North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Blog by Hardison & Cochran

5 Recipes to Try This Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-02T18:11:00.000-05:00

The Super Bowl is all about football, but we all know the experience wouldn't be the same without pick me ups, appetizers and hor dourves (or what ever you want to call them). Today, we're going to cover the MVP of game day, the food. Here are 5 recipes to try out this Sunday.

BBQ Chicken Wings
Can't go wrong with this game day favorite. This one has a little honey twist.

Best Ever Jalapeno Poppers
You may have seen these in the freezer section, but nothing beats a homemade popper.

Cocktail Meatballs
Easy to eat with simply a toothpick and oh so good.

Who Loves Ya Baby-Back Ribs
Rare to see a rack of ribs as an appetizer, but wow them at the party with this one.

Rotel Cheese Dip
Along with salsa, possibly the most important part of the game day spread.

Monday: 8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood
Tuesday: The 5 Best North Carolina Born NFL Players of All-Time
Wednesday: Read This to Wow Your Friends This Super Bowl Sunday

Read This to Wow Your Friends This Super Bowl Sunday

2012-02-01T15:57:00.000-05:00

At Hardison & Cochran, we're all about education. Usually that is based around an education of your rights when an accident occurs or you are fighting for Social Security disability benefits, but today it is going to be all about football. Staying with our theme this week of the Super Bowl, below we are offering up many links where you can read up before the game on Sunday. If you want to wow your friends with your football knowledge, this is a great place to start. If you'd also like a little education on personal injury laws, check out our free book and report page on our website.

Pro Football Reference
If it happened in professional football, this website has documentation of it. If you get into a debate with your friend about who is the best player or who is the best team, start here for some statistical evidence.

Football Strategy
Days, weeks, months and even years of film is viewed before games to build a solid game plan. Every team has a method to their madness on both sides of the ball. Brush up on the finer details of the game by checking out what some teams are trying to do with different sets, motions and personnel.

NFL Official Signals
Everyone knows when the yellow flag comes out something illegal is going on, but what's up with all the gyrations by the official when he is explaining the call? Glad you asked. The above link is to the official NFL website that explains each motion a referee may go through with explanations of the penalty.

Super Bowl History
This is the best Super Bowl since _________. If you say those words, make sure you know about every Super Bowl played. This website from NFL.com will make sure you know everything about the Super Bowl.

New York Giants Roster
New England Patriots Roster
Get to know all the players who will be taking the field this Sunday.

This post is the third in a five part series of a celebration of the Super Bowl. Be sure to check in each day as we visit a topic associated with football. Previous topics are linked below:

Monday: 8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood
Tuesday: The 5 Best North Carolina Born NFL Players of All-Time

The 5 Best North Carolina Born NFL Players of All-Time

2012-01-31T15:30:00.000-05:00

When you speak the words "North Carolina" to someone in the sports world, most times their mind goes straight to basketball. As we're about to show below, North Carolina has its fair share of football talent as well. Below is a list of the 5 best players to suit up in the NFL who were born in North Carolina. If you click the name of the player, you will be sent to their ProFootball reference page where you can check out all their information and stats. This list wasn't easy to pick, and we're sure folks have some strong opinions on this, so we welcome you to drop your thoughts in the comment section.

1. Bruce Matthews - Offensive Line - (Born: Raleigh, North Carolina)
1983-2001 (NFL Hall of Fame)
Matthews longevity in the NFL is something to marvel, but he wasn't just a body, he was a impact player on the offensive line. In his 19 year NFL career, Matthews was a 14 time Pro-Bowler and was selected to the First Team All Pro team seven times. He was also inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2007. From 1988 to 2001, Matthews did not miss a start on the offensive line. He was 40 years old during his last season in the NFL. (Wiki)

