work may be eligible to receive “auxiliary” benefits, which are partial.

Seventy Percent of SSDI Claims Are Denied

A whopping 70% of SSDI claims are denied. It is very important not to give up if you are denied! You can apply again with a much better chance of success. If your claim has been denied, contact Aronova & Associates. We can help you through the process, making sure you and your loved ones receive the benefits you rightly deserve.

If you’ve been asking “why was I denied Social Security disability payments?”, read on. Here are 5 reasons claims are commonly denied.

SSDI Denial Reason 1: Incomplete Paperwork

A surprising number of claims are denied because the paperwork is incomplete. Applying for SSDI can be lengthy and complicated, and can be somewhat confusing.

A lawyer from Aronova & Associations can review your paperwork and help you complete the process thoroughly.

SSDI Denial Reason 2: Insufficient Medical Evidence

To be approved for SSDI, you need to present medical evidence that your condition makes you unable to work. A doctor needs to examine you and document whether or not your condition renders you unable to work.

It’s very important to note that, even if you have seen a physician frequently for the condition, your claim may still be denied if the physician hasn’t specifically documented your disability vis-à-vis work, in writing.

You shouldn’t assume either that your doctor or the Social Security office will do this automatically. You need to discuss your ability to return to work with your doctor, and request that your physician document your condition for SSDI.

If you have doctor’s notes regarding time off work, excusing you from work, or advising you to follow a modified schedule, include them with your application. Be sure to keep copies.

Disability Denial Reason 3: Failure to Follow Treatment

When people have a debilitating injury or condition, doctors often prescribe a course of treatment. This could be medication, physical therapy, or an exercise regimen. If you have been prescribed a course of treatment but haven’t followed it, your SSDI is very likely to be denied.

Why? Because the examiner is actually not able to tell if you are unable to work without knowing how the injury responds to treatment.

If there is a specific reason you have not followed your doctor’s treatment, you can address it during the appeal process. It’s wise to have an attorney representing you if that is the case.

Disability Denial Reason 4: Your Income Is Too High

Sometimes people who are disabled and unable to work at their previous occupations can still work and earn a certain amount. The Social Security Administration (SSA) terms this type of work “substantial gainful activity,” and defines it as:

Work that involves significant and productive duties, and
Work in which people earn more than the allowed monthly income limit.

If people with disabilities have substantial gainful activity, the SSA may feel they can work, and thus deny their SSDI claim.

The substantial gainful activity figure usually changes each year. For 2018, it is $1,180 per month. It you are legally blind, it is $1,970 per month.

SSDI Denial Reason 5: Previous Denial

Yes, unbelievably, it is possible to be denied just because you were denied before.

People whose SSDI applications have been denied may try to file a new claim. It may seem like this is a smarter move than going through the appeal process.

However, it is better to go through the appeal process. A reviewer who sees a previous denial may deny a new claim.

NY Social Security Disability Lawyer

An SSDI denial when you are unable to work can be bewildering and frightening. Don’t face it alone. The Social Security disability insurance lawyers at Aronova & Associates have experience with SSDI clients in New York City and Long Island.

Don’t give up! A skilled NY social security disability lawyer at Aronova & Associates can assist you at any step of the process, whether you used a lawyer initially or not.

We will help you appeal and execute your claim. Call us today at (516) 640-3900.

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5 Jobs That Are More Dangerous Than You Think

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Staff Writer

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5 Jobs That Are More Dangerous Than You Think

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016 saw 5,190 fatal work injuries in the United States — a 7-percent uptick from the occupational fatalities reported in 2015. Loggers, commercial fishery workers, aircraft pilots and those working in the construction industry had the highest injury and fatality rates. Some lines of work are clearly more hazardous than others. It’s no surprise that jobs involving heavy machinery, power tools, challenging terrain and unstable structures rank high for workplace injuries and deaths, but some of the most dangerous jobs in America often go unrecognized.

Here are five jobs that are surprisingly risky and produce more fatalities than you’d expect.

#1: Outdoor Recreation Workers

Hiking and whitewater rafting guides, snowboard instructors and other employees who are exposed to extreme weather and environmental conditions are at great risk for injury and death. Snake bites, hypothermia, heat stroke, falls and drownings claim the lives of dozens each year.

#2: Landscapers

Mowing lawns and trimming shrubs may not seem exceedingly dangerous, but workplace injury rates in this field tell a different story. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, more than 130 grounds maintenance workers died in 2008. Many of the fatal injuries were related to heavy and sharp power tools used by the workers.

#3: Garbage Collectors

Being a trash or recycling collector may not be the most glamorous profession, and it isn’t the safest. The handling of waste can pose many health hazards over the long-term. In 2016, 31 trash collectors lost their lives to occupational factors, and the industry has the fifth highest fatal injury death rate, following roofers and airline pilots.

