Harrisburg Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Shocking survey: 75% of Philadelphia drivers are glued to phones

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

It’s no secret that cellphones are the biggest distraction confronting drivers these days. But just how many drivers are taking their eyes off the road to check a text or scan social media? More than you’d think, it turns out.

A recent survey of Philadelphia drivers found that a staggering 75 percent of them use cellphones while driving – and not just for navigating or talking on the phone. The survey focused on the behaviors that are most distracting, like reading texts, browsing emails and checking social media.

What can you do if an insurance company denies an accident claim?

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Friday, December 28, 2018.

After an auto accident, your recovery should be your priority. However, if an insurance company denies your claim, this can slow down the process. You have mounting medical bills, and your car needs to be repaired. But without money from the insurance company, you have no idea how to pay for it all.

Here are three reasons an insurance company may deny a claim and how to respond to it.

Dorney Park construction worker receives $2.75 million settlement

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.

Anthony De Santos was operating a forklift at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom on April 23, 2014 to move a steel column. He used a tagline to control the forklift while he walked beside it. De Santos was pulled in front of the forklift’s wheel after a sudden stop, and the wheel crushed his foot. He underwent surgery, but ultimately, De Santos lost his leg from the knee down. He has now settled his case for $2.75 million.

Why refrain from social media after an accident

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

Social media has become such an everyday part of life that even after a serious car accident, you still may be active on various platforms. However, if you are pursuing damages for your injuries, you may want to think twice about using social media.

Defendants in injury lawsuits, such as insurance companies, are known to peruse social media accounts of those injured. While recent stories show how this has worked successfully for insurance companies in some cases, those with serious, debilitating injuries should take note of some social media tips.

Research shows kids can become active sooner after a concussion

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Friday, December 7, 2018.

Children sustain concussions more often than most people may realize. According to NPR, about 1.1 to 1.9 million children are treated for head injuries in the U.S. each year. Researchers also think many more head injuries go unreported. The reason these injuries sometimes go unreported is the symptoms can be subtle and are not always immediately apparent. Concussion symptoms include:

Headaches
Dizziness or other balance issues
Sensitivity to noise and light
Feeling tired or other disruptions in sleep patterns
Trouble concentrating
Difficulty remembering things
Easily angered or irritable
Feelings of being groggy or dazed

One way to avoid falling at work may be counterintuitive

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Monday, December 3, 2018.

Slips, trips and falls in the workplace can be very dangerous. In 2016, 849 American workers died because of a slip, trip or fall, and many others suffered serious injuries. Because accidents like these are so serious, many people are afraid that it will happen to them. However, this fear of falling might actually make it more likely to happen, according to a recent Occupational Health and Safety article.

The article explains that, typically, those who have already suffered an injury from a slip, trip or fall are the ones who are most afraid of it happening again. This fear of falling causes the body to stiffen when someone starts to lose balance, making it more likely the person will not be able to regain that balance.

What can I do if my workers’ compensation claim was denied?

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Monday, November 19, 2018.

It is difficult enough to be injured in an accident at work. It can be especially disheartening when your worker’s compensation claim is denied, but do not lose hope. If your claim is denied, you can take steps to appeal the denied claim. However, it is important to understand ahead of time that this process can be long, sometimes taking up to a year to complete the litigation process.

Getting started

Driving tips for what could be a tough Pennsylvania winter

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Monday, November 12, 2018.

More than a foot of snow fell in northwestern part of the state over the weekend, a rough and early start to winter in Pennsylvania. And with meteorologists predicting a snowy winter, drivers across the state should prepare for tricky driving conditions.

Icy road conditions and large snowfalls cause so many accidents every year it may seem impossible to avoid being in a wreck. But, by following these tips you can reduce your chances of being a winter driving statistic.

What to do after a car accident on the job

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Driving for work or owning a company vehicle certainly has its benefits. However, driving on the job also comes with great responsibility given the risk involved.

Car accidents are unfortunately part of being on the road. When you are involved in an accident in which another driver was at fault, you could need to file both a personal injury claim against the driver and a workers’ comp claim with your employer.

Fatal vehicle accidents spike in Midwest

On behalf of Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP on Friday, October 26, 2018.

Driving to work, to school, to get the kids, it always seems like everything is somewhere else and the only way to get there is in a vehicle. There is an element of risk when someone gets behind the wheel, though.

The risk of an accident is always present for a driver. From fender benders to catastrophic collisions, individuals not taking safety precautions while driving put themselves and those around them in danger. This is true nationwide of course, but recently the citizens of the Midwest, specifically in Minnesota, have seen several roadway tragedies.