 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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 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.  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).  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.
 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.
Laughing in the Hearing Room, the Courtroom & Beyond: Celebrating National Tell a Joke Day8/15/2025  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.  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. - 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.
Well, if you’ve not looked at your calendar, hopefully this will remind you that Mother’s Day is this Sunday. Believe it or not, Mother’s Day wasn’t really created in the US at least, until 1908. According to Wikipedia, the first instance of it recorded was in 1908 at a Methodist Church in Grafton, WV. But now it’s official enshrined as the 2nd Sunday in May.
And my Kids and I will be taking my wife out for a special lunch on Sunday. But for the first time in 56 years of life, I won’t be able to celebrate for a woman I called Mom. In 2020, totally unrelated to the pandemic, we lost my Mother In Law, Betty Holdridge. When the worst thing you can say about a Mother in Law is that she completely took away your ability to tell a Mother In Law joke to anyone who knew her, you know you’ve got a good Mom. Betty was there for me from the first time, we met, a month or two into dating my wife, until the last week of her life. She had my back, giving of every part of herself to support my wife, myself, our kids and everything we did. When I was running for Toledo City Council, she even went door to door in her senior living apartment complex to get me votes. My Mother Mary Anne was a pretty amazing Mother too. She was an unofficial single Mom about 2-3 years out of my first Fifteen years of life. My Dad was career Navy so for a year he was in Vietnam and on multiple occasions, he was out to sea, including two stretches of six months at a time, when we lived a littel over ten hours from the nearest family member. She actually helped me start our office with an investment of some cash, and some of the art work that decorates our office to this day. But sadly, last year we lost her too. So Sunday will be my first without a Mom. But I have them in my life, including Lisa from our office who is “Little Floyd’s Mom”, and he will be little Floyd forever even if he’s in his thirties and a Dad himself and my wife. But I will celebrate all of the Mom’s out there. Just remember though, Mother’s Day can be sad, for those of us who lost our Mom, for those who never had someone who acted like a Mom for them, for those who never got to be a Mom but wanted to. Also, let’s remember those who did the job without the title. There are many people who have stepped up for kids of all ages who needed one. So thanks Mama Betty and Mary Anne both for being there for me and for all the Moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day from all of us. |
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