I just wanted to make this clear that this is Kurt, no one else who works here or ever has is responsible for what we say in this blog post.  All repercussions should be placed squarely on me. 

When I was growing up, I only got into any real trouble in schools for one thing, stopping bullies myself.  From about age 8 on, I was bigger than most kids in size, both weight and height.  I didn’t keep growing and am a little taller than average, but I was not a small frail kid.  I had been.  And I couldn’t see someone strong picking on someone weaker without doing something. 

I would stop it, and maybe even push or punch back. I know I shouldn’t have done the latter, but I wasn’t going to let them get away with it.  Now if there was an adult nearby, I might have gotten them involved, but school bullies are usually smart enough to not do that. 

Well, it’s obvious based upon the areas of law I have ever practiced in, that I am still doing that.  I regularly face large, multinational companies, with huge internal and external legal departments and law firms.  And the same is true for government bureaucracies. 

At the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), the Claims Service Specialists (CSS) are the ones who handle the day-to-day operations of claims.  They are organized into teams with a team leader supervising them.  And for the most part, while they have marching orders to not be so helpful, most of them are at least human, but there are exceptions.  And my parents taught me to start with respect and kindness until it’s painfully obvious that won’t work.  So, I start with please & thank you’s and assuming I don’t know better until they show me I do.

So, several years ago, I had a team leader there bring her daughter to me as a client.  She told her daughter in front of me at the initial appointment, you are here because there are two Kurts.  Grizzly Bear Kurt and Teddy bear Kurt.  Teddy Bear Kurt has sent emails and letters to me and those above me at BWC praising my team members when he feels they are doing their job well for Kurt’s clients.  And then there is Grizzly bear Kurt who will call up the Governor and scream at them.  It was really the Chief of Staff as I had been interviewed by them twice for a position that advocates for workers in dealing with the BWC. And she is right. 

BWC has tens of billions of dollars in assets and an army of good lawyers in house and at the State Attorney General’s office.  And we also must fight large, very well-funded for profit companies with millions or billions in assets and a huge army of lawyers on their side.  And yes, we are talking about big ones like Stellantis (Chrysler/Jeep), General Motors, Amazon, etc.  who can and have taken our clients causes up to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Well, a large national corporation is coming into Ohio and being a bully, and many of us are standing up to them.  That is Texas based, cultural phenomenon, gas and convenience store giant Buc-ee’s.  For 40 years they have been a huge employer, creating many jobs and providing goods and services people need and love. 

And if you have a brand name, trademark or other intellectual property you have to defend it.  If a company doesn’t fight attempts to use them, they literally can lose them.  For example, Band Aid was a trademarked name for bandages. But the owner let too many people get away with using it in similar products.  And they now can’t defend that name.  Anyone can use it. 

But Buc-ee’s has gone to a new set of extremes.  Recently John Oliver’s funny current events and comedy show “This Week Tonight” did a segment about just how far the chain has gone.  They use a trademarked logo of a grinning cartoon beaver, facing sideways, wearing a baseball cap.  It has a particular color scheme and look.  And it has every right to protect that.  It is ironic that according to the research Oliver’s show did that Buc-ee’s CEO based that iconic Beaver on a commercial cartoon one from his childhood that he didn’t have the rights to.  But they have spent millions of dollars creating and spreading their brand in ads, merchandise, etc.

But they have become notorious for suing small businesses with claims that are frivolous claiming infringement on their trademark.  Any business that dares to use a beaver; other animals including alligators, koalas, and moose, with or without ballcaps, facing the same way or directly at the viewer.  They have claimed the color scheme, the idea of a logo with a border, the way the name is pronounced being similar, etc. have entitled them to make the company change their logo or pay huge penalties. 

Now if a chain like them, started using a logo that was a spot on representation of theirs, they would have a good point, but they have gone after small businesses selling underwear, restaurants, local carry outs, etc.  And Oliver and his team threw down the gauntlet. They took a character they already had used in other segments on frivolous lawsuits, and created a logo with “Buc off” on it, selling merchandise of all kinds with that logo, the proceeds are going to a anti-hunger non-profit. 

