 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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Thankful for Our Clients: A Thanksgiving Message from The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC11/18/2025  As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us take a moment to look back on the past year sometimes with gratitude, sometimes with disbelief, and sometimes with the lingering question: Did that hearing really happen, or was it just a fever dream? Did the Ohio Supreme Court just say a gas that they want to use to execute prisoners with is not a dangerous gas for workplace safety purposes?
But here at The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC**, one thing we’re always genuinely thankful for is our clients. Every day, we’re reminded that Ohio’s working men and women are some of the toughest, most resilient people anywhere. You lift, haul, care for, build, repair, teach, transport, serve, and support the communities we live in. When injuries happen, you keep going often in pain, often unsure of what comes next yet still doing your best for your families. We’re grateful you trust us to help you navigate a system that can feel overwhelming even on its best days. We’re thankful for your patience when the BWC tests it. We’re thankful for your stories, your perseverance, and your sense of humor in the face of forms, deadlines, and hearings scheduled at wildly inconvenient times. We’re thankful for those moments where a client in a horrible situation says thank you, despite the fact that we are voice and face of a horrible at times system. And for the chances to really meet some of our clients. Ones who had the weight of the world on their shoulders during our initial meeting, but now that the bills are paid, the pain in managed, really show the wonderful people they are. Most of all, we’re thankful that we get to play even a small role in helping you get the care, compensation, and fairness you deserve. From all of us at The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC: Thank you for letting us serve Ohio’s working families. Have a safe, warm, and very Happy Thanksgiving! If you need us after the leftovers are gone, we’re here. (Well except Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, we’ll be closed)  At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we are proud to stand with the men and women who have served our country and now serve our communities as part of Ohio’s workforce.
Veterans bring unique skills, discipline, and a commitment to teamwork that strengthen every workplace. But we also understand that transitioning from military service to civilian employment can come with challenges — including injuries, both seen and unseen. When a veteran is hurt on the job, navigating the Ohio Workers’ Compensation system can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s understanding coverage for aggravations of prior service-related injuries, dealing with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, or ensuring access to needed medical care and wage replacement — we’re here to help. Our firm is honored to represent Ohio’s working veterans. We make it our mission to ensure that those who’ve served our nation are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness when they’re injured on the job. If you or a loved one who has served in the military has suffered a workplace injury in Ohio, we invite you to reach out to learn your rights and explore your options. The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC — Proudly helping Ohio’s workers, including those who’ve already served our country, get the benefits they’ve earned. And in honor of our veterans, we will be closed on Tuesday November 11, 2025.  Election Day is nearly here on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Ohioans will have their opportunity to cast ballots for a range of local and county offices. As a firm that supports Ohio workers and their rights, and with Kurt serving previously as a voting rights attorney and of late on the Lucas County Board of Elections, we believe it’s important to ensure everyone who’s eligible can exercise this fundamental right.
Here are two key things to keep in mind: Bring a valid photo ID Ohio law requires that voters present a valid photo identification when voting in person. Acceptable forms of ID include an unexpired Ohio driver’s license, Ohio state ID card, interim ID from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID, an Ohio National Guard ID, or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID. Find Where To Vote Sadly Boards of Elections do not own their polling places in Ohio or most states. We rent them. And private entities don’t have to rent to us. Also things about a polling place can change making it unusable. So you polling place may have changed. If you live in Lucas County, the Board of Elections has a one stop shop. Go to https://www.lucascountyohiovotes.gov/voter_information/index.php And you can check your registration, your polling place, even get a sample of what is on your ballot to look at in advance. If you don’t live in Lucas County you can still go to https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/ To check where to vote You don’t have to worry about getting to the polls Right here in the Toledo area, the Toledo Area Jobs with Justice (a non-partisan, volunteer-run organization) is offering free rides to the polls for anyone in need. Whether you’re commuting to your precinct on Election Day or heading to an early voting center, they’ve got you covered. Call (419) 868-3669 (419-VOTE-NOW) to schedule your ride. And we work with them so we know they are good and dependable. Don’t want to count on them? Well then how about