2. Bobby Bell - Linebacker - (Born: Shelby, North Carolina)
1963-1974 (NFL Hall of Fame)
The title reads NFL players, so it should be noted that Bobby Bell spent more than half of his career playing in the AFL before the two leagues merged in 1970. That fact does not take away the fact that Bell was an absolute athlete from his linebacker position. In his playing days, he stood 6'4, weighed in at 230 pounds and was reported to run a 4.5 40 yard dash. Those numbers today may be a little more frequent in today's NFL, but we're talking about the 60's and 70's here. His coach was quoted as saying, "He could play all 22 positions on the field, and play them well." In addition to being a nine time Pro Bowler, being voted to the First-Team All Pro team, being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1983, Bell was a member of two AFL Championship teams and one Super Bowl Championship team. (Wiki)

3. Carl Eller - Defensive End - (Born: Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
1964-1979 (NFL Hall of Fame)
We mentioned size in Bobby Bell's profile above and we'll talk about it again here when it comes to 6'6' defensive end Carl Eller. Eller was part of the defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings know as the "Purple People Eaters." The defensive front with the funny name did not disappoint as they led the Vikings to 10 Central division titles in 11 seasons from 1968 to 1978. In that time frame the Vikings went to four Super Bowl, but were unable to get a victory. Eller was a six time Pro Bowler and was voted to the First Team All Pro team five times. After being a finalist many years, Eller was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004. (Wiki)

4. Sonny Jurgenson - Quarterback - (Born: Wilmington, North Carolina)
1957-1974 (NFL Hall of Fame)
There must be something in the water down in Wilmington. In addition to bringing the world one the best, if not the best, basketball players of all time, they produced one of the first outstanding passing QB's in the NFL. Before the Dan Marino's, Peyton Manning's, Tom Brady's and Drew Brees' of the passing world, there was Sonny Jurgenson. He was a 5 time Pro Bowler and was voted to the First-Team All Pro Team twice in his career. He was voted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1983. (Wiki)

5. Dwight Stephenson - Center - (Born: Murfreesboro, North Carolina)
1980-1987 (NFL Hall of Fame)
He has the shortest NFL career on this list, but he produced results. His bust sets in the NFL Hall of Fame, which he was inducted to in 1998, to prove it. Coming from Alabama where legendary coach Bear Bryant said Stephenson was the best player he ever coached, he quickly became the offensive captain and starting center of the Miami Dolphins. In the 80's the Dolphins' offensive line had an amazing streak of the least QB sacks given up for nine years in a row. Six of those years, Stephenson manned the center position. Stephenson was a five time Pro Bowler and voted to the First Team All Pro team four times. (Wiki)

This post is the second in a five part series of a celebration of the Super Bowl. Be sure to check in each day as we visit a topic associated with football. Previous topics are linked below:

Monday: 8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood

8 Tips to Make Your Super Bowl Party the Best in the Neighborhood

2012-01-30T14:10:00.003-05:00

This Sunday folks will be getting together to watch an American Classic, the Super Bowl. There will be all kinds of gatherings and parties across the Tar Heel state for the game, but today we're offering some tips that will make sure your party is the talk of the neighborhood.

1. Plenty of Seating
If your place is set up for a family of 3 or 4, you might want to look into changing around your TV and living room set-up a little bit to get the maximum amount of chairs for folks to watch the game. You don't want to put everyone on top of each other, but you also don't want the majority of your guests standing up or sitting on the floor.

2. Ask Everyone You Invite to Bring their Favorite Appetizer
If you want a variety of foods, just ask everyone you invite to bring their own appetizer. In addition to having an array of great food, it could be a great conversation starter between two of your pals that don't know each other very well.

3. Don't Skimp on the Salsa
While number two above has you asking your friends to bring a variety of appetizers, it is an unwritten rule that the party host must provide the salsa. They must provide the salsa like a champion. If you're hosting, you might want to check out some salsa recipes at AllRecipes.com.

4. If Need Be, Go Multiple
Sometimes, you just have to call the audible at the line. It happens. If you have more than one TV in the house, you might want to check out your set-up and put another TV in the watching area for maximum coverage. Your guests will thank you.

