 Today, we recognize National Loving Day, commemorating the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage across the United States.
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 At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we know that workplace safety isn't just about rules and regulations, it's about people. It's about the factory worker operating heavy machinery, the nurse caring for patients, the construction worker on a job site, and every Ohio employee who works hard to support themselves and their families.
June is National Safety Month, and it serves as an important reminder that preventing workplace injuries starts with a commitment to safety from both employers and employees. Proper training, regular safety inspections, protective equipment, and a culture that encourages workers to speak up about hazards can make all the difference. While accidents can still happen despite everyone's best efforts, many workplace injuries are preventable. Taking a few extra moments to follow safety procedures today can help avoid months of recovery tomorrow. As Ohio workers' compensation attorneys, we see firsthand the impact workplace injuries can have on workers and their families. That's why we encourage all Ohio employers and employees to use National Safety Month as an opportunity to review safety practices, identify potential hazards, and recommit to creating safer workplaces. Because at the end of the day, the goal is simple: Everyone deserves to return home safely after a hard day's work. Stay safe, Ohio! #NationalSafetyMonth #WorkplaceSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #OhioWorkers #WorkplaceInjuryPrevention #SafetyFirst #OhioBusinesses #EmployeeSafety #OccupationalSafety #OhioLaw #KurtMYoungLaw #WorkersRights #SafeWorkplace  Each year on April 28, we observe Workers’ Memorial Day, a day to remember workers who were injured, became ill, or lost their lives because of workplace hazards. The date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act going into effect. With that being one of the greatest victories in the fight for workplace safety.
In Ohio alone, 165 workers were killed on the job in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are people who left for work in the morning and did not make it home at the end of the day leaving behind families, coworkers, and communities forever changed. [bls.gov] Workers’ Memorial Day is about honoring those lives, but it is also about awareness and prevention. So was very proud to stand with the local OSHA Director political and labor leaders, and sadden to stand for the families and friends of those killed on the job in Northern Ohio earlier this week at the Toledo Observance. Workplace tragedies are not just numbers. They are reminders of why safety matters, why training matters, and why workers deserve protection when something goes wrong. On this day, and every day, we remember the workers we’ve lost and we at the Law Offices for Kurt M. Young recommit ourselves to safer workplaces and support for injured workers across Ohio and fighting for those who have to mourn the dead whose parent, spouse, child or loved one went to work at the start of their shift and never clocked out. #WorkersMemorialDay #OhioWorkers #SafetyMatters #RememberAndProtect #WorkplaceSafety  Pop Quiz: “True or False: You Can Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Ohio?”
Pop quiz time. No scantron needed. Just your gut reaction: True or False: You can be fired for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Ohio. If you answered “True”, don’t feel bad this is one of the most common misconceptions we hear from injured workers. If you answered “False,” congratulations. You’re ahead of the curve. The Correct Answer: FALSE Under Ohio Revised Code 4123.90, an employer cannot fire, discipline, or otherwise retaliate against an employee simply for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim or for testifying in a Workers’ Comp proceeding. In plain English: Filing a claim is not a fireable offense in Ohio. The law is designed to protect workers who are injured on the job and need medical care or wage replacement benefits. You are allowed to report your injury, seek treatment, and file a claim—without fear of being shown the door just for doing so. But Here’s Where It Gets Complicated… Under the law, if your employer pays into the state workers’ compensation fun, you have to have filed the claim for this protection to kick in. And while the law is clear, real life isn’t always so tidy. Some employers don’t come right out and say, “We’re firing you because you filed a claim.” Instead, retaliation can be subtle: Suddenly you’re “not a good fit” Your performance is questioned for the first time Policies are enforced against you that were ignored before Your job is “eliminated” shortly after your injury That’s why timing, documentation, and legal advice matter. What Workers Should Know You have the right to file a Workers’ Comp claim. You have the right to medical treatment for a work injury. You have legal protection against retaliation. If you are fired or disciplined after filing a claim, that may be a separate legal issue worth addressing. And your time is very limited to do something about it. Why Talking to a Lawyer Matters Retaliation cases are fact-specific and often employer-defended aggressively. Proving why someone was fired is rarely straightforward—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we help Ohio workers understand not just their Workers’ Compensation rights, but how those rights intersect with their employment. We will help you speak with a qualified employment law attorney and help them if you hire them. Final Answer (Lock It In): FALSE. You cannot be fired for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Ohio. If you’ve been injured at work and are worried about your job—or believe you’ve been punished for asserting your rights—it’s worth getting informed before making assumptions. 419-244-7885 www.kmylaw.com Because knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them.  Winter in Ohio isn’t just inconvenient, it can be dangerous, especially for people who work outdoors. Construction workers, utility crews, delivery drivers, landscapers, road crews, and many others face real risks when temperatures drop and wind speeds rise.
