Case Duration At Pacific Workers’ Comp, we get a variety of questions when opening a case, and we do our best to address all of them in an efficient manner. Here are two looming questions we can hopefully answer and put some of your immediate worries to rest. How long does a case take?
Case duration is something we get asked about frequently, but unfortunately, there is no direct answer. We typically tell our clients it will take around 12–18 months due to the many factors that can affect a case’s timeline. The two biggest factors are the difficulties of working with insurance companies and defense attorneys and the victim’s recovery.
The NFL’s Newest Rule Changes to Decrease Concussions A Head Above
Prior to the 2018 National Football League (NFL) season, the league administration introduced two rules aimed at preventing concussions: Players are no longer allowed to “wedge” block — players running shoulder-to-shoulder into another player — during kick-offs, and they can’t lower their helmets when they tackle. Fans and players complained about the “soft” stance the NFL took on the gritty play football was built on. Most notably, former Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was subjected to a game-costing “roughing the passer” penalty for tackling in a way that would have been allowed in years prior. The NFL reported that it would be using Matthews’ hit as a teaching tape. Despite the backlash, offseason reports may suggest that these rules have influenced concussion rates. The NFL reported a 24% decline in the number of concussions between the 2017 and 2018 seasons, lowering the total from 281 in 2017 to 214 in 2018 when combined with preseason play. In the regular season alone, the number of reported concussions was 135 compared to 190 from the year prior. However, it’s worth noting that 2017 saw high recorded rates of concussions. Figures going as far back as 2012 indicate that 2017 was one of the most concussed years in recent football history. Still, NFL and medical officials point to 2018’s decrease in concussions as a positive sign that league initiatives are working. Officials say the new rules helped push the numbers down, and the use of more sideline concussion protocol testing and increased advanced helmet technology aided in this boost. The NFL reported that 74% of its players were now wearing its latest protective headgear, a 33% increase from 2017. According to USA Today, the NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, also indicated that medical teams across the league performed more sideline concussion tests than any year prior and saw a 75% decrease in diagnosing. The league is considering testing mouthguard technology that would give medical teams more information for diagnosing concussions. As we prepare for another season of football, there’s no telling what 2019’s numbers will show about the NFL’s latest safety protocols, but if 2018 was any indication, they just might be headed in the right direction.
Workers with a severe injury or a complicated case will typically have to fight longer due to medical or liability disputes. Finding the right doctor could make the difference in a case’s duration. Doctors and other medical professionals deal with the bureaucratic process just to even help their patients, which is a time-consuming task in itself. Even when everything does fall into place between doctors, lawyers, and insurance companies, the shortest time frame you could see is six months.
Cacio e Pepe
Italian for “cheese and pepper,” cacio e pepe is like a refined version of mac and cheese. It’s crowd-pleasing enough to satisfy the pickiest eaters and refined enough to sate the foodies.
Ingredients: •
6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano 1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
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Directions: 1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta. 4. Transfer to bowls and serve.
Inspired by Bon Appétit
2 • www.PacificWorkers.com
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