Many cities and counties have enacted breed-specific legislation meant to regulate or restrict dog breeds that are considered dangerous or aggressive. Two examples of these breeds include Rottweilers and pit bulls. From 2005 to 2012, pit bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 68 percent of all fatal dog attacks. Half of these victims were children. Supporters of…
The Social Security office uses a five-step process to decide if you qualify as disabled. The process consists of five questions about your condition and your previous line of work. Before you can apply, you first must have worked and paid social security taxes for a certain amount of time based on your age when…
You selected private disability insurance and have not thought much about it since…until disability struck. Many folks wrongly assume that disability insurance coverage stay constant. The truth is many disability insurance coverages as well as premiums can change over time. Three basic types of renewability disability coverages are available today. Choosing the right one guarantees…
Each year, I review my calls and emails from prospective LTD clients, claims against LTD insurers and bases for denial. This past year, I have noticed less uber-aggressive tactics from the largest LTD insurer, Unum. Also, Portland LTD insurer Standard has shown willingness to be reasonable. On the other hand, this past year I have…
Occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related injury in the United States. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, and an additional 9 million are exposed to chemicals causing hearing damage. An estimated $242 million is spent annually on worker’s compensation for hearing loss disability. Have you suffered…
On October 2006, a 13-year-old middle school football player named Zackery Lystedt collapsed from a traumatic brain injury when he was allowed back into a game just 15 minutes after suffering a concussion. Zackery spent the next nine months in a coma, and now still sits in a wheelchair. He has regained his sight and ability to…
Driving in an uninsured vehicle in Oregon carries a stiff penalty. If caught, you will be fined up to $250 and will be required to file proof of insurance with the DMV for a period of three years. In addition to the fine, your driver’s license will be suspended for one year. If you cause…
Long term disability (LTD) benefits are typically provided to employees who are covered by an insurer through their employer or through an individual policy. This type of insurance coverage seeks to protect people who become unable to perform their job responsibilities for medical reasons. Monthly benefits are paid to workers who are covered by this…
AARP Oregon hosted a Scam Jam October 22, 2013 at the Oregon Convention Center, to help all age groups learn when to hang up the phone or shut the door on con artists. Scam Jam is an educational and entertaining program where you can learn about today’s scams and schemes, such as Medicare fraud, insurance and investment…
The Oregon Department of Transportation is in the early stages of developing a project to improve safety on the U.S. 26 Mt. Hood Highway just east of Rhododendron and west of Oregon Highway 35, where the crash rate is twice that of other primary, rural non-freeway Oregon highways. Planned Safety Improvements for US 26 An…