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Labor Day and the History of the Labor Movement

8/29/2025

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Every September, we celebrate Labor Day with parades, cookouts, and a well-deserved extra day of rest. But behind the long weekend is a powerful story about the labor movement in America and the rights workers fought hard to secure.

In the late 19th century, many people worked long hours in unsafe conditions for very little pay. Workers began to organize, forming unions and pushing for safer workplaces, fair wages, and reasonable hours. Strikes and demonstrations often met resistance, and we are talking court rulings that made unions illegal and national guard troops shooting and killing strikers. But over time, these efforts created lasting change. The labor movement helped shape the workplace protections we take for granted today — things like the 40-hour workweek, overtime pay, child labor laws, workplace safety standards, and yes, spoiler alert for later - WORKERS’ COMPENSATION.

Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882 in New York City as a way to honor the contributions of working men and women. By 1894, it became a national holiday, recognizing the essential role workers play in building and sustaining our country.

Now, you don’t need to tell Kurt about what labor did for this country and it’s workers, his family lived it. Kurt’s grandparents, on both sides of the family were at one time members of labor unions. And what did that do? Well his Paternal grandparents lived in a rural Ohio county city town. They got married, shall we say, in a hurry, and within a couple of years had two kids to fee. That could have been a recipe for struggle and poverty.

But thanks to the hard work of his grandparents and the four unions who stood for them, Kurt’s parents’ generation sent about half of it’s members to college. Many also joined unions as teachers and union auto workers, including Kurt’s father in the last few months of his life. And thanks to that, Kurt’s generation includes lawyers, dentists, teachers, executives, small business entrepreneurs, with all taking some college classes, but a few opting to be skilled laborers. And Kurt’s kids’ generation, all went to college, many without student loans and are nurses, veterinarians, social media managers, and yes a few artists and entrepreneurs themselves.

Which is why Kurt has chosen to represent working families for going on four decades now, fighting to make sure the voiceless have voices.

So, at the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we see the impact of that history every day. Ohio’s workers’ compensation system is itself a product of the labor movement designed to make sure employees who are injured on the job have access to medical care and financial support without having to fight endless battles in court.

This Labor Day, as you gather with family and friends, take a moment to remember the generations of workers who stood up for fairness and dignity in the workplace. Their efforts continue to protect us today.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young.

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Holiday Weekends and Workers Compensation in Ohio, What you need to know

8/19/2025

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Holiday weekends are supposed to be a time for rest, family, and celebration — not dealing with a workplace injury. But accidents can happen anytime, and if you’re hurt on the job just before a holiday, it’s important to know that your rights under Ohio Workers’ Compensation law don’t take a vacation.

1. You Still Need to Report Your Injury Immediately
Even if your workplace is closing early or management is already in “holiday mode,” you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible in writing if you can. The timing matters for both your health and your claim. And GET A COPY. It is amazing how these reports only make the file if you get a copy.

2. You Have the Right to Medical Treatment Right Away
Don’t wait until after the holiday to see a doctor. In fact waiting will hurt your chances of being protected. You have the right to immediate medical care, WITH A DOCTOR OF YOUR CHOICE, and your claim can cover treatment starting from the date of injury. Be sure to tell the doctor the injury happened at work don’t go to occupational health places, they are about cost containment not fixing you. Make sure your doctor is BWC certified.

3. Your Claim Can Still Be Filed During the Holiday
In Ohio, you can file a First Report of Injury (FROI) online at any time — weekends and holidays included. This can help get your claim moving without unnecessary delays. And you want an Ohio BWC claim number. It starts with the last two digits of the year you are filing your claim and ends with six digits. Even if you employer is self-insured, doesn’t pay into the state workers compensation fund, and accepts your claim. You need a BWC claim number for any fights and there will be some.

4. Wage Replacement Benefits May Apply
If your injury keeps you from working after the holiday, you may be eligible for Temporary Total Disability benefits. These payments help replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover. And they are not just for work days. We look at calendar days, even if everyone else in the workplace was off.

The Bottom Line:
An injury right before a holiday can disrupt your plans, but it shouldn’t disrupt your rights. Workers’ compensation protections apply every day of the year — even when the office is closed and the grills are fired up.

If you’ve been hurt at work in Ohio, contact the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC for guidance. We’re here to make sure you get the benefits you deserve, no matter what the calendar says. Call our office at 419-244-7885. Also, go to our YouTube channel watch informative videos and while you’re there like and subscribe to, it’s

https://www.youtube.com/@LawOfficesofKurtM.YoungLLC

#OhioWorkersComp #WorkplaceInjury #HolidayWeekend #KnowYourRights #KMYLaw

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Laughing in the Hearing Room, the Courtroom & Beyond: Celebrating National Tell a Joke Day

8/15/2025

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At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we know that workers’ compensation cases are serious matters — but even lawyers need to smile now and then. That’s why we’re celebrating National Tell a Joke Day on August 16 with a few good-natured lawyer jokes and even a few at Kurt’s expense.

