We Don’t Want To See You Next Fall: Avoiding Slips and Falls on the Job: Simple Steps to Stay Safe9/23/2025 Slips, trips, and falls might sound like minor accidents—but in the workplace, they’re one of the leading causes of serious injuries. For Ohio workers, a simple fall can mean weeks off the job, mounting medical bills, and the stress of navigating the Workers’ Compensation system. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable hazards can change lives.
Here are a few simple ways to reduce your risk: Watch your step - Keep walkways free of clutter, cords, and equipment. A clean workspace is a safe workspace. Stay dry - Spills, rainwater, or snow tracked indoors can all create slick surfaces. Wipe them up quickly, and wear shoes with good traction. Use proper lighting - Dim or burned-out bulbs can hide hazards. If you can’t see clearly, you can’t step safely. Take your time - Rushing often leads to mistakes. Slow down, especially in high-traffic areas or on uneven ground. Use handrails - Stairs are a common danger zone—always use railings, even if you feel steady. And every one of those is from one or more claims we have handled for Ohio’s working men & women. So take lessons learned by our clients and avoid having to become. But even with the best precautions, accidents still happen. If you’ve suffered a slip or fall at work, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits to cover lost wages, medical care, and recovery. At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we’ve spent over 30 years standing up for Ohio’s working families. If you’re injured, don’t navigate the system alone—let us help you protect your rights.
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September 17th is “Constitution Day”—a time to reflect on one of the most important documents in American history. Signed in 1787, the U.S. Constitution set out the framework for our government and guaranteed the fundamental rights we still rely on today.
But here’s the thing: the Constitution isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a living document, and its protections depend on citizens knowing their rights and insisting they be respected. Whether it’s your right to free speech, due process, or protection under the law, those promises only mean something if people understand them—and stand up for them. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we spend every day fighting for Ohio’s working families. Workers’ Compensation might not be written into the US Constitution, but the idea that everyone deserves fairness and protection when injured on the job flows right from its spirit. Oh, and by the way, it IS written into the Ohio Constitution. This Constitution Day, take a few minutes to read it, reflect on it, and remember that rights—like muscles—stay strong only if you use them. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we know one of the most common questions injured workers in Ohio ask or often don’t but should, is “Do I have to see the company doctor?”
The short answer: Nope. Absolutely not. Longer Answer - In Ohio Workers’ Compensation cases, you have the right to choose your own doctor for treatment. Your employer may “suggest” you see their chosen physician, but they can’t force you to anything but a one time exam and drug test. But going to the doctor the employer is suggesting can be hazardous to your health and well-being. No these doctors aren’t Dr. Nick Riviera (the Simpsons) or Dr. Harold Zoidberg (Futurama) Dr. Leo Spaceman (30 Rock), as in not good doctors. Nor are they Evil aka Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movies. In fact one of our local occupational health facilities is staffed by a former family doctor of mine. The issue is that any clinic with a name like Occupational This, or Works that is primarily concerned with the costs to your employer. And the first time your tests show the slightest hint of arthritis (and if your age starts with a 2 or above it will) they throw you under the bus. Instead I want you to have any fictional doctor to handle your workplace injury, we’d go with Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch from The Pitt. Portrayed by Noah Wyle, this ER attending is the human embodiment of compassion-under-pressure. Or hey if we want to go crazy with fictional doctors how about Dr. Leonard McCoy (Star Trek), Dr. Derek Shepherd (Grey’s Anatomy) Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes). But let’s stick to the real doctors. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Your treating doctor must be certified by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)—but that list is large, and plenty of great providers are on it. Go on the BWC website’s front page, you can search by lots of different terms (confirm it, even if they say they are before going) 2. Once you’ve chosen your doctor, they’ll guide your treatment, file necessary paperwork, and advocate for what care you actually need. Don’t let a Managed Care Organization (MCO) or Third Party Administrator (TPA) run your care, you can appeal their denials and we win a huge percentage of those fights. 3. If you’re not happy with your doctor, you can even switch to another BWC-certified provider. Just know it gets harder and harder to find such doctors the older your claim and if you have had multiple surgeries. Your health, your recovery, your doctor. It really is that simple. If you’re feeling pressured to see the “company doctor” or aren’t sure if your current provider is the right fit, we’re here to help. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, we’ve guided thousands of Ohio workers through the system and made sure they got the care they deserve. So say good bye to Dr. Nick. Have questions about choosing a doctor after a workplace injury? Contact us today at [www.kmylaw.com](http://www.kmylaw.com). |
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