In the past few years, plastic surgery has become very popular, with lots of women and men choosing to go through some procedures. It would be interesting to know more about some of the most popular types, and the reasons for choosing to have these done.

Plastic surgery is a widely used term, which encompasses several, different surgical procedures. These surgeries are not only done for aesthetics, but also for personal and medical reasons as well.

Botox, facelift, liposuction, breast enlargement and breast reduction are among the most common procedures performed on women.

Hair transplant, calf/buttock implants and nasal surgery are among the most common procedures performed on men.

These procedures are done because of many, different reasons, some of which are the following:

Confidence

A lot of people have a low self-esteem because of their far from perfect body. If they will have a more shapely body, it will make them feel more confident and outgoing. Going through plastic surgery will let them feel comfortable with their body, and boost their self confidence. However, it is important to keep in mind that this procedure is not a sure way to boost self esteem/confidence. Therefore, anyone who is considering to go through such a procedure for the above mentioned reasons should talk about this with a healthcare specialist, including the possible causes of having low self esteem.

Health

A number of individuals can suffer health risks and conditions because of some of their physical features. Plastic surgery can correct these to provide them with a healthier, happier lifestyle. Weight loss for obese patients and breast reduction for women with large breasts are a few examples. Large breasts can put needless strain on the shoulders and back.

Another reason to undergo cosmetic surgery is to enhance the physical appearance. Face lift and breast enlargement are the best examples for this. Such changes help alter features they are not too happy with and therefore, make them feel comfortable with themselves.

Reconstruction

One of the major reasons for deciding on plastic surgery is reconstruction. This type of procedure aims to return some physical features to their former state. This is usually performed on patients that have been through an accident or another procedure like for instance, going through a breast reconstruction after breast mastectomy. Reconstructive surgery is not necessarily used for physical appearances. It can also be done on joints, among other areas to correct healthcare conditions.

Enhancement

Last but not the least, some people decide on going through plastic surgery to enhance their physical features. Weight loss is among the most common. Those who have lost too much weight tend to have excessive skin so they do not like to show their bodies in public. Plastic surgery is capable of removing this excess skin to give them a more toned body that makes them feel comfortable.

Singapore is a small country. Limited space means the Government need to control the number of cars on the road or else the roads will be packed. This is why Singapore has the highest cost of car ownership in the world.

The public transport system is very developed, with the MRT (metro) and public buses reaching almost everywhere on the island. As such, some residents only rent a car when it is necessary, like a family outing to several places on the same day, or a day-trip to neighbouring Malaysia.

Singapore car rental can be cheap and affordable. A normal sedan like Toyota Altis, Toyota Vios, Honda City or Mitsubishi Lancer can go for as low as $68/day, same applies to hatchbacks like Honda Fit or Jazz. A MPV like Mazda Premacy or Hyundai Trajet can go for as low as $78/day, compared to the usual range of $100-$120/day.

For the past 10 years, there are many errant car rental companies who rent out cars not belonging to the company, but belonging to private car owners who could not afford to keep up with their car loan installments. “So what?”, you may ask. There lies a big hidden danger.

A proper car rental company owns its fleet of vehicles, and the fleet is insured by an insurance company which does cover “hire and reward”. A normal private car insurance will not cover “hire and reward”, which exposes you to unlimited liability.

What does this mean? Example:

You have rented a car from an errant car rental company where you are not properly covered for “hire and reward” in the insurance policy and then you met with a traffic accident which you had caused injuries to a pedestrian. The pedestrian sues you for $100,000 damages, but the insurance company refuse to pay due to breach of contract. The judge later ruled that you were, say, 70% responsible for the victim’s injuries, and the claim amount (quantum) is adjusted to $70,000 instead of the original $100,000. This means you have to compensate $49,000 (70% of $70,000) to the victim, failing which you shall be made a bankrupt. Furthermore, you might be prosecuted for driving without a valid insurance, which attracts a fine no more than $1,000 or jail no more than 3 months, or both.

This is a very big risk! Why would you want risk being made a bankrupt for just renting a car? What’s more, errant car rental companies may not necessarily charge lower rates than properly insured companies!

How to tell whether the car is properly insured for “hire and reward”? The simplest way is to look at the road tax disc of the vehicle. A vehicle registered with LTA (Land Transport Authority, Singapore) for hire purposes with valid rental insurance coverage will bear the word “MOTORCAR” below the date of expiry, instead of “PASSENGER(PRIVATE)” or “PASSENGER(CO)”. You can dial 1800-CALL-LTA to verify.

