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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.
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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. 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. |
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