5. Gussy Your Place Up A Little
This one may be for the ladies more so than the men, but it says a lot when you walk into a house for a party and decorations are placed everywhere. Placing balloons, streamers, and colored napkins is a good place to start. Last year, you may have had to look around for green and yellow streamers and balloons (Green Bay Packers), but this year both team have the same colors; red, white and blue.

6. Have a Prize at the End of the Night
When everyone gets to your place, have them write down what they think the score will be to the game. When the game is over, check out all the scores and award the person with the closest score a little prize of your choosing. Extra point if it football themed.

7. Tailgate Before the Game
If you have been to a college or pro football game, you know it is all about the tailgate. Just because you're not at the game doesn't mean you can't have a little bit of outside fun. Kickoff is slated for 6:30pm on Sunday, so just have the outside tailgate where you grill up some chicken wings, hamburger sliders, etc. from 3:00pm till 6:00pm. At six, everyone can start making their way inside to find a seat for the game. If you're real hardcore, just bring the TV outside, but this is not reccommended.

8. Make Designated Driver Plans Well Before the Game
If you are going to one or hosting a Super Bowl party, make sure you and the people at the party have a way to get home if they have been drinking alcohol. If you want to be the best host in the world, have someone on stand-by who is able to take people home safely.

This is post 1 of 5 of an ongoing celebration of the 2012 Super Bowl. Come back tomorrow for more!

Do Women Feel More Pain Than Men?

2012-01-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

New research shows that women may feel pain more intensely than men do according to an article on medical website, WebMD. The study referenced in the article used the medical records of more than 11,000 men and women. After being asked about their conditions, and rating their pain on a scale of zero (no pain) to ten (worst imaginable), women said they felt more extreme pain in 14 of the 47 conditions reviewed by the study. Women suffered substantially more pain in the musculoskeletal category.

Why do women feel more pain? No one has a clue. “We don’t know why. But it’s not just a few diseases here and there; it’s a bunch of them,” said Atul Butte an associate professor of medicine at Stanford University.

Click here to check out the full article from WebMD.

*Photo courtesy of wolfgangfoto via Flickr Creative Commons.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" Speech

2012-01-16T13:57:00.001-05:00

Top 5 Injuries in Worker' Compensation Claims

2012-01-10T17:07:00.000-05:00

Liberty Mutual recently released their Workplace Safety Index (WSI). The WSI identifies the top causes of serious non-fatal workplace injuries based on information from the insurance carriers' workers' compensation claims, the US Bureau of Labor Stats (BLS), and the National Academy of Social Insurance.

The data which formed this top five list below use injury-event definitions developed by the BLS and data on injuries that keep employees out of work for six or more days. These injuries are then ranked by the total of the workers' compensation costs for each type of injury.

The following list represents claims from 2009. This is the most recent year for which data are available.

1. Overexertion
Excessive lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying and throwing

2. Fall on Same Level
Tripping, slipping and tumbling without falling to another level of flooring.

3. Fall to Lower Level
Tripping, slipping and tumbling down to another level of flooring.

4. Bodily Reaction
Bending, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, slipping and tripping without falling.

5. Stuck by Object
Objects falling such as a tool falling and hitting a construction worker.

Click here to see the full 2011 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index in PDF format.

* Photo courtesy of gregor_y via Flickr Creative Commons.

What is Seasonal Depression?

2012-01-05T14:25:00.002-05:00

Have you ever heard of the "winter blues" or "cabin fever"? Those phrases are two of many that describe seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder. As context clues may lead your to conclude, this type of depression is only felt during certain months of the year. Many people feel the effects starting in September and it lasts until April or May. Those who suffer from seasonal depression have the common signs of depression such as anxiety, loss of interest, lessened social interaction, lack of energy and of course sadness.

So what is the reason for being a little bit down during only certain months of they year? The sun might be the answer. The following is from the Cleveland Clinic's page on seasonal depression:

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but the influence of latitude on SAD strongly suggests that it is caused by changes in the availability of sunlight. One theory is that with decreased exposure to sunlight, the biological clock that regulates mood, sleep, and hormones is delayed, running more slowly in winter. Exposure to light may reset the biological clock.