Generally, proper car hire insurance would not cover “P Plates” (drivers with less than one year of driving experience). Most may not even cover drivers less than 23 years of age, regardless of their driving experience. So, if you are young (< 23 years old) or inexperienced (P plate), you would be undertaking a very big risk if you drive a rental car because regardless whether it is a proper car rental company or not you will not be covered!

We have here a recommended merchant that has a well maintained fleet of vehicles with proper insurance coverage. The company is legally incorporated and LTA-registered as a car rental company. It also boasts a “LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE”, assuring you that you cannot find a cheaper deal anywhere else.

As the population ages and more people are living with physical disabilities, housing and community development must be re-examined. Inaccessible homes impede the daily lives of people who are mobility impaired due to illness, accident or age. Visitors to inaccessible homes face the danger of falling on the entry steps, the worry of not fitting into a bathroom and the embarrassment of being carried up the stairs. An affordable, sustainable and inclusive design approach for integrating basic accessibility features into all newly built homes is a movement known as Visitability.

In 1988, The Fair Housing Amendments Act created accessible units in all new multi-family housing apartments and condos with four or more units. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act greatly increased accessibility to all government and public buildings. But detached single-family houses and town homes, where the majority of the population lives, are the last part of the built environment that is not covered by federal law. No accessibility codes exist. To date, private houses and town homes continue to be built with the same basic accessibility barriers: steps at all entrances and narrow doors to bathrooms.

In an effort to pass legislation for accessibility in new single-home construction, Eleanor Smith, the founder of Concrete Change, started the Visitability Movement in the US. The movement asks that three basic accessibility needs be met:

* One zero-step entrance on an accessible route from a driveway or public sidewalk.

* Doorways with a 32″ minimum clear passage space.

* A half bathroom on the main floor to accommodate a wheelchair.

If these three requirements are met in the construction of every new home, future adaptations for specialized needs can occur as needed. Visitability features make it easier for the mobility impaired to visit friends and family and to remain active in their communities..

COST OF VISITABILITY

Over the lifetime of a home, 25-60% of all new homes will have a resident who becomes mobility impaired. This may be muscle weakness, lack of balance, arthritic stiffness or wheelchair confinement. 95% of all new homes are constructed with steps at every entry and narrow doorways to the bathroom. Because of architectural barriers, the risk of falling for the homeowner is greatly increased and the success rate of first responders may be compromised during medical emergencies.

In 2005, 1.8 million Americans age 65 and over were treated in emergency rooms for injuries from falls, and 460,000 were hospitalized. 60% of all nursing home residents enter these facilities directly from hospitals after a fall, a stroke or heart attack. With the majority of homes having steps at all entries and narrow doors to bathrooms, one can only surmise that large numbers of people are not returning to their homes after accidents because of no accessibility.

Below is a cost comparison of Visitability built into a new home versus Visitability retrofitted into an existing home. The nursing home cost reflects the extreme expense of “doing nothing”. (Maisel, Smith and Steinfeld, 2008, “Increasing Home Access: Designing for Visitability”)

New Home Visitability Construction

* Zero-step entrance on concrete slab-add $100

* Entrance over crawl space or basement -add $300-$600

* 34″ door-add $2 to the cost of a 32″ door

* Average cost for visitability features, depending on region-add $98 to $573

* Average cost for Universal Design features-add 1% to total project cost

Existing Home Visitability Retrofit

* Zero-step entrance -add $3,300

* Widen interior doorway-add $700 per doorway ($22 for a swing-away hinge)

* Home elevator-add $15,000-$25,000

Nursing Home Costs

* Nursing home for individual-$85,000 per year

* Nursing home for US-$122 Billion in 2005 (60% of cost borne by public through Medicare & Medicaid)

* Cost of falls among older people for US-$19 billion in direct medical costs (Maisel, Smith and Steinfeld, 2008)

LEGISLATION

Cities and towns across the country are preparing to assist their ever-growing senior populations. With a short supply of affordable senior housing and the desire of most seniors to remain in their homes, home-based programs are in the forefront: meals-on-wheels, home healthcare, hospice-at-home, physical therapy at home, senior transportation from home. But for home-based programs to succeed, basic accessibility in the home must be provided. Visitability in private homes is crucial for the safety and social sustainability of older adults who are mobility impaired. Without the independence to enter or leave their home or to use the bathroom when needed, older adults can become isolated, depressed and sick. Visitable homes are needed for the safety and independence of everyone: older adults, the physically impaired, visitors, caregivers and first responders.

