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How to Reduce Back Pain at Work

By Uncategorized

October 11, 2021

Back problems can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. Often times, back pain is the result of an everyday activity done incorrectly. These common activities consist of anything from sitting at a computer in the same position for hours, carrying luggage, heavy lifting, golfing, etc.

Four out of five people have experienced back issues, making it the second most common reason for visiting the doctor. Employers must make their employees aware of what back problems commonly stem from and what preventative methods you can take to lessen the pain you’re experiencing. Additionally, employers should always prioritize workplace safety and enforce safe practices. These simple strategies are highly effective at preventing back pain and keeping it from returning : 

Exercise : It may sound weird to recommend exercise when you are in pain from a back injury. Most would assume that the best way to heal is to rest and limit physical activity. Frankly, it turns out to be the opposite. Rest is always beneficial to help the body recover and gain it’s strength back. However, the quickest route to easing back pain is to actually do some physical activity. Experts recommend regularly fitting some working out into your schedule because it can help ease inflammation and muscle tension. However, it is important to be smart – don’t go out there and try to break your lifting record. Baby steps and taking it light is your best bet (at least when you are first starting). Good workouts to try are walking, swimming, and biking. Swimming is super helpful to try because the water supports your body, which takes a lot of pressure of your muscles and joints. 

Watch your weight : Being overweight can make back pain worse for the fact that is shifts your center of gravity and puts strain on your lower back. A mix of exercise and a healthy diet is important to keep your body in check. Exercise is recommended at least three times per week as well as watching what you eat. A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy products, and whole grains will jeep you on track.

Stop Smoking : It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health for a variety of reasons. However, It’s not common knowledge that smoking could have any sort of impact on your back. When we think of the side effects of smoking, the first couple of things that comes to mind are usually cancer, heart disease, or lung disease. However, back pain is in fact another side effect of smoking. Here’s why : smoking restricts the flow of nutrient-containing blood to spinal discs, so smokers are especially vulnerable to back pain. 

Sleeping Position : Do you ever wake up in the morning and just instantly feel sore? It probably has a lot to do with the way you position yourself, your mattress, and what pillow you use. Everyone is different when it comes to their sleep preferences. Talk to your doctor about the best sleep positions if you find you are constantly sore in the morning. Sleeping on your stomach can be especially hard on your back. You also don’t want to sleep flat on your back. The best position to sleep in is on your side. Getting enough sleep is so crucial for your mental health and productivity the next day. 

Be aware of your Posture : The best chairs for preventing back pain is one that has a straight back. If you have a desk job that requires you to sit all day, it’s super important that the chair you are sitting in is comfortable and supportive. Make sure you rest your back against the chair and don’t sit hunched over your desk. Also, try to get up and take breaks from sitting every so often. 

Be Careful Lifting Heavy Objects : When lifting heavy objects, your form is super crucial. You can risk a very serious injury if you try to lift something heavy with poor form. If something is too heavy for you to handle on your own, ask for help.

Here are some tips for lifting heavy objects to prevent a painful back injury :

  • Keep your feet a shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other 
  • Squat down, bending the hips and knees only.
  • Keep good posture. Look straight ahead, keep your back straight, chest out, and shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back. 
  • Lift slowly by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Don’t twist when you lift and  keep your back straight.
  • Hold the object as close to your body as possible 
  • Lead with your hips as you change direction and keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
  • Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only 

DO NOT :

  • Attempt to lift by bending forward. 
  • Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level
  • Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object 

Reduce Stress : It’s inevitable that one will stress about something in their life. Financial issues, relationships, work, and much more are very common causes to create stress. You probably wouldn’t consider stress to be something that can cause you to have back pain since it happens internally, so many think it only impacts you mentally, but not physically. However, this is not the case – stress does have a physical consequence and plays a big role on your back health. Stress causes you to tense your muscles, and constant tension of this kind can cause back pain. Back pain and stress go hand and hand. Any activity that will help you reduce stress will help you prevent back pain.

