Double Aught Injury - June 2023

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June 2023

National Safety Month Includes Workplace Safety! WHO CAN FILE FOR WORKERS’ COMP?

from those who experienced an injury at their job and say, “Well, I’m sure nothing will come from it since it was my fault …” and I have the urge to plaster signs around town saying, “You can still receive workers’ compensation even if it was your fault!” Another misconception surrounds what is actually covered in workers’ compensation cases. Whatever medical bills are the result of your injury will be fully reimbursed. Workers’ compensation has to pay for all of the resulting medical expenses. These benefits can also cover any aggravating illnesses, which include whatever health issues were worsened after the accident. If a workplace injury causes your diabetes to worsen, then those medical costs will be covered, too. When it comes to missed wages, if you’re out of work for more than seven days, you will receive two-thirds of your average weekly earnings. Your missing wages are reduced to two-thirds since they aren’t taxable, so this reduction takes that into account. The more time you miss from work, the higher these wages become. You have a right to claim all of these benefits when you are injured on the job. No matter whose fault it is, you are entitled to compensation. Another factor many people are often unaware of is that you can also receive workers’ compensation if you are in a car accident while driving a company car. Again, it does not matter at all who’s at fault! I fully understand how intimidating it can be for someone to file for workers’ compensation. With all of my clients, my team and I work hard to ensure we do all the heavy lifting for you to feel supported and comfortable throughout the process. Even if you think you don’t have a substantial case, it’s always free of charge to give us a call and tell us your situation. After 32 years in this line of work, I’m confident I can help you or someone you know who has recently been injured on the job.

After 32 years of working with people injured on the job, I’ve seen it all. June is National Safety Month, and while most of us aren’t exactly thinking about safety every day, now’s my time to let you know why you should. People usually believe work safety only concerns those in more high-risk fields like construction. However, in my experience, work injuries can happen to anyone. I’ve worked with countless clients who were harmed on the clock, and they could file for workers’ compensation. We often see injuries caused by falls, yet you may be surprised that one worker’s slip resulted in the worst work injury I’ve ever witnessed. No, they weren’t a construction worker. They were an office secretary. While walking around the office, she didn’t see an open file cabinet and tripped. After her sudden fall, she became paraplegic. When it comes to workers’ compensation, many think their injuries must be drastic or clearly the employer’s fault to receive benefits. In reality, this is far from the truth. It doesn’t matter who is at fault in a workplace injury; you are covered. Even if it was the employee’s fault, all workplace injuries are subject to compensation. As for the severity of injuries, if you had to see a doctor or miss work because of it, you are likely entitled to compensation.

Since a person’s fault is critical in car accidents, many falsely assume the same applies to workplace accidents. I often get calls

–Bryan Ramey

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Common Restaurant Health Code Violations That Doesn’t Look Quite Right

illnesses to become more likely. In all stages of the cooking process and behind-the-scenes prep work, cross-contamination can occur. While it might be difficult to see how your food is being prepared at a restaurant, some signs of cross- contamination that occur in the dining area include waiters and waitresses carrying plates by the rim instead of the bottom of the plate, hair dangling into the food, using a glass to scoop ice, and forgetting to sanitize towels between each use. Unsanitary Restaurant Exterior and Interior As mentioned, restaurant guests typically aren’t invited back into the kitchen, but the dining room and exterior of the restaurant are on full display. Is there trash around the exterior that could potentially attract rats and pests? Are there cracks and crevices in the walls? Is there stagnant water, debris, or places for pests to hide? Are blinds and window sills dusty? Is there dirt, trash, or food particles on the floor? All of these signs may point to poor cleanliness in the kitchen. Employee Presentation You might never actually see the chef and the cooks on the line, but you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the rest of the staff. Are employees wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)? Are they tidy, in proper uniform, wearing aprons, with their hair tied back appropriately? Are their hands free of debris, food, and dirt? As a general rule of thumb, employees should not be eating in dining and food preparation areas. If you ever catch your waiter sneaking a bite of a breadstick, this could also be a cause for concern. While it may be difficult to pinpoint whether or not a restaurant is lacking in the health code area, these are some great identifiers to keep an eye out for. They may even reveal whether or not the establishment and its protocols are up to snuff — so you can feel comfortable and confident indulging in a great meal there. Happy dining!