In the late 1980s, Eleanor Smith of Concrete Change began pushing Atlanta homebuilders to incorporate Visitable features into their new homes, but was met with great opposition. Habitat for Humanity listened and today there are more than 800 Visitable Habitat homes in the Atlanta area.

1992- Atlanta Visitability Ordinance

Atlanta became the first city to adopt a Visitability ordinance that mandates all builders of new single-family dwellings, duplexes or triplexes, who receive any financial benefit from or through the city, must meet several basic access requirements, including at least one zero-step entrance and adequate interior door widths.

2002- Pima County Inclusive Home Design Ordinance, Tucson, AZ

Pima County adopted the first ordinance in the nation to require a zero-step entry into single-family homes with door openings at least 34″wide, lever door handles, reinforced walls in bathrooms for grab bars, switches no higher than 48 inches and hallways 36″ wide throughout the main floor.

In 2003, the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association sued Pima County over the legality of the Visitability Ordinance. In a unanimous decision, the Arizona Court put to rest efforts by Tucson builders to void Pima County’s law requiring minimal access in newly constructed single-family homes. By 2008, Tucson, AZ had built 15,000 Visitable homes.

2004- Visitability Code, Bolingbrook, IL

Bolingbrook initially approved a voluntary Visitability ordinance that was unsuccessful among homebuilders. In order to make homebuilders comply, Bolingbrook enforced the ordinance requiring that all new homes be built with Visitability standards:

* A minimum of one zero-step entrance

* Doorways with 32″ clear passage space

* One bathroom on the main floor that will accommodate a wheelchair

Today Bolingbrook has 3,600 single-family Visit-able homes.

2009-Inclusive Home Design Act

US Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-ILL) introduced legislation that would apply Visitability standards to all new single-family homes and town houses receiving federal funds. Currently, 95 % of new single-family homes and town houses built with federal assistance fail to incorporate accessibility features, making it impossible for many people with disabilities to live in or visit homes. Representative Schakowsky reintroduced the bill in 2010.

Since the induction of the Atlanta City Ordinance of 1992, more than 50 ordinances of varying quality have been passed nationwide. Legislation has resulted in more than 30,000 Visitable homes built for the open market, regardless of whether the first occupant has a disability or not. States whose cities are adopting visitability ordinances or voluntary programs are: GA, FL, TX, VA, VT, MN, NM, KN, IL, OR, KY, NJ, MI, PA, OH.

ICC/ANSI A117.1, the standard for accessibility referenced by most building codes in the US, is currently developing a Type C section that includes technical design criteria for visitability. This will provide an accessibility model that can be adopted to new single-family homes and clarify the design of a zero-step entry, an accessible bathroom and accessible doorways. The standard can be referenced by visitability laws and programs, thus promoting uniformity in applications and aiding in their interpretation. Please note, the IBC will not require Type C dwelling units. If a jurisdiction or state chooses to require visitability in single family homes, the Type C unit criteria will be available for adoption as a baseline. The 2010 edition of ANSI A117.1 will contain the Type C (visit-able) dwelling unit specifications. (Maisel, Smith and Steinfeld, 2008, “Increasing Home Access: Designing for Visitability”)

References:

Jordana Maisel & Edward Steinfeld, Buffalo, NY, IDEA Center and Eleanor Smith, Concrete Change, Atlanta, GA, “Increasing Home Access: Designing for Visitability”

Related Links

IDeA Center: http://www.udeworld.com

Concrete Change: http://www.concretechange.org

Our lives present us with a multitude of challenges from the clock that needs a new battery or the computer that won’t talk to the printer to arguments over teenage children’s bedtime, how to pay this months bills, being made redundant, a family dispute, looking for a new place to live, coughs and colds, terminal illness, a broken arm, divorce, an accident where a family member dies, the dog swallowing something it shouldn’t have been chewing in the first place… the list goes on and on.