TARTA? The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority is offering free rides on Election Day as well go here for more details. https://tarta.com/community/voter-ready-with-tarta/ Why this matters: People call these odd year elections “Off Year Elections” because we don’t vote for State or Federal Offices in most cases. But, we do vote for City, Village and Township Leaders, Board of Educations Leaders, also on levies and charter amendments that decide how your area is run. There are nearly over one hundred people, and over a dozen issues you could be asked to decide on. And to use a quote from an old tv show “Decisions are made by those who show up”. Final Tip: Plan ahead Check that your photo ID is valid and includes your name (it must “substantially conform” to the name on your registration, it’s OK if address doesn’t we have other safeguards to handle that). Confirm where you vote If transportation is the issue make sure to talk to TARTA or Toledo Area Jobs With Justice, the later has voicemail, leave one they do call back and again both are free and the later is DOOR TO DOOR service. Go on the Board of Elections website, or check with your League of Women Voters or Newspaper Website they will have what candidates and issues will be on the ballot. And make your mind up on what or who to support. If the ride-service line is busy, leave a voicemail (they will call you back). Make a plan: when you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll bring. Share the free ride option with friends or coworkers who might benefit. Plan out your time to go and then go and vote. At our firm, we believe that participating in democracy is part of being a meaningful member of the workforce and the community. We hope you’ll make your voice heard on November 4. Believe us the choices we have made in 1994 to now have dramatically shifted workers compensation law against you. But you can start to change that. But no matter who you vote for get there. Don’t give up a right won by brave women & men facing bayonets and bombs or fire hoses and snarling dogs. The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC www.kmylaw.com fighting hard for Hard-Working Ohioans The Top Three “Tricks” Employers and the BWC Use to Avoid Paying Injured Workers What They’re Owed10/17/2025  As it’s almost Halloween, the season of Trick & Treats, we thought it was a good idea to tell you about some of the top tricks to avoid taking care of you when you are hurt on the job in Ohio.
At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we’ve spent over three decades helping Ohio’s injured workers navigate the complicated and often unfair—Workers’ Compensation system. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many cases where employers, Managed Care Organizations, Third Party Administrators and the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) use subtle tactics to limit or delay what injured workers are rightfully owed. Here are Three of the most common “Tricks” we see—and what you can do about them: #1. Telling you that you do not need or cannot afford a lawyer We hear it all the time - The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation or the Managed Care Organization are neutral, my employer will take care of me, they are definitely taking care of me on my claim. I don’t need or can’t afford a lawyer. Let’s deal with this one right - The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is in NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM NEUTRAL. They are a defendant to your claim, don’t believe us? Google Ohio Revised Code section 4123.512 about court appeals on these claims and look at who the parties are. See a familiar name? Yep there are a defendant to your claim. To quote the last several Administrator CEO’s of BWC, to a room full of attorneys like us “we are a big boy insurance company and we will actively defend against these claims”. But surely the Managed Care Organization (MCO) is neutral. Nope, they are paid by BWC and selected by your employer to protect your employer’s interests and they will coordinate with your employer and BWC to fight and limit your claim. Are they taking care of you, maybe but Google State ex rel.Estate of Sziraki vs. Administrator Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The Google AI introduction will tell you much “ State ex. rel. Estate of Sziraki v. Admr., Bur. of Workers' Comp. is an Ohio Supreme Court case that concerned the estate of Dean Sziraki, a worker who became permanently quadriplegic after a 1991 workplace injury. The case centered on the estate's claim for scheduled loss of use benefits that the estate argued should have been paid to Dean during his lifetime, even without an application from his mother or a court-appointed guardian for his estate. “ So essentially BWC knew a worker, who lingered in a coma for 16 years was entitled to $363,800 in benefits that they didn’t pay even though they could have without an application. So if they are doing that to that family, who were also the employers, imagine what they are willing to hide from you. And the TPA, MCO, BWC and your employer, they have an army of lawyers, and it is very rare where a worker cannot get one on a contingent fee (we only get paid out of what we get you) basis. #2. Telling workers they have to go treat where the employer tells you to In some states, you have to treat where the employer sends you. Ohio is NOT one of those states. You have the right to treat with any BWC certified Provider. Go on the front page of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s website and you can search for them by name, area of practice, city, state, zip code, Ohio county, you name it. Employers can tell you to go to a certain spot to take a drug test, but you can then treat with whomever you