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…

Labor Day weekend is considered the second deadliest major holiday period for Oregon highway travelers. This 2013 Labor Day, as part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Police concentrated increased DUII enforcement efforts in the downtown area and along interstate freeways and state highways. They…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. How Does the ADA Define Disability The ADA applies to persons who either actually have, or are thought to have, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits what…

Did you know that, under the laws enforced by EEOC, it is illegal to discriminate against someone (applicant or employee),in every aspect of employment, because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because he…

To ensure student safety and increase awareness of the start of the school year, the Portland Police Bureau with the City of Portland’s Bureau of Transportation continues to conduct high visibility patrols around all Portland schools as part of a “Back to School” safety campaign. Students and Drivers Receive Safety Instruction Starting September 9 and…

Manufacturing mistakes such as defective tires, design errors, and failure to provide backing warning or object detection systems can be at fault. However, most truck accidents caused by mechanical failure occur when drivers do not properly maintain equipment. Examples include: Removing or depowering front brakes, causing a truck to jackknife Inadequate brake adjustments Not replacing…

Effective August 6, 2013 through August 5, 2015, veterans who have filed an original, first time, Fully Developed Claim (FDC) for service-connected disability compensation may be entitled to up to one year of retroactive disability benefits. The retroactive benefits are a result of a comprehensive legislative package passed by Congress and signed into law by…

Have you ever wondered who approves and regulates medical devices, such as pacemakers and kidney dialysis machines? Who Regulates Medical Devices The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) is responsible for regulating firms who manufacture, repackage, re-label and/or import medical devices sold in the United States. CDRH also regulates…

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…

Your medical and insurance information are valuable to identity thieves who will use your name to pay for their medical debts, including hospitalization, doctor’s office visits and medicine. Be Careful Sharing Your Medical Information Guard your information. Be wary if someone offers you “free” health services or products and then requires you to provide your…