April, 2013…..At the beginning of this year, Insurance Journal published an article, based on a recent Duke University study, revealing the impact obesity has on the workforce and in particular, the workers’ compensation system.
According to the article, Duke University studied the records of 11,728 employees and learned that obese workers filed twice as many workers’ compensation claims; lost 13 times more days of work; and were more prone to injure their lower extremities, wrists, hands, and backs. Additionally the studied revealed that the most common causes of these injuries were slips, falls, and lifting.
“As a firm that concentrates in workers’ compensation, injured workers are a community of people – neighbors really- that my office interacts with on a daily basis. Our main focus of course is helping them receive the compensation that are entitled to and need as they focus on their recovery and healing from a work-related injury. There is sometimes, however, a larger issue that needs addressing and that is finding ways to assist individuals in choosing a healthier lifestyle so to reduce the duration of workers’ compensation, ultimately making their experience in that system – more short term rather than long term. Healing quicker and returning to work sooner is the most ideal situation for any injured worker,” said Gary Angiuli.
“Our firm has handled thousands of workers’ compensation hearing and claims and we have observed that those with additional health problems, above and beyond the injury at work, have a longer recovery and duration of workers’ compensation. There is a correlation with those injured workers in better health and the reduction in time on workers’ compensation. Injured workers in better health often resolve their workers’ compensation claims quicker and return to work faster,” continued Angiuli.
According to the New York State Department of Health study, Adult Overweight and Obesity in NYS, from 2000 to 2010, six out of 10 adult New Yorkers are obese.
More About Angiuli & Gentile and Workers’ Compensation:
Over its 27-year history, Angiuli & Gentile, LLP has helped thousands of workers attain the necessary medical care and monetary compensation they deserve. With considerable experience in such disability and injury claims, Gary C. Angiuli, Esq. has served on the Board of Directors for the New York State Workers’ Compensation Bar Association and directly supervises the firm’s cases regarding workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability claims to ensure the best outcome for each client.
Workers’ Compensation is an insurance obtained by employers in case an employee is injured performing the duties of their job. Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Angiuli & Gentile, LLP are experienced in helping injured employees recover the compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, rehabilitation and other expenses. To ensure that the full range of benefits and compensation is acquired from all sources, the attorneys will analyze the case carefully and file any additional, eligible claims on the behalf of the client.
The first step to obtaining the compensation you deserve is to understand your rights under the Workers’ Compensation Law. Although major changes to the law went into effect in 2007, an individual who suffers a workplace injury or occupational illness continues to have many rights. If your injuries resulted due to the negligence of a party other than your employer or fellow employee, you may be eligible for compensation and benefits in addition to that received from your workers’ compensation claim.
The firm serves clients in Staten Island, New York City and surrounding areas. To schedule a consultation with Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, please call 347-201-4447.