Another theory is that brain chemicals that transmit information between nerves, called neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin), may be altered in individuals with SAD. It is believed that exposure to light can correct these imbalances.

If the lack of light is the problem, then getting some light seems to be the simple solution. Doctors often prescribe light therapy to treat seasonal depression. Following are two types of light therapy from WebMD's page on seasonal depression:

Bright light treatment. For this treatment, you sit in front of a "light box" for half an hour or longer, usually in the morning.
Dawn simulation. For this treatment, a dim light goes on in the morning while you sleep, and it gets brighter over time, like a sunrise.

If you are suffering from seasonal depression, you might be able to pull yourself out of the blues with a home remedy. TLC offers 27 Home Remedies for Season Depression on their website.

Additional Reading on Seasonal Depression:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (About)
Seasonal Depression (SAD) (EMed Health)
Great Plains Lab Researches Seasonal Depression (Fox4 Kansas City)
5 Food Tips to Beat the Winter Blues (MindBodyGreen)

* Photo courtesy of Adam Swank via Flickr Creative Commons.

Whiplash: What is it? How Does it Happen?

2012-01-04T17:12:00.000-05:00

One of the most common injuries sustained in an auto accident is whiplash. Chances are that you have heard the word and you know that it is associated with the neck area, but what is exactly going on with this type of injury? Read On.

What is Whiplash?
Whiplash, which is not a medical term, describes an injury when someone is involved in an accident where there is a sudden distortion of the neck. In medical jargon this is known as a cervical sprain or more specific to auto accidents, cervical acceleration-deceleration injury. What is actually happening within the neck area is muscles, ligaments and tendons are overstretching due to the force of impact. The tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerve roots, etc. are known as soft tissue, hence the phrase "soft tissue injury."

Does it Heal Fast?
It depends. Every whiplash injury is different. The severity of the accident needs to be taken into account along with many other factors. Some people involved in accidents will still be feeling the effects of the whiplash two years after the accident. Some will feel better in a matter of weeks. No two whiplash injuries are exactly alike.

If I get rear-ended, what is going on in the moments that I am hit?
The following provides an example of the occupant and seat interaction sequence for a collision lasting approximately 300 milliseconds: (From Wikipedia's Page on Whiplash)

0 Milliseconds
• Rear car structure is impacted and begins to move forward and/or crushes
• Occupant remains stationary
• No occupant forces

100 Milliseconds
• Vehicle seat accelerates and pushes into occupant’s torso (i.e. central portion of the body in contact with seat)
• The torso loads the seat and is accelerated forward (seat will deflect rearward)
• Head remains stationary due to inertia

150 Milliseconds
• Torso is accelerated by the vehicle seat and may start to ramp up the seat
• Lower neck is pulled forward by the accelerated torso/seat
• The head rotates and extends rapidly rearward hyper-extending the neck

175 Milliseconds
• Head is still moving backwards
• Vehicle seat begins to spring forward
• The torso continues to be accelerated forward
• The head rotation rearward is increased and is fully extended.

300 Milliseconds
• Head and torso are accelerated forward
• Neck is “whipped” forward rotating and hyper-flexing the neck forward
• The head accelerates due to neck motion and moves ahead of the seat back

If I am rear ended and feel pain should I go see a doctor?
Yes, a thousand times yes. After an accident, if you are experiencing any kind of discomfort or pain in your neck, or any other part of your body for that matter, see a doctor. Do not fabricate a story of pain or exaggerate the severity of the pain to the doctor, but if you feel that you may need to see a doctor, go.

* Photo courtesy of Caitlinator via Flickr Creative Commons

5 Ways To Save Money on Heating Costs This Winter

2012-01-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

The New Year is here and the New Year came in cold. While North Carolina enjoyed a mild late fall, it feels like Old Man Winter is moving into the Tar Heel state more and more each day. Dropping tempratures means rising heating costs, but with a few simple steps, you can make sure those costs don't skyrocket this winter. Below we have listed tips and links to websites that will have you preparing your home to save money today. If you have any tips of your own, please share them with us in the comments section or on our Facebook page.