Well, that fight has come to Ohio.  Buc-ee’s has opened their first Ohio location and they filed earlier this year against am independent gas station that uses a Moose named Mickey and then a local, Beavercreek Ohio store.  The gas station does not use a Beaver.  The local store uses a Beaver who looks nothing like Buc-ee’s and again the name of the city is Beavercreek, population 46,549 and just East of Dayton. 

Well, the businesses of Beavercreek have rallied around Beaver’s Mini Mart.  They have generated their own Beaver mascot logos, nothing like Buc-ee.  They are selling items they make with a cut to the legal defense fund for the store.  And even a local Dayton law firm, a friendly competitor, has done the same. 

Well, I have no connection to a beaver, but I did go to an undergraduate school with a kangaroo as a logo, and they are tough creatures in the wild, and one of my nicknames as a child, thanks to my first name and the first initial was Kurty as in Kurt Young.  And since I can’t stand a bully, we are joining in with this blog post.  Take a look at our new logo and graphic for this post.  As John Oliver did, many of us are poking the bear err beaver. 

I was really looking forward to their brisket and other Texas and southern delicacies, and we can all use some lower gas prices these days.  But if they want to come after every Ohio business using an animal logo, wearing a baseball cap, in the words of John Oliver –“ you know what? Bring it the f— on,”. 

We spend our days out resourced, out gunned, and with a legal system where for the last forty years the people who care about corporate profits over people have controlled the Ohio Supreme Court, the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House, the Governor’s mansion, and therefore the heads of the Ohio BWC and Industrial Commission, and we say every day is bring it on. We won’t let them beat up on our clients and their doctors without giving them a fight to the end. And the same goes to large corporations with billions in profits.  

Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries in Ohio—and they don't just happen on construction sites.

Warehouse employees, factory workers, nurses, delivery drivers, mechanics, retail workers, office employees, and countless others can suffer serious back injuries from lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or even repetitive movements.

The good news? Many back injuries can be prevented with a few simple habits.

Here are a few practical tips:

 Think before you lift. -  If an object looks too heavy or awkward, ask for help or use equipment designed for lifting.

 Lift with your legs—not your back. Bend your knees, keep your back as straight as possible, and let your legs do the work.

 Keep the load close to your body.  Holding objects away from your torso puts extra stress on your back.

Avoid twisting while lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your feet instead of twisting your spine.

Know your limits.  No one gets a trophy for lifting something that should have been a two-person job.

 Use mechanical aids whenever available. Dollies, forklifts, pallet jacks, hoists, and lift-assist devices exist for a reason.

Remember, many serious back injuries don't happen because of one dramatic event. They often result from years of repetitive lifting, awkward positions, or one "quick lift" when someone is tired or in a hurry.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we've helped injured Ohio workers for more than three decades. We'd much rather see injuries prevented than claims filed.

Take an extra minute. Lift safely. Your back will thank you for years to come.

Because everyone deserves to go home healthy at the end of the workday.

#BackSafety #LiftingSafety #WorkplaceSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #SafetyFirst #Ergonomics #ConstructionSafety #ManufacturingSafety #WarehouseSafety #HealthcareWorkers #OhioWorkers #OccupationalSafety #PreventWorkplaceInjuries #KurtMYoungLaw

Each year on July 28th, we celebrate National Buffalo Soldiers Day, honoring the brave African American soldiers who served in the United States Army following the Civil War.

Established by Congress in 1992, the day commemorates the creation of the first peacetime all-Black Army regiments in 1866. These soldiers served with distinction on the western frontier, protecting settlers, building roads, escorting mail, and serving in numerous military campaigns despite facing prejudice and discrimination. Their courage, professionalism, and commitment to service earned them the enduring nickname "Buffalo Soldiers," a name believed to have been given to them by Native American tribes in recognition of their strength, resilience, and determination.