Stress also is dependent on the kind of person you are. If you find yourself as the type of person who goes with the flow and handles challenges day by day, then you probably don’t experience too much stress. On the other hand, if you get easily stressed and overwhelmed over small things, your back may pay the price. Working out is a healthy way to manage stress and help control your emotions from taking over you. In addition, meditation, going for a walk, yoga and much more are all great coping mechanisms to help manage stress. In order to be your best, you have to feel your best. Stress is very draining to both your mental and your physical health. Knowing how to control stress will help you be a more productive person. Talk to your doctor if you think stress is getting in the way of your life and holding you back from being your full potential.

If you have recently suffered a back injury at work or any other work-related injury, please contact Losi and Gangi at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation. We will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case. 

Article Adapted from : 

https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tips-for-pain-relief

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/back-pain/quick-tips-to-help-prevent-back-pain.aspx

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw206944

Are Remote Workers Entitled to Worker’s Compensation?

By Uncategorized

The rule has always been that employers are liable for employees workers’ compensation when injuries arise in the workplace. However, in recent years, rules had to be adjusted with the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and countless offices requiring their employees to work from home. The workplace culture is forever changed as a result of COVID-19 and new norms have been established. Even as many business have slowly began to reopen, working from home may be here to stay and has become much more normal than it was prior to the pandemic. 

Remote workers have come into question as to whether or not they are eligible to receive workers’ compensation. Some people say no, arguing that since they are at home and not in a traditional workplace setting, then it doesn’t qualify as a work injury. Others however, disagree and argue that if the injury happens during work hours and is work related, then workers’ compensation must be provided.

Women in neck pain working on lap top

Image courtesy of IWP – The Patient Advocate Pharmacy

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board had to find the answer to the question: “Are work injuries sustained at home in New York covered by workers’ compensation?” 

To answer this in short, yes – workers’ compensation is covered by New York for remote workers. The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board articulated the following rule: “injuries sustained by employees working from home should only be found to be compensable when they occur during the employee’s regular work hours and while the employee is ‘actually performing her employment duties”. It is tricky to digest who is responsible for a work injury at home when there is no one around to see what happened. Following the honor system and trusting that people are telling the whole truth regarding unwitnessed accidents is not reliable. For this reason, the Workers’ Compensation Board has strongly recommended that in the event of an injury, employees must provide a detailed report of the incident including time, place, and circumstances surrounding the incident. This way, the events are well documented and can allow for proper review by the board. 

Women in back pain from remote working

Image courtesy of IWP – The Patient Advocate Pharmacy

Examples of Common Work from Home Injuries: 

  1. Back related injuries: Many remote workers are getting their work done from their couches, at their kitchen tables, their beds, or their coffee tables. A combination of sitting hunched over and poor posture results in back pain. 
  2. Rotator cuff injuries: Pinched nerves in the neck and cervical spine have gone up 
  3. Eye strain and fatigue: Squinting at a small laptop monitor without taking breaks can lead to eye strain and fatigue resulting In headaches, blurry vision, and dry itchy eyes
  4. Wrist pain and Carpal tunnel syndrome: lack of wrist support can put strain on the wrist. 

Working compensation claims are not always cut and dry, and of course, there is some grey area when defining what a work from home injury consists of. Additionally, It’s no secret that people love to find loop holes especially when it comes to receiving money. With the flexibility that comes along with working from a home setting, it became much easier to do this. An off-the-clock injury can be misconstrued into a work related injury all too easily if worded properly. This is why there must be a clear understanding and distinction between personal activities and work related tasks. Activities like taking a short break, getting something to eat, or exercising don’t fall into the category of being eligible for workers’ compensation. 

The home environment allows for many distractions and opportunities to deter from  employment-related tasks. Making sure that these personal activities don’t get tangled up as a work related task is the most challenging part of classifying which cases are compensable while working remotely. 