Sometimes the challenges can feel overwhelming and we get lost emotionally in what is going on. Before we realise it the smallest problem feels like the biggest challenge in the world. We can recognise when the challenge has got out of proportion when we step back and see that the amount of stress caused by needing to find a battery for the clock far outweighed the true importance of having a working clock. But when it gets to things like family disputes or problems that interfere with us doing our work (such as the car breaking down so we can’t get to where we need to be) then the line around what is important becomes very blurry. In the moment it can feel like the problem is the most important thing in the world and that nothing else matters. Yet is this really true?

One of the ways of overcoming adversities is to step back from the problem itself. When we are able to step back from the centre of what we are experiencing and stand on the edge, then we can see a bigger picture and we can see how the challenge fits in our life. It is easy to get drawn into challenges which don’t really matter and it is only when stepping back that we can see where this challenge fits in proportion with everything else in our life. In letting go of the emotions which are overwhelming us and seeing the problem with perspective, we can see how it really fits in. Does it really matter if we don’t get to do the work we planned to do today? Do I really need to keep on arguing the same point over and over just because I don’t want to lose face? Is anyone going to die if I don’t get help in overcoming adversities such as these? When we put the challenge into perspective and realise that actually the problem isn’t really that significant, then we can instantaneously overcome the problem: we may see that there is no problem after all or we may see a simple solution we hadn’t noticed before.

Of course, not all problems are overcome in this way because they are really significant and important in our lives. So what happens when the problem in our lives is big and significant such as the loss of a job or a home or the break up of a relationship or the loss of a child or other loved one? Here the challenges are real. They aren’t challenges that can be resolved in 5 minutes and the way to overcoming adversities such as these is in reaching a place of acceptance

Once we reach a place of acceptance, then we will have worked through a range of emotions which could include anger, frustration, sadness, depression and others. And coming to this place of acceptance takes time. It cannot be rushed. It’s not a place you can pretend to be. And yet you can work to get yourself on the road towards acceptance. The route that you take is one for your personal choosing: talking to friends, professional counselling, meditation, visualisation, reiki, journalling – whatever works best for you and your lifestyle.

Overcoming adversities and reaching this place of acceptance is a real gift. Along the way we will have learned much about ourselves, our friends and family and the world around us as we strive to come to terms with the life changing events and to understand why they happened. Everything happens for a reason and out of everything that happens in our lives there is something for us to learn. It may take us time to unravel the reason, and one thought which has sustained me through some of the most challenging times is that we are never presented with more than we can cope with. At times it certainly may not feel like this, and if we are able, in those most difficult moments, to centre ourselves, to come back to who we are by simply taking a deep breath in and out, then we can really feel that we have survived that moment, that we are still alive, and that ultimately life will be ok.

Big changes in our lives often mean life changing events where nothing is quite the same for us ever again. And within this there is continued scope for us to learn, to connect with our hearts and to live in the most beautiful and connected way we can. It is through overcoming adversities that we learn most, that we truly know ourselves and that we are given the gift of being truly connected to our heart. When we reach the place of acceptance, we reach a resting place: the emotions are stilled and we have found a way to meet our emotional needs. From here comes the beginning of the path to peace.

Usage-Based Insurance or UBI is at the embryonic stage and has a long way to go before turning into the norm of insurance. With that being said, there is no denial that UBI will become the future of auto insurance. While it has already started laying the foundation, the question still remains: How is UBI going to appeal to consumers? How is it going propel into a mass market proposition?

Usage-Based Insurance, as the name suggests, has two popular auto insurance models – pay as you drive and pay how you drive. The pay-how-you-drive model uses advanced telematics technology, where driving data as detailed as a hard brake or rapid acceleration can alter insurance premiums. Such detail-oriented system can change not just insurance but reform driving completely. Focusing on the USPs of Usage-Based Insurance can most definitely attract the auto insurance market.

Pay How You Drive

Initially, driving information was captured for the purpose of investigating accidents or insurance claims. However, the need arose to take this technology a step further leading to the initiation of pay how you drive. The implementation of this model requires capturing driving data in real-time – calculating every rapid acceleration and hard brake, average speeds, frequency of driving, usage information like locations, parking, etc. and combining them with historical data to draft an insurance plan and allocate premium values.

Pocket-Friendly

Any initiative that can save money will appeal to the mass market. With an economy that is as rough as sailing through the Bermuda Triangle, consumers are constantly looking for avenues to that can cut costs. Usage-based model of insurance combines telematics, analytics and shared data to calculate an insurance policy that does not burn the pocket. Insurance premiums are decided based on this data. For instance, if the policyholder does not use his vehicle much and is a very careful driver, his insurance premium will be relatively less.