want so long as they are BWC certified. Don’t go to places that have names like Works, Occupational Health, or the like. Occupational health clinics are about cost containment. There are some great doctors at these clinics, but their primary mind set is save your employer money. We want you treating with a doctor whose primary mind set is providing quality care and getting you back to work safely. #3. Pushing You Back to Work Too Soon - Bad Faith Job Offers or Voluntary Abandonment of Employment We’ve seen employers and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) push workers back before they’ve healed, often to avoid paying Temporary Total Compensation. Returning too early can worsen your injury—and make it harder to recover benefits later. If your doctor says you’re not ready, listen to your doctor, not your employer. Now employer’s can make up a job for you to do. And there are countless medical studies that will tell you that a safe return to work as quickly as possible is the best thing for the worker’s physical and mental health. I will add their financial health. For example, workers’ compensation law does not require them to pay your health insurance premiums if you are off work. But a job offer must be detailed, in writing, tell you what you are specifically going to be doing, and be within your doctor’s restrictions. So if you get one like that, you have to show up. Finally there is a concept called “Voluntary Abandonment of Employment”. What this is, is an employer trumping up some reason to fire you from work to avoid paying your claim. And yes, your employer can fire you and cite to a written work rule and avoid paying for your time off work ever again, even if you can’t work at all. So watch out. Bottom line: Don’t face these tactics alone. The Workers’ Compensation system can be confusing, but you have rights—and experienced help makes all the difference. If you think you’re being shortchanged on your claim, contact The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC today. We’re here to make sure Ohio’s injured workers get the benefits they’ve earned.  Each October, the second Monday brings a holiday with a changing identity. Traditionally recognized as “Columbus Day”, more communities across the country—including here in Ohio—now observe it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
This shift reflects a growing recognition of the rich cultures, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, while also encouraging thoughtful reflection about our shared history. At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we respect this evolving understanding and the importance of acknowledging Indigenous voices and perspectives. Please note: our office will be closed on Monday, October 13th, in observance of the holiday. We will reopen the following day, ready to continue serving Ohio’s working families with their Workers’ Compensation needs. We hope you take a moment during the day to rest, reflect, and recognize the history and contributions of Indigenous communities to our country and who we are.  We are coming to the end of National Nurse Case Management Week. And as a friend of many people who are case managers in other areas of endeavor, they can be invaluable. And to all who perform that job, happy Nurse Case Management Week. But if you are dealing with Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation system, let me give you a different view.
If you’ve been injured at work in Ohio, chances are you’ve met a nurse case manager or dealt with your employer’s Managed Care Organization (MCO). On the surface, they may seem helpful—someone to “coordinate care” and “streamline your treatment.” But here’s the truth: their loyalty isn’t to you. It’s to the employer and the system designed to control costs. Here are a few things every worker should know: You have every right to refuse nurse case management. You are legally not required to deal with them. Why don’t we recommend them, well let me count the ways. Not your advocate: A nurse case manager may attend your doctor’s appointments, but their role is to report back to the employer and Managed Care Organization (MCO), not to fight for your best medical outcome. And you can make them wait until you have had time to talk to your doctor without them. Managing costs, not care is their mandate. MCOs are rewarded for keeping claims “efficient,” which often means limiting or denying treatment rather than supporting recovery. A quick and inexpensive return to work is their goal, emphasis on the inexpensive, prevent costs to the employer at all costs. Another issue is added pressure. Many injured workers feel rushed back to work or pushed into treatments that fit the employer’s goals, not the worker’s needs. And the same is true about doctors. And even more so when there is a person at every doctor’s appointment pushing both of you. Complicated communication. With extra people in the room, it can be difficult for you and your doctor to have an honest, private conversation about your health. And you deserve that. That doesn’t mean every nurse case manager or MCO employee is unkind. But the system puts them in a position where their priorities and your best interests don’t always line up. At the Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we’ve spent over three decades helping Ohio’s working families navigate these obstacles. Our job is to make sure your medical care is run by your doctors and your legal rights come first. If you’ve been hurt on the job and feel the system is working against you, contact us at 419-244-7885 or visit www.kmylaw.com 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.  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. |
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