So first some Dad level humor about workplaces

“Why did the worker take a ladder to work?
Because they were going to the next level.”

Lawyer humor has been around almost as long as lawyers themselves. It’s part of how we keep the human side of the profession alive — a reminder that behind every brief, hearing, or motion, there’s a real person who enjoys a good laugh.

Here are a few of our favorites:

What’s the difference between a lawyer and a herd of buffalo?
The lawyer charges more.

How many lawyer jokes are there?
Only three — the rest are true stories.

Why don’t sharks attack lawyers?
Professional courtesy.

And again, we can’t leave the boss out of this. Kurt was appointed in 2017 to Toledo City Council and ran to stay on, spoiler alert, he doesn’t win.

But as a part of the process the boss did spin some comedy gold. Toledo City Paper decided to have a talent show for the candidates. And Kurt can’t sing, he can’t dance, he can’t play a musical instrument with any skill. So he did a quick standup comedy routine.

Here’s the introduction, and yes it’s all about mocking himself:

Hello, for those of you who don't know me, and based on the Primary outcome that's 90% of you, I'm Kurt Young

I've always wanted to find a way to be more likable and respected than a lawyer and politician, so I thought stand up comedian had to be in there, right?

And if you believe Johnny Hildo, I'll need a new second job come January, so I'm trying out my first set tonight.

Then again, my friend Opal Covey, did say that just as soon as she finds those votes that got stolen from her, she's going to find mine, so I'm a fine, right?

I did have some folks, including Johnny Hildo ask me what made me think that a balding, geeky, middle aged white guy had a chance of succeeding in Toledo politics. Well that's easy, one word, Wade!

As you can see, Kurt as a passable comic, but we can assure you he is a better lawyer.

We may laugh at ourselves, but we never take our clients’ cases lightly. If you’ve been injured at work in Ohio and need help navigating the workers’ compensation system, we’re here for you.

In the meantime — happy National Tell a Joke Day! Got a good lawyer joke? Drop it in the comments below and let’s share a laugh together.

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Staying Safe in the Classroom: Injury Prevention Tips for Teachers Going Back to School

8/4/2025

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As teachers gear up for a new school year, it’s not just lesson plans and supply lists that deserve attention, your safety matters, too.

I have been instructor at Stautzenberger College, and the University of Toledo College of Law and come from a long line of teachers, paraprofessionals and staff. So those who teach and support those who do are near and dear to my heart.

Every year, educators experience preventable injuries on the job, often due to slips, lifting, or overuse. Here are a few practical tips, from doctors, ergonomics experts, and me, someone who has been helping protect teachers and paraprofessionals for over three decades.

So as you head back to work, keep in mind as you head back to the classroom, so you can avoid having to hire us:

1. Lift Smart, Not Hard - Whether you're unpacking supplies or rearranging desks: Bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep items close to your body. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when something is too heavy or awkward to move alone.

2. Watch for Slips and Trips: Hallways and classrooms can get cluttered quickly: Keep walkways clear of cords, boxes, and backpacks. Wear comfortable, supportive footwear with good grip. Be especially careful when floors are being cleaned or waxed. That’s need so our amazing maintenance professionals can protect the floors and keep our schools safe, but yes, we have clients from these kinds of falls.
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3. Ergonomics Matter: Grading papers or typing lessons for hours can take a toll: Use adjustable chairs and maintain good posture. Alternate between sitting and standing if possible. Take micro-breaks every 30–60 minutes to stretch and reset. Your eyes and your back will thank you.

4. Protect Your Voice and Energy; Teachers are vocal performers like athletes, actors and singers: Stay hydrated and avoid shouting across the room. Use microphones or amplification systems when available. Don’t skip meals—energy crashes lead to mistakes and injuries.

5. Know Your Rights: You’re eligible for the protections of the Ohio Workers’ Compensation system even if you weren’t working at the exact minute, you got hurt. Wear & tear injuries, slips and falls on the way or out of the building, and even accidental injuries you caused to yourself are eligible for benefits. Report the injury promptly, follow your school or district’s established reporting procedures and ask for a copy, if there is a video file, get a copy immediately, it will disappear later if you don’t, go bet medical treatment at your choice of BWC certified doctors, and get advice from a qualified workers’ compensation attorney in your city, not someplace hours away.

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Labor Day and the History of the Labor Movement

Holiday Weekends and Workers Compensation in Ohio, What you need to know

Laughing in the Hearing Room, the Courtroom & Beyond: Celebrating National Tell a Joke Day

Staying Safe in the Classroom: Injury Prevention Tips for Teachers Going Back to School

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