The venerable news program 60 Minutes has been investigating the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSD) and aired its report on October 6, 2013. Reporter Steve Kroft reported on the increase in individuals who receive SSD benefits and the looming 2016 estimate of when the SSD trust fund will run...
Texting While Driving Now a Traffic Offense
Americans are known for their love of driving. We have a love affair with our cars and being able to pick up and go whenever and wherever we want. But it seems that we have a new love affair … with our phones. Many people will jump to answer a...
Sickle Cell Disease Can Lead to the Need for Social Security Disability
Crescent shaped blood cells are the telltale markers of Sickle Cell Disease. “Normal red blood cells move easily through your blood vessels, taking oxygen to every part of your body. But sickled cells can get stuck and block blood vessels, which stops the oxygen from getting through.” What are the...
Parkinson’s Disease Has a New High-Profile Face
Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, and Janet Reno all have Parkinson’s disease. The latest celebrity to announce she has Parkinson’s disease is Linda Ronstadt. Parkinson’s does not only affect celebrities, but many others in our society. What is Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s is a neurological condition that affects an individual’s motor controls....
Bicycle Safety Precautions Worthwhile, But Accidents Happen
Bicycles are an inexpensive and healthy way to get around. Some people bicycle for relaxation, while others bicycle for competition; and many simply bike for fun. In south Florida, the nice weather allows for bicycling year round, but bicyclists must still be aware of others on the road. Safety precautions...
Tasers Do Not Always Equal Non-Lethal Force
Complaints about the use of deadly force by law enforcement led to a revolution in halting suspects. In addition to a firearm, most police forces across the country require officers to carry a Taser. Now there is an outcry to review Taser policy after a number of recent deaths have...
Time on the Football Field Can Lead to Time in Court
While Baseball is considered the American pastime, football has taken the dominant role in American sports. During each play, the offense marches its way down the field to score, while the defense throws up blocks to stop them, and all the while players grapple with each other on the modern...
Meniere’s Disease and Social Security Disability
Hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and suffering episodes of vertigo, can lead to a diagnosis of Meniere’s disease. What is the cause of Meniere’s? The specific cause of Meniere’s is not fully understood. It appears that an imbalance of the fluid in the inner ear may cause Meniere’s. But...
Medical Arbitration Clauses Must Follow Florida Law
Arbitration agreements can be useful to finding quicker resolutions to some disputes. However, over the years the process has morphed from a tool that parties honestly agree to use into a one-sided attempt to limit rights of consumers. Now these clauses are showing up in the healthcare area. The Florida...
Big Businesses Trying to Reduce Awards in Florida Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Slip and falls are common lawsuits filed against grocery stores and other businesses. Damages in these types of suits can actually be very high, because many are severely hurt as a result. Now some big businesses are lobbying state lawmakers and Governor Rick Scott to cut awards in these types...