If you have any questions… Contact Losi & Gangi to speak with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers at (716) 854-1446.

 

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death?

By Uncategorized

When someone dies or is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another, including murder, the surviving members of the victim’s family may sue for wrongful death. When you file a wrongful death lawsuit, you are seeking damages for the survivors’ loss which includes lost wages from the deceased, lost companionship and expenses for the funeral. The right to file a lawsuit for wrongful death is fairly new, common law did not allow this kind of lawsuit. Every state in this country now has some kind of wrongful death law.

Wrongful death claims involve all types of fatal accidents from simple car accidents to medical malpractice or product liability cases. People, companies and government agencies can be legally at fault for acting negligently. To file a wrongful death lawsuit in New York State the following must be shown:

– The death of a person
– The death was caused by wrongful conduct or negligence of another
– The wrongful conduct/negligence could be subject of a lawsuit where the person harmed could have recovered damages if they didn’t die (pain and suffering)
– Survivors who have suffered specific damages due to the death

A wrongful death claim must be filed by a representative on behalf of the survivors who suffer damage from the decedent’s death, otherwise known as the real parties in interest. Unlike many other state, New York places the responsibility for filing a wrongful death claim to the personal representative of the deceased persons estate. New York State will not allow a family member to bring a wrongful death claim to court unless that family member is also the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. New York law allows the following individuals to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

– The decedent’s spouse
– The decedent’s children
– The decedent’s parents
– The personal representative for the estate of the decedent

Damages awarded in New York wrongful death cases depend on the specific facts that are demonstrated in court. Damages have been awarded in New York wrongful death cases for losses such as:

– Funeral and burial expenses
– Reasonable medical, nursing and other health care expenses related to the deceased person’s final injury or illness
– Wages and benefits lost between the deceased person’s final injury or illness and his or her death
– Value of support and services the deceased provided to family members
– Value of parental nurturing, care and guidance to surviving children
– Lost inheritance suffered by surviving children
– Conscious pain and suffering endured by the deceased due to the final injury or illness
– Nine percent interest on the damages award, calculated from the date of birth

New York State does not allow surviving family members to recover their own damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish or loss of companionship even if the deceased is a child. Parents may recover damages for the lost value of services such as household chores, performed by the child but the amount is reduced by the reasonable cost of caring for the children until they have reached adulthood.

A wrongful death claim in New York must be filed within two years of the date of the deceased person’s death. This is known as a statute of limitations, bars wrongful death claims from being filed in New York courts if more than two years have passed between the date of death and date of filing. New York does not stop the statute of limitations from running if the personal representative of the deceased person is a child or legally incapable of filing the claim. In these specific cases, the guardian of the child or incapable person is expected to file the wrongful death claim instead.

Nothing can take away the pain and suffering of losing a loved one but if the loss is due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages. Contact Losi Gangi if you feel you have a valid wrongful death claim at 716-854-1446.

What is Willful Negligence?

By Uncategorized

Negligence is caused by the failure to behave with the level of reasonable care that someone of ordinary prudence under the same circumstances.  This behavior usually consists of actions but can also consist of omissions when there is some duty to act.  Proving negligence is required in most claims from car accidents to slip and fall cases.  Negligence claims must prove four things in court: duty, breach, causation and damages/harm.

In order to win a negligence case, the plaintiff must prove these four elements to show that the defendant acted negligent:

  1. Duty – The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff under the circumstances
  2. Breach – The defendant breached that legal duty by acting or failing to act in a certain way
  3. Causation – It was the defendant’s actions (or inactions) that actually caused the plaintiff’s injury
  4. Damages – The plaintiff was harmed or injured as a result of the defendant’s actions

Ordinary Negligence

A reasonable person requires individuals to act in the same manner as a reasonably mindful person would under similar situations.  Ordinary negligence is when an individual acts in a way that a reasonably mindful person wouldn’t. Under negligence law, it is required that individuals take a reasonable measure to protect themselves and others from danger.  Negligence law establishes a responsibility for reasonable care.  Any person who doesn’t follow this responsibility and harms another individual may be financially liable for any damages that occur.

