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…
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…
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…
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…
The definition of “Own Occupation” on a Long Term Disability policy use to mean: Because of sickness or injury that prevented you from performing the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation, you were considered to be totally disabled, even if you were at work in some other capacity, so long as the disability…
Did you know that if someone slips or trips and falls on your property and you have failed to take appropriate precautions or correct a problem that led to the accident, you will usually be held legally responsible for resulting injuries? Ice or Snow Accumulation a Risk for Homeowners Although the law doesn’t require a…
Finding good disability insurance coverage is a challenge; with diabetes it can be especially difficult. However, if you and your insurance agent are both willing to put in the time and effort and are prepared to handle a few rejections, you can obtain a solid contract. Diabetes is a chronic, degenerative disease that can be…
Helmets Come Under Scrutiny As concerns about the long-term effect of playing football grow and lawsuits against leagues, coaches and equipment manufacturers increase, helmets are coming under renewed scrutiny. In April 2013, a jury found that Ridell, the largest manufacturer of helmets in the country and the official helmet manufacturer of the N.F.L., was liable…
You were skiing or snowboarding. Then a rider from above, cruising at a high speed, slammed into you from behind. That other rider or snowboarder was negligent and should be held responsible for your injuries and pain and suffering. A key is identifying the bad rider before he or she takes off. All ski injury…