Even insurance agencies benefit from this model. In the event of a car crash, for example, telematics can capture real-time driving data and determine how the accident exactly took place and what damage was done avoiding fraudulent claims and reducing the risk of losses.

Incentive-based System and Customizable Features

A cautious driver pays far lesser than a reckless one. However, improvement in driving does not go unrewarded. Who does not love rewards and perks! UBI uses an incentive-based system to encourage better driving. If the insured improves his driving style, his premium amounts are bound to reduce.

Apart from that, insurance providers offer other customized features that differ from one insurer to another. These features can include driving tips, roadside assistance, Geo-fencing, location information like fuel stations, eateries, etc.

Conditioned to Drive Safely

B.F. Skinner had conducted an experiment to study the effects of rewards and incentives. He put a guinea pig in a box that has a lever fitted inside. Every time the guinea pig pressed the lever a food pellet would fall out. The number of times the guinea pig pressed the lever in a day increased gradually. This behavior modification through a reward system is called operant conditioning. Humans yield to rewards as well. This principle has been used in various fields of education, human resource management, marketing, etc. and generated good results.

UBI inculcates this principle in its incentive-based model to encourage people to drive safely. Not only does this model save money for both the insurer and the insured but also encourages better-quality driving – a win for all stakeholders.

Challenges

There are a few concerns that need to be addressed. Privacy issues top the list, as people are concerned about divulging details of their whereabouts. The other concern is regulating the method of collecting data so that clients can transfer their data to another insurance provider and avail benefits without having to start from scratch.

UBI is still at the infancy stage, and thus these concerns will be addressed in the course of time. However, these challenges outweigh the benefits that UBI has to offer.

These are UBI’s competitive advantages that can drive UBI into a mass market proposition. It is essential to educate the masses on how UBI can transform the auto insurance into a system that is profitable for all parties and socially responsible. Insurers can use this tool not only for offering insurance solutions, but also for marketing purposes through consumer engagement features. The policyholders will pay as they drive which can result in better driving.

Usage-Based Insurance is a multifaceted system of reduced costs, customer engagement and inspiration for responsible driving. The ultimate outcome of UBI will be the contentment of insurance providers, their respective clients, and the society at large

You are considering renovating your house? You are thinking of replacing the colours of the walls, purchasing a new furniture, or even bigger – placing a new concrete floor? In most cases, home renovation projects involve concrete floor cutting contractors.

Concrete floors may become damaged in a variety of ways, including underground utility defects that can break through to the surface. For the floor cutting to be successful, you are going to go through a process of choosing the best concrete cutting professionals. Since there are a lot of other things to be done during the renovation process, the concrete cutting has to be done quick and safe. It is possible if the suppliers own a high quality and precise equipment. The procedure can be simple and harmless if the standards are followed and the operator is familiar with the potential threat.

It is important to decide if you want wet or dry cutting. Wet cutting is usually preferred as it produces less dust and can prevent concrete cutting blades from overheating. With wet-cut diamond blades, the saw is capable of cutting 60mm deep. Maybe you should talk to your contractor; he will easily recognise what`s the best choice for this situation. I want to empathize that when choosing the right contractor for you, the price should not be the primary criterion. Low charges can mean low quality materials, and that’s something you do not want in your newly renovated home. The experience of the contractor should be the main and the driving force in the selection. You should look for a supplier with a minimum of 5 years practice in the business – this indicates stability and trust. Always select a contractor who has convenient insurance coverage to protect yourself from any potential hazards caused by an accident during the process of renovating.

Concrete flooring is an extremely cost effective option, as it eliminates the need for expensive timber, carpet or tile overlays. Their long-lasting nature means you will continue to save money on the flooring as time goes by.

The concrete saw is the most commonly used method for cutting concrete floors. Various power options include gas, diesel and electric saws. Gas and diesel are options that are commonly used for applications outside and the electric options for internal work. The work of concrete cutting involves specialised equipment. For example, the floor saws are able to cut to depths of 600mm and they produce fast cuts. Due to the existence of extreme danger in this business, you should always choose a professional who has a working license.

Accidents cause injuries and tragically, even death. Everyone can comprehend that sobering concept. The fact that accidents occur more often than you would like to think, though, is a no brainer for any business. The topic of workers comp, therefore, is notably on the forefront of commercial insurance needs.