Ordinary negligence applies to:

  • Ordinary claims
  • Catastrophic accidental injury
  • Defective products

Gross Negligence

Gross negligence is a conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which is likely to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm to persons, property, or both.  It is more difficult to claim or prove gross negligence because it involves:

  • Conduct that is a significant leap from the guidance by which a competent and reasonable person would act
  • A serious or high degree of negligence
  • Behavior which was taken out of line from a normal, reasonable person
        • Typical care is not taken
        • An absence of any kind of diligence
        • No care is taken whatsoever

Courts have characterized gross negligence as a reckless and unmistakable abuse of duty to the legal rights of others.  Under a wrongful death statue, proving gross negligence is mandatory in order to qualify for punitive damages.

Willful, Wanton, Reckless Conduct

Willful misconduct is considered further along the misconduct charts since willful misconduct is:

  • Intentionally or voluntarily committed
  • Reckless or intentional

When trying to prove willful, wanton, reckless behavior, a prosecutor will try to provide evidence that a significant harm was the result of the defendant’s actions. The two main differences between negligence and willful, wanton, reckless conduct are:

  1. The defendant intentionally or knowingly disregarded all risk
  2. The risk would most likely result in substantial harm

Plaintiffs looking to seek punitive damages from injuries must prove that the defendant engaged in willful, wanton, or reckless behavior.

Willful misconduct and gross negligence insurance policies vary by state, but the general terms say that acts of:

  • Negligence are covered
  • Gross negligence are not covered
  • Willful misconduct are not covered

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact a lawyer, especially if you have missed work and have accruing medical bills.  Call our experienced team at Losi & Gangi today for a free consultation at 716-854-1446.

Article adapted from: https://www.upcounsel.com/willful-negligence

Should You Hire a Lawyer For Your Case?

By Uncategorized

Not every case requires a lawyer. However, in most situations, you are much better off with one. At Losi & Gangi, the attorneys are there to represent you fairly and accurately. Below are the reasons you should and should not hire an attorney.

Reasons to hire a lawyer:

– The Law is Complicated: A solid case can quickly change its course without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney.

– Not Having a Lawyer May Cost You More: Depending on the case, you can spend time behind bars or get hurt financially. Hiring a lawyer could save you time and money in the long run.

– Lawyers Know How to Challenge Evidence: If you do not have the correct legal training, you will not know what is key evidence and whether or not it was properly obtained or even if the testimony of a witness contradicts an earlier statement. Also, did the crime lab properly handle all of the evidence throughout every step of the case?

– Filing the Wrong Document or Following the Wrong Procedure Could Ruin Your Case: You may struggle with deadlines and protocols when filling out legal documents if you are not an attorney. If one document is late or filled out incorrectly, you could delay or even have your case thrown out.

– They Have Access to the Witnesses and Experts You’ll Need on Your Side: Attorneys network with other professionals to help their clients.

If you are not and attorney, how will you know who can efficiently help your case?

– A Lawyer Can Present Your Strongest Case: Hiring a lawyer allows them to explain to you your options, which can help you avoid penalties from the beginning.

– It’s Always Better to Avoid Problems Rather Than Fix Them Later: If you don’t really understand the fine print of contracts you are signing, hiring a lawyer can help to avoid headaches.

– Lawyers Know How to Negotiate Settlements and Plea Bargains: Chances are the experienced lawyer that you hire will have seen cases like yours in the past and know how to deal with them in court a lot better than you ever would.

– The Other Party Probably Has Legal Representation: If you are going against a party with a lawyer and you do not have one, chances are the attorney representing them will take advantage of the fact that you are not a legal counsel.

– Lawyers Often Provide a Free Consultation: There is no harm in talking to an attorney that does a free face-to-face consultation.