One of the most serious cold-weather hazards is frostbite and cold exposure injuries, and yes, these injuries can qualify for Ohio Workers’ Compensation benefits. But let’s try to avoid any claims by understanding the dangers. ❄ Understanding Cold Exposure Injuries Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissue freeze, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears, and the face. Prolonged exposure to cold, wind, and moisture can also lead to hypothermia, nerve damage, and permanent loss of function. Unlike a slip-and-fall or a sudden accident, cold exposure injuries often develop over time, which can make workers hesitate to report them or employers question whether they’re work-related. When Is Frostbite a Workers’ Comp Claim? If your job requires you to work outdoors in unheated environments or travel in the elements for work, and you suffer frostbite or cold-related injuries as a result, that injury would be compensable under Ohio Workers’ Compensation law. There is no specific, magical thing you need to prove. If you have job duties that resulted in exposure and medical documentation that you were injured, you can get a claim. But for instance if you have one, fixed place you go, it can’t be from coming and going to work. What Workers Should Do First of all prevent these. Be aware of temperatures. Wear gloves and hats and other protective gear. If you believe you’re suffering from frostbite or cold exposure: Seek medical attention immediately, don’t “tough it out.” Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Document conditions and get a copy of reports Get the advice of a good attorney. We’re Here to Help Cold-weather injuries can have long-term consequences, including nerve damage and permanent loss of use, even amputations. At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we help Ohio workers navigate these claims and push back when injuries are minimized or denied. Working in the cold shouldn’t mean sacrificing your health—or your rights. 419-244-7885 www.kmylaw.com  Each year, we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., not only for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, but for his enduring message about dignity, fairness, and justice for working people. And we take that seriously around here. We are shutdown on the holiday to let our team go to events and service projects to honor his memory and we were as a firm one of the early donors to his memorial in Washington, DC.
Dr. King understood something that remains just as true today: economic justice and civil rights are inseparable. He spoke often about the value of labor, the importance of safe working conditions, and the moral obligation of society to protect those who do the work that keeps it running. In one of his final campaigns, in fact it is where he died, Dr. King stood shoulder to shoulder with sanitation workers in Memphis as they fought to collectively bargain. He stood with Men who simply wanted safe equipment, fair treatment, fair pay, and respect for their lives. His message was clear: no worker should be disposable, invisible, or forced to choose between their health and their livelihood. That belief is supposed to be at the heart of Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation system. While the system is imperfect and often frustrating, its core purpose is rooted in the same principle Dr. King championed: workers deserve protection when they are hurt doing their jobs. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we represent Ohio’s working families every day—people who lift, build, care, drive, repair, and serve. When they are injured, they are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness, dignity, and the chance to heal without being cast aside. On Dr. King’s Day of remembrance, we reflect on his reminder that justice is not abstract. It shows up in workplaces, courtrooms, hearing rooms, and everyday decisions about how people are treated when they are most vulnerable. Honoring Dr. King means continuing the work—standing up for workers, insisting on fairness, and never losing sight of the human beings behind every claim file.  New Year’s Resolutions for Safer Workplaces: A New Year’s Message from the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC
Every January, we all make resolutions. Some of us vow to eat better (yes). Some promise to exercise more (yes, 7 out of 9 days for me). And some of us make the same resolution every year—this is finally the year I’ll clean out my inbox (not going to happen I have four email accounts that generate about 100-150 emails per day) At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, our favorite New Year’s resolutions are the kind that actually make a difference: resolutions for safer workplaces. We say it to all clients at the end of our representation, thank you for letting us help you, and please do not need us again. We want there to be zero workplace injuries in Ohio. But since we’re not there yet, here are a few workplace safety resolutions worth keeping in the new year: 1. Take Safety Seriously—Every Day Safety isn’t a “check-the-box” exercise. Regular training, clear procedures, and speaking up when something feels unsafe can prevent injuries before they happen. 2. Fix Small Problems Before They Become Big Ones Loose flooring, poor lighting, broken equipment, or rushed shortcuts are often brushed off—until someone gets hurt. Addressing small hazards early protects everyone. 3. Don’t Ignore Injuries Working through pain isn’t a badge of honor. Reporting injuries early and getting proper medical care helps prevent long-term damage and protects your rights under Ohio Workers’ Compensation law. 4. Look Out for Each Other A safe workplace is a team effort. Watching out for coworkers, reminding each other of safety practices, and lending a hand when needed can make all the difference. 5. Know Your Rights Understanding your rights as a worker is part of staying safe. Workers’ Compensation exists to protect injured workers, not to punish them for speaking up. While we hope the new year brings fewer workplace injuries, we also know accidents still happen. If they do, The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC will be here to help Ohio’s working families navigate the system and protect what matters most. Here’s to a safer, healthier, and happier New Year—at work and beyond. 2025: What a Year It Has Been: An End-of-Year Reflection from the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young12/30/2025  As 2025 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on what this year looked like at the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young—and to say thank you to the clients, colleagues, and vendors who made it possible.