#4: Cashiers

Believe it or not, cashiers are rated the 20th most dangerous job in terms of illnesses and non-fatal injuries requiring time off of work. Cashiers are constantly exposed to the public and are more prone to colds and flus. Other health concerns include back pain, swollen feet and carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether working in a gas station, restaurant or bank, the biggest safety concern facing cashiers is a robbery turned homicide.

#5: Taxi Drivers

You might think that traffic accidents were the biggest concern for cab drivers. In fact, taxi drivers and chauffeurs are more likely to die from violent crime than they are from a crash. While driving unruly passengers or in dangerous neighborhoods, they are often in harm’s way. The fatality rate for taxi drivers is 18 deaths per 100,000 workers, making this a surprisingly risky job.

Were you injured on the job?

If you were hurt on the job, it’s important to protect your legal rights. The law firm of Aronova & Associates can ensure you get the worker’s compensation benefits to which you’re entitled under the law. Our talented legal team has over a decade’s experience working with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and knows how to maximize the value of your claim.

Set up a free consultation with a skilled job injury lawyer New York trusts, by calling our Manhattan office at 516-640-3900.

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4 Causes of Scaffold Injuries on Construction Sites

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Staff Writer

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4 Causes of Scaffold Injuries on Construction Sites

At some point during their work history, almost two thirds of the nation’s 2.3 million construction workers will perform tasks on or near a scaffold. According to Department of Labor statistics, more than 4500 construction workers will suffer scaffold-related injuries annually, and those injuries will lead to roughly sixty fatalities every year.

The NYC & Long Island construction injury lawyers at Aronova & Associates hope that construction workers can reduce their risk of injury from scaffold accidents by understanding the common causes of those accidents. If, however, a scaffold accident does lead to an injury or fatality in New York City or on Long Island, our attorneys will work tirelessly to recover damages for construction workers injured due to an employer’s or someone else’s negligence.

Through our many years of experience in representing workers that have been hurt on scaffolds at construction sites, we see the same four common causes of those injuries.

Scaffolds that are Erected Improperly

A scaffold with improperly-secured planking, loose guard rails, or worn connection hardware is prone to failure, leaving workers exposed to injuries from falls. Scaffolds should always be erected, inspected, and tested by qualified technicians before construction workers use them. A job site manager that is anxious to keep a construction project on schedule might be tempted to rush these tasks, in which case construction workers might be forced to assume greater safety risks when working on those scaffolds.

Objects that Fall from Scaffolds

Tools, construction equipment, and other materials should always be fully secured when they are used on elevated scaffolds. A heavy object that is dropped from even a short elevation can gain enough momentum during a fall to cause serious injuries if that object strikes a construction worker who is at ground level. Construction companies that fail to provide adequate retaining straps and other mechanisms may be found to be negligent if that failure is a proximate cause of a dropped object that hits and injures another construction worker.

Electric Shocks from Contacts with Power Lines

Metal scaffolding conducts electricity. Construction sites might not always have an option of erecting scaffolding far away from power lines, but if that risk is present, managers need to take extra precautions to shield scaffolding from accidental contact with those lines. Electrocution risks for workers on those scaffolds will be significantly greater if the metal scaffolding creates a grounding path for an electrical arc.

Inadequate Worker Training in Scaffold Usage

Courtroom interpretations of New York Labor Law Section 240 (commonly called the ”Scaffold Law”) prevent a construction company from using a contributory negligence defense against claims for compensation under that Section. This does not suggest, however, that construction workers can disregard their own safety when they work on or near scaffolds. More appropriately, construction companies should offer regular training sessions for their employees in the proper way to perform construction job tasks on scaffolds, including the best ways to secure safety harnesses and to climb onto and off of scaffolds. Construction workers that do not receive adequate training will increase their own risks as well as the risks of their co-workers.

Aronova & Associates: Your New York Construction Scaffolding Accident Lawyers

The lawyers at Aronova & Associates regularly represent construction workers injured on scaffolds in Manhattan and throughout the five boroughs, as well as Nassau County and throughout Log Island. In addition to removing the contributory negligence defense, New York’s Scaffold Law also allows injured workers to sue for pain and suffering, and other remedies not normally found in workers’ compensation claims. We use every tool available in our and the State’s legal toolkit to recover the largest damages awards that may be available for our construction worker clients.

Please call Aronova & Associates as soon as possible after you have suffered a construction site scaffold injury to speak with one of our experienced attorneys, who will guide you through the process of how we can help you recover a complete damages award to compensate for your injuries.

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