Over the last few years, the housing market in Raleigh has really been booming. With all of the new people moving to the area, we’ve seen huge growth in the amount of new construction. However, with all of the blessings of economic growth come some unavoidable problems. With an increase in construction and construction jobs, we also see an increase of job site accidents and work injuries.

From all of us at Oxner + Permar, please remember to stay safe on the job. While finishing a project may seem all-important at the time, don’t use a deadline as an excuse to cut corners when it comes to following safety regulation and using the proper safety equipment. The best way to avoid dealing with worker’s compensation is to not need it in the first place!

Of course, even when following proper procedures, accidents can happen. We’ve seen all kinds of injuries including orthopedic injuries caused by falls from ladders, roofs, and scaffolds. What you might not know is that even if you are working for a subcontractor who does not provide workman’s comp, you may still fall under the worker’s comp policy for the general contractor.

If you work in construction and find yourself injured at on the job, be sure to contact an attorney for a free 30 minute consultation. Make sure you are taking the steps to ensure that your rights are being protected.

Claims against big hospitals can be intimidating. As a hospital employee, you may feel like you’re David going up against Goliath. But at Oxner + Permar, we have the experience and resources to ensure that this is a fair fight. We’ve worked with nurses, hospital support, CNAS, respiratory therapists, ultrasound technicians, and many other medical professionals. We know how to work within the medical field to get the benefits that injured workers deserve.

In our experience, medical professionals are great at helping others in need, but often don’t recognize when they themselves need help. On top of that, medical professionals are faced with the challenge of having to seek treatment outside of the hospital or medical facility where they work. We understand that it is critical to keep your medical condition and treatment confidential.

As attorneys with extensive experience dealing with worker’s comp cases in the medical field, we are huge advocates of medical professionals. We’re passionate about making sure that those who care for others are taken care of themselves. With $275 million in awards and settlements, the team at Oxner + Permar has the experience to make sure that you’re getting the care you deserve.

Don’t be intimidated by your hospital, if you’ve been injured in the medical field. Be sure you are protecting your rights and that someone is on your side, fighting for you.

Summertime means it’s also time for tourists to flock to the Coast, seeking sun, sand, and a bit of relaxation. With the influx of tourists comes an increased need for workers. In Wilmington, the workforce almost doubles in the summertime. Workers’ compensation might not be your first thought when it comes to summer, but the reality is, with as many additional workers as there are, the risk of workplace injury also increases, especially in restaurants and the service industry.

As attorneys who specialize in workmans’ comp, we often see an increase in work injuries over the summer. For instance, we recently helped a Wilmington native who was injured while servicing a pool rental. As a result of his work injury, he required a full knee replacement. Fortunately, we were able to help him get the medical assistance that he needed, and the settlement he deserved.

From all of us at Oxner + Permar, enjoy your summer and the increased wages it brings, but be safe! And if you or someone you know is injured on the job, please be sure to contact an attorney for free advice.

Many of my Social Security disability clients express their desire to return to work while they are waiting for their hearing. This is understandable because hearing wait times can be very long, with many claimants forced to wait two years or more. Some clients want to work part-time out of dire financial need. Others feel a strong desire to get out of the house and re-discover a sense of purpose.

It’s not easy to know what to do—and I certain empathize with my clients’ reasons for wanting to return to work. But I always caution them: Such a decision can be perilous to a disability claim.

Why is this?
First, if you get a new job and earn more than $1,130 a month, you are engaging in what is known as “Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)”. If you earn more than the allotted SGA amount in any nine months of a 60-month period, this automatically disqualifies you from receiving Social Security Disability benefits.

For claimants who earns less than $1,130, the decision to get a job still can jeopardize the claim. In fact, if a judge has reason to believe that a claimant could be earning more than the SGA amount but is intentionally working less they can, and often will, use that as a basis for denying the claim. So is important to be careful and make informed decisions about employment.

All in all, the decision to return to work is a difficult one and varies from client to client. When clients come to me for guidance, they are confused and unsure how to move forward. I help them understand all that is at risk and all that they have to gain in the decision of whether or not to return to work. It is my job—and the job of my colleagues at Oxner + Permar—to help you feel knowledgeable and confident about all of the steps involved in your Social Security disability claim.

Join Us for the 9th Annual Run, Walk and Roll for Rehab—and Help People Reclaim Their Lives!
Oxner + Permar believes in taking care of injured workers and their families—and our support reaches far beyond the courtroom. One way we help those injured on the job is to sponsor community support services like those offered to adults and children whose lives have been altered by serious injury or disease. Oxner + Permar is a proud “Gold Level” supporter of Vidant Health Rehabilitation Service’s Rehab Road Race. The Run, Walk and Roll for Rehab 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held on September 24, 2016, and we hope you’ll join us for this fun and touching event.

In addition to raising critical funds, this Run, Walk and Roll for Rehab promotes outdoor recreation for people of all levels of physical abilities with a course that accommodates racing wheelchairs, sport chairs and hand-crank bicycles. The net proceeds benefit important programs and services for patients. For example, donations from previous races have been used to further expand Vidant’s specialty equipment that helps improve muscle strength and balance, and promotes independence in daily living. Such equipment and services enables Vidant to fulfill their mission of helping people reclaim their lives.

The team at Oxner + Permar is passionate about helping injured workers make a recovery after an injury. Please consider sponsoring and/or registering for the Run, Walk and Roll event. Support from community members and sponsors is essential. Contact Kathy Garren, Chair of Rehab Road Race Committee, at 252-847-0207 for additional information.
Together, we can make an incredible difference in the lives of countless patients and families who depend on Vidant Health Rehabilitation Services. Hope to see you on the course in September!

Join the team at Oxner + Permar in making a difference in the lives of injured workers. Register for the Run, Walk and Roll event in September for a fun way to make a big impact!