If you’re a foodie, then you may agree with other restaurant enthusiasts when they say that the top deterrent to dining at a particular food establishment is an adverse health inspection. When a restaurant is plagued with that on their record, images of rats, mold, filth, and grime may pop into your head — and then your appetite tanks. Restaurants must comply with a health code designed to ensure that their food is safe and customers don’t experience foodborne illnesses. When restaurants violate this code, they expose themselves to potential fines and sometimes forced closures. If you’re a person who enjoys dining out, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most common health code violations. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for. Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination takes place when bacteria are transferred among different people, objects, and places, causing foodborne

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TAKE A BREAK

Change the Way You Save What to Expect From the SECURE 2.0 Act

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Get ready for more savings! Last year,

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the SECURE 2.0 Act added new provisions that may change how you

prepare for retirement. In order to

increase your savings come retirement, these changes aim to make

Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com HOMEMADE DOLE WHIP

saving more manageable and enticing. They also lower the cost for employers

to offer savings plans within the company. Now, it’s more attractive for employers to offer savings plans for their employees, and employees will have better plan options to choose from! Here’s what you need to know! RMD Age Extended One of the most significant changes involves required minimum distributions (RMDs). The previous rules stated that retirees were required to make withdrawals from their retirement accounts when they turned 72 years old. Now, the RMD age is 73, providing you an extra year to save in your tax-free retirement accounts instead of taking those taxable distributions early. On Jan. 1, 2033, this threshold age will be raised again to 75. Penalties Cut in Half In the past, if you missed an RMD deadline, the penalty was 50% of the amount you should have taken. This penalty has been reduced to only 25% of the amount. If you fix your mistake within two years, the number could be reduced to 10%. Pre-Death Requirement Eliminated In 2024, the pre-death requirement for Roth 401(k) accounts will be removed. This means Roth IRA accounts are not subject to the RMD rules if the account holder passes away before the required distribution age. These changes to RMDs are just a few things the SECURE 2.0 Act has set in motion. To learn more about how to continue saving through your golden years, set up a strategy session with your trusted financial advisor!

The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert: the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the creamy taste of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt

• 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple

Directions

1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)

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33 Market Point Drive Greenville, SC 29607 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Does Fault Matter in Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Watch Out for Restaurant Health Code Violations

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Homemade Dole Whip

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More Ways to Save Are Coming!

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A Wheely Good Time at the Drive-In

A Poppin’ Night at the Drive-In The Best Seats in the House

Do you remember the days of packing up snacks, hopping in the car, and heading out for an evening under the stars at the drive-in? Every year on June 6, we celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. Although movie-going has seen some modifications over the last few decades, drive-in movie theaters are still around and continue to draw a crowd! If you’re interested in reliving some of your best memories and watching a movie at your local drive-in, here are some tips to make the most of the evening. Pack the snacks. Most drive-in theaters have maintained the look and feel of the retro movie experience, so you may need to bring your own munchies and refreshments. So, before you go, pop the popcorn and refrigerate your soda. If you’re bringing your kids or grandchildren, you may want to pack some extra M&M’s and gummy bears along with their favorite juice box! Pocket some cash. For drive-ins with a concession stand, be sure you have cash on hand, just in case they do not accept cards. Before your movie, you can always call ahead to get the scoop on whether or not they have a concession stand and the rules and options.

Dress appropriately. The temperatures can get a bit chilly depending on where you live, and the bugs may be on the loose! Long pants and sweatshirts are a great option to stay comfortable, warm, and protected from the bugs. Tote along some chairs. If you’re with a large group of people, or your car feels a bit cramped, take the party outside: Set up a viewing area with some foldable chairs right around your car. If you have a truck, you can back into the parking spot and put chairs in the truck bed, too! When you arrive prepared, the drive-in is a fun activity all ages and generations can appreciate. As always, ensure you get there early to enjoy the previews, too — many argue it’s the best part of the entire experience!

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