On February 9, the City of Portland tested for the first time a federal system called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), warning residents to remain indoors and avoid traveling due to icy conditions. Cell phone customers with WEA-capable mobile devices received what looked like a text message that was accompanied by a unique attention signal and…
Many people have questions about the new health care law and how it will affect their lives. What many people don’t know is that the Affordable Care Act doesn’t take effect all at once. It’s an 11-year plan that has different elements that activate each year to give businesses and individuals time to adjust to…
Due to a special waiver from the federal government, Oregonians who have already been screened through other services for their children are eligible for fast-track enrollment in the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), and only need to send back a completed “fast-track” form to enroll in coverage. Fast-track enrollment is available to Oregonians who meet income…
If you have completed all required paperwork with your initial application for Social Security Disability, responded promptly to Social Security requests for information, submitted your medical records early in the process and then received a denial of benefits, you may appeal the decision and request a hearing with an administrative law judge—and wait. Shortening the…
On January 22, 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed new regulations that would require child car seats, for the first time, to protect children from death and injury in side-impact crashes. Today’s passenger vehicles have eight air bags designed to protect adults, but until recently nothing has been done to protect children…
The Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while broadening the scope of physical or mental impairments which would be considered to be disabilities under the ADA, is focused less on whether a condition is a disability and more on determining reasonable accommodations. Suggested Employer Accommodations for Workers with Cancer, Diabetes, Epilepsy and Intellectual…
You are injured by a product. Who is responsible for your harm? If your injury was caused by a design defect, improper instruction as to use, or a defect that occurred during manufacture, you have the right to take legal action against any person, company, or entity that is responsible including private citizens, stores, manufacturers,…
If you have a Long Term Disability claim (LTD), you know that the disability insurer’s investigation never ends. And you may not understand why your LTD claims examiner is so interested in your other sources of income such as Social Security Benefits or workers’ compensation income. What do those benefits have to do with your…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation into the safety of the Tesla Model S electric car following two reports of battery fires, igniting both vehicles. Both cars struck roadway debris that pierced the battery compartment, located just six inches from the ground. Tesla CEO Defensive Tesla CEO Elon Musk…
In an effort to avoid costly civil litigation from claims brought by employees for harassment, discrimination, back pay, and wrongful termination, Comcast is now coxing its employees to sign an agreement barring access to justice through jury trial. The program, called “Comcast Solutions”, gives employees a three step process to claims resolution, where an employee…