Reasons to not hire a lawyer:

– Some legal proceedings, such as small claims court, require parties to represent themselves, so lawyers are not allowed.

– Many small disputes can also be handled through alternative dispute resolution programs, such as mediation, in order to avoid the expense and stress of hiring an attorney and going to court.

At Losi & Gangi, we always put our clients best interest first.  Call Losi & Gangi at 716-854-1446 to see if hiring a lawyer is the right choice for you.

More information is available at the following websites:

https://hirealawyer.findlaw.com/do-you-need-a-lawyer/top-ten-reasons-to-hire-a-lawyer.html
https://litigation.findlaw.com/going-to-court/do-you-need-a-lawyer.html

2019 Tailgate Concert Series Acts Announced

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Originally Published on http://www.ubbulls.com/sports/fball/2018-19/releases/20190604o1itw5
June 4, 2019

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo’s popular Tailgate Concert Series returns for a seventh season this fall and the school has announced the acts coming to Stampede Square beginning in August. Presented by Losi and Gangi, fans will once again enjoy live music by national recording artists as well as popular local talent just 100 yards away from the south gate of the stadium two hours prior to kickoff.

Country artist and former Voice contestant RaeLynn will be performing at the season opener on August 29 against Robert Morris. RaeLynn’s songs include “God Made Girls” which reached number seven on the US Country charts. She was a contestant on the 2012 season of NBC’s The Voice.

Another country artist, Granger Smith, will take the stage on September 21, prior to UB’s game against Temple. Smith is known for such hits as “Backroad Song” which appeared on his EP “4×4”, an album that debuted at number six on the Top Country Albums chart.

Local favorites Nerds Gone Wild, an award-winning ’80s party band will perform at homecoming, prior to Buffalo’s game against Ohio on October 5. Never Ben, East Aurora’s premier party band specializing in pop, rock and blues will play prior to the October 26th game against Central Michigan.

The Tailgate Concerts take place inside Stampede Square which opens three hours prior to kick-off. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to cheer on the team during the Walk to Victory, enjoy family friendly activities and listen to live music all before kick-off.

Season tickets are only $125 and are on sale now for the 2019 season. Fans who cannot commit to a full season package should check out the MoBULL Pass, the most flexible ticket option for any UB fan. For just $100 get 10 flexible tickets to be used at football, men or women’s basketball or wrestling. For our fans eighth grade and younger, be sure to join the Jr. Bulls Kids Club. For complete ticket information click here

Date Opponent Performer
Aug. 29 Robert Morris RaeLynn
Sept. 21 Temple Granger Smith
Oct. 5 Ohio Nerds Gone Wild
Oct. 26 Central Michigan Never Ben

Losi & Gangi Teams Up With Bills, Sabres and Bandits for 2018 – 2019 Season

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Losi & Gangi is extremely proud to continue our sponsorship with Pegula Sports Entertainment and WGR 550 AM for the 2018-2019 Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Buffalo Bandits season.

We hope to see you at the remaining Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits home games at Key Bank Center this season! Glance up to the jumbotrons throughout the games to see your favorite team of attorneys, dedicated to working hard for our hard working Western New Yorkers.  Losi & Gangi is featured in the customized TV broadcast program, Rayzor’s Edge, and Post Game – 3 Stars of the game during any televised Sabres game on MSG Networks. Our logo is displayed during all of the Buffalo Bandits home game replays in the 2019 lacrosse season.

Click here to see our branding in a clip of the Buffalo Bandits vs Georgia Swarm televised NLL game where Corey Small scores his 600th career point! Congratulations Corey!

Losi & Gangi Named a Top Law Firm in Western New York

By Uncategorized

Losi & Gangi has been recognized as one of the top law firms in Western New York by Buffalo Business First.  The publication ranks law firms annually and the firm is honored to be included on this prestigious list. Established in 2000, Losi & Gangi focuses on representing injured workers in worker’s compensation and personal injury matters.  The firm includes 9 associate attorneys and three partners.  In 2018, Losi & Gangi recovered more than $22 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients.