1. Break Out The Sweaters, Slippers and Long Johns
Instead of blasting your thermostat up, just break out all your sweaters, sweatshirts, long johns, fuzzy socks, slippers and blankets. Keeping your house a few degrees cooler than normal will save you money. Wearing more of the cold weather gear you already have will cost you nothing.

2. Cook, Eat, Heat
If you prepare a meal or even some cookies, don't shut the oven after you're done. Let some of the heat escape into your house. If you have small children running around, this may not be a good option for you, but if your place only has adults within the walls, let your oven take a little work off your heating system.

3. Heat Your Main Hang Out
If you normally hang out in the living room in the evenings as a family, look into purchasing a space heater. Focus on heating the room you spend the most time in instead of heating the whole house. With all this being said, make sure you use your space heater exactly how it is intended to be used. Read through the litrature that comes with the unit. Check out some space heater safety tips here.

4. Check Out Your Doors and Windows
A lot of heat could be escaping through your doors and windows, so check them out. When you first check them, feel around to see if there are any drafts. If you have some drafts, you'd be amazed at how much money you can save by filling in the holes the drafts come through. Here is a great guide from the DIY Network on checking for drafts and what to do after you find them. Simple fixes that will save you money!

5. Turn It Down
If everyone leaves during the day time to go to school and work, just drop the thermostat before you leave. According to Mr. Electricty, re-heating a home does not cost more than keeping it constantly heated.

Additional Reading:How to Save Money on Heating Costs (Saving Electricity)
Cut Your Heating Costs and Save Money This Winter (Good Housekeeping)
Save Money On Your Home Heating Costs (Today)
10 Ways to Save Money on Heating Bills this Winter (My Two Dollars)

* Photo courtesy of Muffet via Flickr Creative Commons.

New Year's Eve in North Carolina: Tips to Keep You Safe

2011-12-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

As we say good bye to 2011 and welcome in 2012, there is no doubt the folks of North Carolina, from Murphy to Manteo, will be ringing in the New Year with small gatherings, big house parties and even block parties like Raleigh's "First Night

New Year's Eve is a time of celebration, but like any celebration, if precautions aren't taken, it can turn into a tragedy in seconds. We want your last hours of 2011 and your first hours of 2012 to be great, so today on the blog, we're offering New Year's Eve tips to make sure you're being safe while having a good time with friends and family.

If you are hosting a New Year's Eve Party:

● Hire or find someone who will be designated driver for everyone at the party. If you can, hire two people. One to take the party goers car home and one to follow to pick up the other sober person driving. Your guests will appreciate you looking out for them.

● If you can't hire or find anyone to be the designated driver, call a cab company in your city today and set up a time for a fleet of cabs to come pick your guests up.

● If you have enough room, turn you New Year's Eve party into a slumber party. Have all your guests stay over for the night. When everyone wakes up in the morning, turn it into a "clean the house up" party.

If you are going to a New Year's Eve Party:
● Do not wait for the party host to set up a designated driver for you, do it yourself days before (like today) Dec. 31st.

● If you're going to a big party with friends, make sure everyone stays together. This way no one gets out of the loop of what is happening. You don't want one friend getting away from the group and saying, "Awwww, where are my friends? I'm just going to drive back home." That's no good. Keep up with you buddies and make sure they are safe.

● Be observant. If you see someone who is very intoxicated, ask them how they are getting home. If they have no way home, help them out in any way you can. You may not have went to the party with the thought of looking out for others, but you're saving a life, maybe even lives, if you go above and beyond to make sure people around you are safe. When you wake up on Jan. 1st, you can go ahead and order one of these to remember what you did.

Guys, have some fun this New Year's Eve. For all your hard work in 2011, you have earned it, but be smart about your fun. Don't drink and drive. Nobody wins. Ever. Also, look out for your friends. One day, they'll be there to look out for you.