Their legacy continues today, not only through our nation's military history, but also through organizations dedicated to preserving that history and serving their communities.

Here in Northwest Ohio, we're fortunate to have the “Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club”, whose members are committed to honoring the legacy of the original Buffalo Soldiers through community service, education, mentorship, and charitable work throughout our region.

We're especially proud to recognize Earl Mack, one of the club's leaders and a valued client and friend of our firm. Earl has long been dedicated to serving our community, preserving history, and helping others through his leadership and volunteer efforts. His commitment to service reflects the same spirit of integrity, perseverance, and community that the original Buffalo Soldiers exemplified.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we believe that service comes in many forms, whether it's serving your country, your community, or standing beside injured Ohio workers when they need someone in their corner.

Today, we honor the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, celebrate those who continue that tradition of service, and thank leaders like Earl Mack for making Northwest Ohio a stronger community.

Happy National Buffalo Soldiers Day!

#NationalBuffaloSoldiersDay #BuffaloSoldiers #MilitaryHistory #AmericanHistory #CommunityLeadership #CommunityService #NorthwestOhio #Ohio #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #Veterans #Leadership #Service #LawOfficesOfKurtMYoung

On July 26, we celebrate National Disability Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The ADA was a landmark civil rights law that expanded opportunities and prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and many other areas of everyday life.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we represent Ohio workers whose lives have been changed by workplace injuries. While Ohio Workers' Compensation and the ADA are two different laws with two very different purposes, they often intersect.

Workers' Compensation helps injured workers receive medical treatment and monetary benefits to offset some of the financial hardships from a workplace injury.  It does not, however, mandate an employer to accommodate your restrictions after a workplace injury or from non-industrial health issues. 

The ADA, on the other hand, may require employers to consider reasonable accommodation that allows qualified employees with disabilities to continue working, provided doing so does not create an undue hardship for the employer.  But it doesn’t compensate you if you can’t do that.

For many injured workers, recovery isn't simply about getting better, it's about returning to meaningful work whenever possible. Sometimes that means modified duties, adaptive equipment, a different work schedule, or other reasonable accommodation that allow employees to continue contributing their skills and experience.

Now, if your restrictions are related to the allowed conditions in your claim, and you are not yet at Maximum Medical Improvement (aka MMI or a plateau from which no change can be expected despite ongoing care) the employer does have an incentive to accommodate you beyond the ADA.  

Under Ohio Workers’ Compensation law if an injured worker cannot perform all of the duties of their former position of employment (all of the requirements of the job you were performing at the time of your injury) due to the allowed conditions in the claim, and the employer does not accommodate your restrictions, and you are not at MMI, then you are entitled to Temporary Total Disability benefits.  

Also, they are allowed to create a position of employment that may not have even existed previously, to accommodate your restrictions per your treating doctor.  If they do, and it is found to be a good faith job offer, you must accept it. 

Every situation is different, and navigating the relationship between workers' compensation benefits, return-to-work programs, and disability laws can be complicated. That's why it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities throughout the recovery process.

Today, we celebrate the progress made since the ADA became law and recognize the resilience, determination, and contributions of millions of Americans living with disabilities.  But we have a long way to go.  There are still areas even with Workers’ Compensation, ADA, FMLA, Social Security and others were the disabled faced challenges the law doesn’t address. 

Here's to workplaces that are not only safer but also more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone and for employers that see talents and abilities rather than roadblocks and disabilities. 

Happy National Disability Independence Day!

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#NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay #ADA #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct #DisabilityRights #Accessibility #Inclusion #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #ReturnToWork #OhioWorkers #OhioLaw #WorkplaceSafety #EqualOpportunity #LawOfficesOfKurtMYoung

Ohio's construction sites, factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities help build and power our communities. They also present some of the most challenging and potentially dangerous working environments.