 Winter in Ohio has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re enjoying an unseasonably warm morning, and the next you’re doing an involuntary triple-axel in the employee parking lot like you're auditioning for the Winter Olympics. As fun as that sounds (for everyone else watching), workplace winter hazards are no joke and they’re one of the most common causes of injuries we see this time of year. And yes a fall in an employer controlled parking lot is covered by workers’ compensation, but we don’t want your business like that.
So let’s talk safety. Specifically: icy walkways and snow-removal back strains—two Ohio winter classics. ❄ 1. The Frozen Minefield: Icy Walkways Ohioans know that ice is a master of disguise. Sometimes it’s shiny and obvious. Other times it’s that sneaky “black ice” that gives you no warning at all before your feet declare independence from the rest of your body. Tips for safer steps: ✔ Take it slow. This isn’t the time for power-walking into work. ✔ Wear shoes with real traction. Dress shoes on ice? Let’s not. ✔ Use handrails. They’re not just decorative. ✔ Walk like a penguin. Yes, really. Short steps + center of gravity over your feet = fewer falls. ✔ Report slick areas immediately. Your workplace should address hazards right away—salt, sand, or other treatments. If you do fall, remember this: falling on ice doesn’t make you clumsy it makes you human in Ohio. Report that fall right away, no claim has ever gone awry due to early reporting. In fact the system looks at how soon you report it on whether to believe you or not. ❄ 2. Snow Removal: A Workout You Didn’t Ask For Whether you’re shoveling a walkway at work or clearing snow as part of your job, winter often turns employees into temporary athletes. Unfortunately, most of us didn’t warm up, stretch, or emotionally prepare for the experience—and that’s why we see back strains, shoulder injuries, and overexertion claims each winter. Tips to save your back (and your dignity): ✔ Push the snow instead of lifting it when possible. ✔ Lift with your legs, not your back. Your spine will thank you. ✔ Take breaks. Snow is patient. It isn’t going anywhere. ✔ Use ergonomic tools when available—lightweight shovels, snow pushers, or powered equipment. ✔ Dress properly. Muscles strain more easily when cold. And if you do tweak something? Don’t ignore it. Pain that starts with “I’m sure it’s nothing” often leads to “I probably shouldn’t have ignored that.” Go get checked out. No claim I have handled has been denied for getting checked out on the day of the injury. ❄ 3. Winter Driving Tips: Stay Safe on the Job Many Ohio workers drive as part of their job—sales staff, delivery drivers, home health aides, utility workers, and countless others. Even commuting through or to the company property (like a slick lot or worksite) can present risks. Winter driving is an entirely different sport, so here are key reminders: Smart driving tips: ✔ Slow everything down—speed, braking, turning. Ice doesn’t negotiate. ✔ Increase following distance. At least 6 seconds behind the vehicle ahead. ✔ Clear ALL snow from your vehicle. Roof avalanches are not a fun surprise. ✔ Avoid sudden braking. Instead, ease off the gas and gently apply brakes. ✔ Use headlights in snow or overcast conditions. Visibility saves lives. ✔ Watch for black ice on bridges and shaded roadways. ✔ If you skid, steer into the skid. Panicking = spinning. ✔ Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready: Good tires with proper tread Adequate windshield washer fluid Working wipers Emergency kit (blanket, flashlight, scraper, etc.) And yes—winter driving injuries can be work injuries, but be extra careful, because most people are not covered going to and from work. If driving is part of your job duties, injuries from winter road hazards may qualify for workers’ compensation in Ohio. But we don’t want you to test that out and we don’t want your business if you don’t need to be our client. ❄ 4. If You Get Hurt at Work—Know Your Rights Under Ohio Workers’ Compensation law, winter injuries are just as compensable as injuries in any other season. This includes: Falls on icy work premises or parking lots Back strains from snow removal Injuries while driving for work Aggravation of existing conditions due to slip, strain, or impact Snow blower/equipment mishaps If an injury happens, get medical care, report it promptly, and consider contacting an experienced Ohio Workers’ Compensation attorney. (We know a guy, three decades of experience and teens of thousands of hearings of experience) ❄ Final Thought Winter in Ohio is unpredictable but your safety doesn’t have to be. A little extra caution goes a long way in preventing injuries and keeping everyone safe, warm, and upright. If a winter work injury occurs, The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC is ready to help guide you through the workers’ compensation process.  The holiday season often brings cheer, celebration, and a much-needed break from the daily grind. But for Ohio’s workforce, it can also bring an increase in workplace injuries. Between heavier workloads, shorter staffing, seasonal distractions, and winter weather, the holidays create conditions where accidents become far more common.