While the general gist of the coverage is known to most, there are numerous details surrounding it that many may not realize. Below, the insurance professionals bring you facts about related policies that are beyond the usual.

• Workers comp was not always around. The idea of businesses acquiring this kind of coverage only became familiar when individual states in the United States of America started to implement it as a commercial requirement for industries in the year 1911.

• Generally speaking, this insurance comp is now mandatory for every business in the U.S.

• Workers comp was created so that businesses can protect themselves and their workers from the financial impact of an accident that occurs within the workplace – and its negative consequences.

• Irrespective of the where the fault lies in a work-related injury, this type of insurance covers the damages. It makes no difference if it is because of dangerous conditions at the workplace or negligence of the employee.

• Workers comp benefits are an automatic part of the coverage that begin the instant an employee starts working at any company.

• Fraudulent workers comp claims affect business owners, other employees and the entire insurance industry. If caught, fraudsters can face over a year in prison, along with other penalties.

• It is in a company’s best interest to maintain a safe workplace so that accidents and their ensuing claim processes will be prevented in the first place.

• Contrary to popular belief, workers comp is not always set at a standard premium. Associated costs are set after an analysis of the individual organization’s payroll, site location and business class as well as something called an experience rating. The experience rating assesses incidence frequency and gravity of related insurance claims to determine the price tag of the individual workers comp premium.

• If a business acquires its workers comp from an experienced independent insurance agency that has a good relationship with many of the top insuring companies, there is a better chance in getting a better policy quote. This is due to the discounts the related carrier will offer its associated agency that passes the savings on to its clients.

If you own a motorcycle, securing a good insurance for you and your bike shouldn’t be taken for granted. And take note, these are only a few of the many insurances that you can choose from. But let’s start with the basics: there is third party insurance, classic and old vehicle insurance, and the comprehensive motorcycle insurance.

Third Party Insurance (property insurance) – This type of motorcycle insurance only covers the person or persons you have caused damage and their property or vehicle. It does not cover your insurance as well as your motorcycle.

If you are ACT registered, it is mandatory to provide third party insurance for people and property that you might damage while driving your bike.

Classic Insurance– Avail this type of insurance if you have a motorbike that is not less than a decade old. This is ideal for bike owners who only use their motorcycle occasionally like a hobby or club.

Comprehensive Insurance– A comprehensive insurance offers overall coverage for you. That includes covering the damage you might cause to other people’s property or vehicle, and covering your bike insurance as well. You can also avail any of these insurance if you own a scooter.

Most of the time riders tend to have the comprehensive type of insurance. You can choose any amount of coverage you like. It all depends on your preferences and the money you can shell out for your protection.

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Most probably, the company where you got registered will pay the cost in relation to the accident. This includes but is not limited to; repairing properties and your own bike, offering you a payout based on the market value and the price you have agreed on for your motorcycle. It offers protective policy for other costs, it will also cover the expenses of replacing or repairing locks.

The liability that the comprehensive motorcycle insurance package offers will include a wide coverage for both you and the people involved in the accident. Included are the following:

• Cost of damages and payouts
• Legal costs
• Cost to your employer
• Wage lost
• Medical cost

Not only accidents, comprehensive plan cover other forms of property damage such as thefts, limited replacement of parts when it needs one, towing and even natural disasters.

The only drawback is that, most insurance companies will not honor your insurance if the accident or the damage happened outside of the country. They will not cover for mechanical failure as well.

When an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance is supposed to provide medical benefits and wage replacement. But times have changed. According to new data, a growing number of initial insurance claims are now denied. One of the reasons this is happening is that states have slashed benefits in recent years, making it harder for injured and ill workers to receive the money they rightly deserve. The only way many of them can successfully recover funds is to contact an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. Here are the five most common reasons they call.

1. Surgery Is Required

Many initial claims are denied because the petitioner requested coverage for a surgical procedure. With less oversight and fewer restrictions on the state level, insurance companies subject most of these claims to close scrutiny, looking for a reason to deny them. In many instances, a petition must be letter-perfect to be approved.

2. Permanent Injury

Those who sustain a serious injury on the job may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. Because these cases can be quite costly, insurance companies set high hurdles that workers and their families must overcome. As such, a reputable workers’ comp lawyer is often needed to successfully petition for lifelong benefits.

