Staten Island Workers' Compensation Law Blog

New York is a state of industry. Life here is fast-paced and people are always rushing about their daily business. Workers tend to be high-strung and burnout is just a part of the job. While this is not true for all of New York, it is the common way of life for many in the Big Apple. It comes as no surprise then that the increasingly high demands at work have led to an increase in employee mental health costs.

According to CNBC, employers are the ones footing the bill and anxiety is one of the biggest problems. In fact, companies have been spending more and more money on preventing and treating mental health problems in their employees. The costs associated with this are rising at twice the rate of other medical expenses.

People from all around the world flock to New York for work with dreams of building a better life. However, over time, many people become disengaged at work or so stressed that they begin looking for another job. This is as true of the rest of the United States as it is of New York. In fact, Forbes estimates that 50% of employees are disengaged and 70% are already looking for other work opportunities.

While stress factors at work can cause people to seek employment elsewhere, sometimes events in a person’s personal life is the catalyst. A difficult divorce or a death in the family can cause even the healthiest of people to suffer mental health problems. However, it is how the company handles mental health problems that may ultimately compel workers to check out at work and eventually leave.

Alzheimer’s disease may spread it’s roots slowly, while other threats to the mind, like a tumor, can act fast. If you have a parent or a loved one who is at risk for a health concern that affects the brain, estate planning should be your number one priority.

Navigating an estate planning process can be very difficult when the testator is not of a sound mind. Here’s how to overcome this hurdle.

New York workers in all types of jobs may suffer from back issues. In some cases, the damage results from a fall injury and in other situations it may be an occupational injury. Angiuli & Gentile, LLP is an experienced litigation law firm that often assists clients with workers’ compensation claims.

If you or a loved one needs back surgery, the pain can be debilitating. Depending on the injury, the procedure can last five hours or more. Next Avenue offers tips to help you recover successfully from back surgery.

• Respect the fatigue - After several hours of surgery, the body experiences shock equivalent to a car crash. Plus, the effects of anesthesia does not wear off in a few hours. Some people feel the side effects for weeks after surgery. Not only is there fatigue, but there is often cognitive dysfunction. Lay down when you tire, take a nap or just rest. Fighting through it may make your recovery longer and more difficult.
• Stay ahead of the pain - Pain can prevent the healing process. It affects all aspects of life, sometimes without you realizing it. You become cranky and short-tempered, with no interest in food. Take medications before the pain becomes an ever-present part of your recovery. They allow your body to rest and heal.
• Take advantage of adaptive equipment - After surgery, patients have many restrictions regarding lifting, bending and twisting. There are devices available that can help complete tasks on your own, providing independence as possible without risking damage. Typical items include elevated toilet seats, shower benches, walkers and canes.
• Be patient with the recovery process - Back surgery is complex and so is recovery. It takes more time than you hope and comes with milestones that you believe should occur closer together.