As a law firm that has spent over three decades protecting Ohio’s working families, The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young wants to help you stay safe, informed, and empowered both on and off the job. Why do we say holiday season? Lets be clear, when we say Holiday season, from November 1st to January 6th there are dozens of major secular and religious holidays ( and this is NOT an exhaustive list - Veterans Day, Diwali (Hindu, Sikh, Jain) – Date varies; often falls in November, Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh) – Usually in November, Thanksgiving (U.S.) – 4th Thursday of November, St. Andrew’s Day (Christian/Scotland) – Nov 30, the season of Advent (Christian), Yule / Winter Solstice (Pagan/Wiccan), Hanukkah (Judaism), Feast of St. Nicholas (Christian), Bodhi Day (Buddhist), Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic) Las Posadas (Christian) Christmas (Christian ), Feast of St. Stephen (Christian), Kwanzaa (African-American cultural), Boxing Day (U.K., Canada, etc.) New Year’s Eve and Day, Japanese Ōmisoka (Shinto/Buddhist), Zarathosht Diso (Zoroastrian), Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Catholic), Gantan-sai (Shinto), Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (Christian), Birth of Guru Gobind Singh (Sikh) – Early January (date varies yearly), Epiphany aka Three Kings Day aka Armenian Christmas (Orthodox tradition)) So no matter what your background you have multiple to celebrate, but this can also put you at a bit of an increased risk for injuries. Why Holiday-Season Work Injuries Increase? Several factors combine to make November through January one of the highest-risk periods for Ohio workers: 1. Rushed and Fatigued Workers Holiday overtime, longer hours, and pressure to “get things done before year-end” can lead to fatigue, missed steps, and avoidable mistakes. 2. Short-Staffing and High Turnover Seasonal employees may be under-trained, and experienced workers may be stretched thin. 3. Weather-Related Hazards Ohio winters mean ice, snow, and freezing rain—conditions that lead to slips, trips, falls, and transportation-related injuries. 4. Increased Material Handling Warehousing, retail, manufacturing, and delivery workers often see dramatic spikes in lifting, loading, stocking, and moving goods. So here are a few common sense Holiday Safety Tips Every Ohio Worker Should Know 1. Take Your Time—Even When Things Get Busy It’s better to do a task safely than to do it fast. Rushing dramatically increases the risk of injury. 2. Use Winter Footwear and Watch Your Step Black ice in parking lots, loading docks, and sidewalks is responsible for thousands of injuries every winter. Use handrails, take shorter steps, and report unsafe areas immediately. 3. Lift Smart and Ask for Help Whether you’re moving inventory or setting up holiday displays, remember proper lifting techniques: * Bend at the knees * Keep the load close * Avoid twisting * Team-lift when needed 4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings More activity on the floor—seasonal workers, holiday deliveries, equipment running overtime—means more chances for collisions or trips. 5. Don’t Skip Safety Procedures Guards, gloves, PPE, lockout/tagout, forklift protocols, these aren’t optional. Even during “crunch time.” 6. Be sensible and safe at the Holiday Party. Make sure you drink water and stay hydrated, remember when to say when with alcohol, don’t drink and drive. Despite following all of that, accidents can stil happen. If You’re Injured at Work During the Holidays: 1. Report the injury immediately to your employer and if possible get a copy of the report and any video of it. 2. Seek medical care immediately make sure your doctor documents the injury accurately and is Ohio BWC Certified. And remember you get to pick. 3. File a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. An Ohio Claim will be two digits, the last two of the year you file the claim a dash and then six digits (so a claim filed on January 1 would look like 26-123456. Internal company claim numbers don’t work on disputes and mean they are hiding your injury. 4. Call an experienced Ohio Workers’ Compensation attorney like us, you need them and you can afford them. At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we’ve represented injured workers for more than 30 years. We know how to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve—Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Wage Loss, Scheduled Loss awards, medical treatment approvals, and more. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on healing. A Few Final Thoughts The holidays should be a time of joy not injury. With a little extra awareness and a commitment to safety, Ohio workers can protect themselves, their coworkers, and their families. And if something goes wrong, know that you’re not alone. The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC is here to help Ohio’s working families—during the holidays and every day. |
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