Most workplace injuries don't happen because someone intended to get hurt, they happen because of a momentary distraction, a shortcut, equipment failure, or an unexpected hazard.

Some of the most common job site hazards include:

⚠️ Falls from ladders, roofs, scaffolding, and elevated platforms

⚠️ Struck-by accidents involving vehicles, falling tools, or materials

⚠️ Caught-in or caught-between machinery and equipment

⚠️ Electrical hazards and exposed wiring

⚠️ Improper lifting that leads to back and shoulder injuries

⚠️ Slips, trips, and falls caused by clutter, uneven surfaces, or wet floors

The bad news is that these can be life ending or at least life changing.

The good news? Many of these injuries can be prevented by following a few basic safety principles:

🦺 Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

👀 Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.

📋 Follow established safety procedures—every time.

🤝 Speak up if you see an unsafe condition.

🔧 Never use equipment unless you've been properly trained.

💪 Lift with your legs, not your back, and ask for help with heavy loads.

​At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we hope you never need our services. We believe the best workers' compensation claim is the one that never happens because an injury was prevented in the first place.  The best moment at Workers’ Memorial Day is when none of our clients names are read in tribute for those who died of their injuries in the last year.

Let's all do our part to make Ohio's workplaces safer—because everyone deserves to return home safely at the end of the workday.

Stay alert. Stay protected. Stay safe.

​#ConstructionSafety #IndustrialSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #SafetyFirst #WorkplaceSafety #ConstructionWorkers #Manufacturing #IndustrialWorkers #OhioWorkers #OccupationalSafety #WorkplaceInjury #WorkerSafety #SafetyCulture #KurtMYoungLaw

This year, Americans celebrate a remarkable milestone—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The picture in our graphic this post was taken by Kurt on the way to Washington, DC for the inauguration of a president.  He and his family stopped in to Philadelphia along the way and toured Independence Hall.  The tour guides have the best name for that room - It is the labor and delivery room for America. 

For two and a half centuries, our nation has been guided by the enduring ideals of liberty, opportunity, self-government, and the rule of law. While America has never been perfect, generations of Americans have worked to make our country stronger, freer, and more just for those who follow.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we are proud to serve Ohio's working families and to be part of a legal system that helps protect the rights of everyday people. As workers' compensation attorneys, we see firsthand the value of hard work, perseverance, and community—qualities that have helped define America since its founding.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, we encourage everyone to take time to enjoy family, friends, food, fireworks, and the freedoms we often take for granted.

   Please Note: In observance of Independence Day and America's 250th Birthday celebration, our office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

We will reopen during our normal business hours following the holiday weekend.

From all of us at The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day.

Happy Birthday, America!

#IndependenceDay #July4th #America250 #America250th #HappyBirthdayAmerica #OhioWorkers #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #OhioLaw #RuleOfLaw #Patriotism #Community #OhioAttorney #KurtMYoungLaw #FourthOfJuly

Ohio summers can be beautiful, but they can also be dangerous for workers who spend long hours outdoors or in hot indoor environments.  

During the year between my first and second year of law school the economy was a mess so rather than work at a law firm like most of my classmates, I ended up working at driving range doing maintenance and helping build a golf course. So I know what it is like to need to beat the heat while working hard. 

Construction workers, roofers, landscapers, warehouse employees, factory workers, delivery drivers, and many others face increased risks when temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond.

Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and may include:

   Dehydration

   Heat exhaustion

   Heat stroke

   Dizziness and fainting

   Reduced concentration, increasing the risk of workplace accidents

And having had some of these and also helping workers who have suffered through some of these, we would rather help you avoid them.

The best defense is preparation. Employers and employees can work together to reduce heat-related risks by:

✔  Drinking plenty of water throughout the day

✔  Taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas

✔  Wearing appropriate clothing and protective equipment

✔  Watching for signs of heat illness in coworkers

✔  Adjusting work schedules when possible during extreme heat

One overlooked danger of extreme temperatures is that heat can affect judgment, reaction time, and concentration. Even workers who never experience heat illness may be more likely to suffer slips, trips, falls, or equipment-related accidents when working in extreme conditions.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we encourage every Ohio employer and worker to take heat safety seriously. A few simple precautions can help prevent serious injuries and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe, Ohio.