3. Pre-existing Disabilities

When an employee with pre-existing disabilities is hurt on the job, he/she often has a much harder time recovering funds than an able-bodied individual. The reason? Insurance companies may argue that the accident was caused by the employee’s handicap rather than by some accident. They may even argue that the accident merely exacerbated the pre-existing disability, but did not cause it. Because these cases almost always involve medical opinions, they can be difficult to prove. It is not surprising that many providers simply reject them, putting the burden of proof on the petitioner.

4. Incorrect Benefits

As difficult as it can be to receive compensation in the first place, it can be even more challenging to have adjustments made after the fact. For recipients who believe they are entitled to additional benefits, successfully redressing the balance of payments can be a Herculean task. A good workers’ comp lawyer may be able to set things right by negotiating directly with the insurance provider.

5. Appeals Are Effective

Although the laws differ from state to state, attorneys have had great success appealing denied claims throughout the land. According to the New Hampshire Department of Labor, for example, almost half of all claims that were initially denied were won on appeal. Similar numbers can be found in most U.S. states. Unfortunately, many employees do not dispute an adverse decision because they don’t know how to proceed. An experienced attorney can be a godsend in this all-too-common legal quandary. Because he/she knows the system and the players, a savvy litigator can help any client determine their best course of legal action.

For anyone who is dealing with the aforementioned issues, an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help.

No matter where you look these days, you will almost be bombarded with images of lawyers advertising their services for you. “Have you been in an accident? Then contact us NOW.” Phone books are littered with headlines and bold print, as well as horrific images of car crash victims, along with an advertisement for free services until you get a claim. Short term loans against future settlements are being offered by some of the advertisements. To get a closer look on personal injury solicitors visit this site.

The aggressive advertisement of personal injury lawyers is assisting in bringing the cost of claims up, one insurance bureau claims. Some companies have been forced to stop selling insurance to motorists because of the increase. Basically, the ratio of minimal damage to huge claim for the accident is seeing insurance rates go up, and the fact that they get the large rewards most of the time isn’t helping. While insurance companies are more than happy to pay for real injuries, they feel that they are getting ripped off due to the number of large claims.

Depending on the insurance company in question, insurance premiums are rising to new heights. Good driving risks will only see an increase of fifteen to thirty-five percent. If you have a ticket or accident on your record, you?ll be charged a much higher increase.

The increase in claims costs being connected with the lawyers advertising is being disputed by the personal injury lawyers. The connection between the insurance bureau and the number of claims and the lawyers advertisements is not comprehended by one lawyer. Anyone who has been harmed by another motorist ought to be able to assert their right to damages. However, there is the possibility of reform stemming form the offering of small term loans to people in lieu of settlement waiting periods. You will gain a deeper understanding about melbourne personal injury lawyers by checking out that resource.

There are other attorneys who do believe that the onslaught of advertisements by plaintiffs’ tort attorneys brings people out of the woodwork who are interested in suing. He doesn’t have an issue with that at all. It’s unfortunate that the insurance bureau finds the fact that lawyers are telling people about their rights and how to go about asserting those rights. While insurance company fees have gone up in recent years, and there are certainly reforms to be made, he doesn’t get much cooperation from the insurance industry to make those changes, apparently.

A Bar Association president claims the insurance industry could better save costs by focusing on reducing the number of accidents that occur. He goes on to say he hasn’t heard the first thing about insurance companies asking for a ban on driving while using a cell phone. Why don’t they take the initiative in making roads more safe and attempt to lessen the number of accidents, the man wonders. Profits have been cut and investments have not paid off for insurance lately, he notes.

Insurance lobbyists want legislation that makes double dipping illegal for claimants. Certain claimants seek awards for lost wages in situations where they have already received compensation under their existing employee benefit coverage. What’s more, the time lost pay doesn’t take out income tax or deductions. As a result, employees are more reticent to return to their job. You can make a lot more money in the long run as you stay off work.

The lawyers don’t have current numbers on how many injury accident lawyers are currently practicing, but they agree there are few places that let so many lawsuits be filed. The majority, actually, permit damage claims that are based on pain and suffering, but in certain jurisdictions, injuries need to be substantial and long-lasting. The insurance industry group is attempting to promote the narrative that advertisements are what is causing the upswing in lawsuits, though the reverse is true. There is no reason the lawyer can’t pay for the costs of the suit until the claimant is awarded a settlement. There is also nothing wrong with the lawyer offering to pay for everything if the suit is lost.