How to Handle a Construction Accident

By Uncategorized

About 1 in 10 construction site workers are injured every single year. Often times, this may result in lifelong pain and prevent you from continuing your trade. It is important that all construction workers are aware of the steps they need to take should they find themselves injured on a construction site.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

No matter how big or small you think your injury is, it is important to seek the proper medical attention immediately after the accident. Do not try to be a hero and wait until after your shift. If you are in pain, seek medical assistance or call 9-1-1 immediately.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Once your medical issues are resolved and documented, begin to compile your evidence of the incident. This includes documenting the names of all those involved and any bystanders that may have witnessed the accident. Make sure to take photos or videos of the site where the accident occurred. If you are too injured to go back to the site yourself, have someone else at the site take the photos for you.

Step 3: Notify Your Supervisor

Next, make sure your immediate supervisor knows about the incident. This will help them take the necessary precautions to make sure no other workers are injured on site.

Step Four: File Necessary Reports

If three or more workers are involved and hospitalized, the employer needs to report the incident to OSHA within 8 hours of the accident. They should be prepared to provide the business name, names of the employees affected, the location and time of incident, a brief description of the incident and a contact person with their phone number. Do not assume your employer filed out the report, contact them after the incident to make sure it is filled out. Call the OSHA 24-hour hotline at 1-800-321-6742, or report the accident online at the https://www.osha.gov/report.html.

Personally, you should report the accident to your company’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. While workers’ compensation insurance helps to protect employers from potential lawsuits, it is still possible for an injured employee to bring suit against the employer.

Step Five: Hire a Firm That Works Hard For Hard Working Workers

Through all steps, it is important that you receive the proper guidance and support. Whether you are unsure if you need additional evidence or are ready to start your claim contact us to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.

We are here to help every step of the way. Call 716-854-1446 to speak with one of the attorneys at Losi & Gangi.

What Happens To My Privacy In A Workers Compensation Case?

By Uncategorized

4 things to know about your privacy rights 

Before working with us on your workers comp case, it is important to know exactly what you are getting into. Workers Compensation Cases are stressful enough so to add an element of surprise isn’t the ideal scenario. Let’s make sure that you understand your privacy rights during a workers compensation case 

Your records are private & should remain that way

In NY, your records are private documents. Only the parties to a claim, the employer, employer’s attorney and the employer’s workers compensation insurer and its attorney may receive information from that claim’s case file. 

Your social media could be used against you

A big red flag to be aware of is that in some cases, investigators’ will request passwords to your private social media accounts. If you refuse, they may be able to subpoena your passwords. Be conscious of what you are posting on Facebook and other platforms after you are injured at work. It may be used against you to make it look like the injury was pre-existing or that the injury was extremely minor. 

Signing a confidentiality agreement may not be the best choice

There are times that the employer may want the injured worker to keep the amount and terms confidential. Initially, this may not seem like a big deal to you. Yet depending on how you receive the money, signing an agreement could cause your settlement to be taxed. This could make your settlement significantly smaller than originally intended. 

The Privacy Rule isn’t Perfect

“The Privacy Rule recognizes the legitimate need of insurers and other entities involved in the workers’ compensation systems to have access to individuals’ health information as authorized by State or other law.” This rule holds violators accountable, with civil and criminal penalties and ultimately limits the release of information to the minimum needed for the purpose of the disclosure. While this may sound great, keep in mind that “minimum needed” leaves room for discussion. Since this is a very subjective term, the “minimum” could end up being more information than you had originally intended.

No Worker’s Compensation Case is the same. You may experience one or all of these during your case so it is important to have a basic understanding of the issues at hand.

In order to make sure you know how to protect your privacy, give us a call at 716-854-1446.

Article adapted from:

New York State Workers’ Compensation Board & U.S Department of Health and Human Services