#WorkplaceSafety #HeatSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #SummerSafety #WorkerSafety #OccupationalSafety #ConstructionSafety #OhioWorkers #SafetyFirst #WorkplaceInjuryPrevention #KurtMYoungLaw #OhioLaw

Today, we recognize National Loving Day, commemorating the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage across the United States.

The case began when Richard Loving and Mildred Loving challenged a Virginia law that made their marriage illegal. Their courage led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision that affirmed a fundamental principle: the freedom to marry the person you love is a basic civil right.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we appreciate how the law can affect people's everyday lives. While our practice focuses on helping Ohio's injured workers and their families navigate the workers' compensation system, days like National Loving Day remind us of the important role the legal system plays in protecting individual rights and ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Today is an opportunity to reflect on how far our country has come, honor those who challenged unjust laws, and recognize the ongoing importance of fairness, dignity, and equal justice.

Happy National Loving Day from all of us at The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC.

#NationalLovingDay #LovingDay #CivilRights #EqualJustice #RuleOfLaw #USSupremeCourt #OhioLaw #CommunityMatters #WorkersRights #LawOfficesOfKurtMYoung #OhioAttorney

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we know that workplace safety isn't just about rules and regulations, it's about people. It's about the factory worker operating heavy machinery, the nurse caring for patients, the construction worker on a job site, and every Ohio employee who works hard to support themselves and their families.

June is National Safety Month, and it serves as an important reminder that preventing workplace injuries starts with a commitment to safety from both employers and employees. Proper training, regular safety inspections, protective equipment, and a culture that encourages workers to speak up about hazards can make all the difference.

While accidents can still happen despite everyone's best efforts, many workplace injuries are preventable. Taking a few extra moments to follow safety procedures today can help avoid months of recovery tomorrow.

As Ohio workers' compensation attorneys, we see firsthand the impact workplace injuries can have on workers and their families. That's why we encourage all Ohio employers and employees to use National Safety Month as an opportunity to review safety practices, identify potential hazards, and recommit to creating safer workplaces.

Because at the end of the day, the goal is simple: Everyone deserves to return home safely after a hard day's work.

Stay safe, Ohio!

#NationalSafetyMonth #WorkplaceSafety #OhioWorkersComp #WorkersCompensation #OhioWorkers #WorkplaceInjuryPrevention #SafetyFirst #OhioBusinesses #EmployeeSafety #OccupationalSafety #OhioLaw #KurtMYoungLaw #WorkersRights #SafeWorkplace

Each year on April 28, we observe Workers’ Memorial Day, a day to remember workers who were injured, became ill, or lost their lives because of workplace hazards. The date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act going into effect.  With that being one of the greatest victories in the fight for workplace safety.

In Ohio alone, 165 workers were killed on the job in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are people who left for work in the morning and did not make it home at the end of the day leaving behind families, coworkers, and communities forever changed. [bls.gov]

Workers’ Memorial Day is about honoring those lives, but it is also about awareness and prevention. 

So was very proud to stand with the local OSHA Director political and labor leaders, and sadden to stand for the families and friends of those killed on the job in Northern Ohio earlier this week at the Toledo Observance. 

Workplace tragedies are not just numbers. They are reminders of why safety matters, why training matters, and why workers deserve protection when something goes wrong.

On this day, and every day, we remember the workers we’ve lost and we at the Law Offices for Kurt M. Young recommit ourselves to safer workplaces and support for injured workers across Ohio and fighting for those who have to mourn the dead whose parent, spouse, child or loved one went to work at the start of their shift and never clocked out.  

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#WorkersMemorialDay #OhioWorkers #SafetyMatters #RememberAndProtect #WorkplaceSafety