Social Security Disability System Faces Independent Review In 2012

2011-12-21T16:23:00.001-05:00

A recent Wall Street Journal article, penned by Damian Paletta, says the Social Security Administration has commissioned an independent review of the Social Security disability system. The reason for the review is concerns that the system awards benefits to those who do not deserve them while denying those who do need them.

The review will be conducted by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS). The agency, as Patella informs, will have recommendations for an overhaul of the system in November of 2012. Below is an excerpt from the ACUS's "About" page on their website:

The Administrative Conference of the United States is an independent federal agency dedicated to improving the administrative process through consensus-driven applied research, providing nonpartisan expert advice and recommendations for improvement of federal agency procedures. Its membership is composed of innovative federal officials and experts with diverse views and backgrounds from both the private sector and academia.

While the main reason for the study is mentioned above, the catalyst could have very well been a report from the Wall Street Journal earlier this year. The report, also penned by Paletta, tells the story of an Administrative Law Judge in West Virginia who had heard more than 2,000 disability cases and awarded benefits in all but four. His approval rating was 99.8 percent, which is far higher than other judges who hear the same amount of claims for benefits.

Additional Reading
Disability-Benefits System Faces Review (Wall Street Journal Online)
SSA orders independent review of disability system (Law Office of David W. Kapor)
Accounting for Social Security (Graphic) (New York Times)

How Much Will I Receive From Social Security Disability?

2011-12-16T09:50:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most popular questions we field when folks call or e-mail our firm questions about Social Security disability. To answer this question, you must look at your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.

If you do not know this number, the Social Security Administration offers a free benefits calculator on their website.

While the Social Security benefits calculator gives you a good estimate of what monetary benefits you'll receive, there are other factors that will decide your final benefits. If you are currently receiving workers' compensation benefits, you may not be able to get the full amount you saw in the calculator. The following is from the SSA website:

If you receive workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits, the total amount of these benefits cannot exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings before you became disabled.

Another situation where your benefits will be affected is when you are already receiving federal, state or local benefits for disabling medical conditions. The SSA website lists the following as examples of these programs: civil service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability.

If you are still confused, below is an example from the SSA of when someone is receiving more than Social Security Disability and how the Social Security Administration calculated what the beneficiary will receive.

Example: Before you became disabled, your average current earnings were $4,000 a month. You, your spouse and your two children would be eligible to receive a total of $2,200 a month in Social Security disability benefits. However, you also receive $2,000 a month from workers’ compensation. Because the total amount of benefits you would receive ($4,200) is more than 80 percent of your average current earnings ($3,200), your family’s Social Security benefits will be reduced by $1,000.

So to answer the question of "How Much Will I Receive From Social Security Disability?" it is different for everyone as there are many different situations. With all this being said, the average monthly payment for Social Security Disability beneficiaries is around $1,000.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Recommends Full Ban On Cell Phone Use While Driving

2011-12-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

Today, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that all states prohibit the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices except in emergency situations when behind the wheel. The recommendation was agreed to by the five member board of the NTSB.

This CNN report states that this recommendation is the most far reaching thus far by the NTSB. It also mentions that the recommended ban does not include hand free devices nor does it apply to passengers, but this report from MSNBC says that blue tooth devices might be on their way to being banned too.

If you would like to view the current cell phone and texting laws for all 50 states, please view this Septemeber 26th post from this year.

More on the NTSB Cell Phone Ban Recommendation:
NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving (CNN)
Feds want ban on portable electronic devices in cars (TheHill)
US calls for ban on in-car phone use ... even with Bluetooth (MSNBC)
NTSB seeks nationwide ban on driver use of personal electronic devices (Washington Post)

* Picture courtesy of samantha celera via Flickr Creative Commons

North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Act Now Law

2011-12-13T11:20:00.001-05:00

On December 1st, the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Act went into effect. The new law aims to protect motorcyclists across the state from unsafe movements by other vehicles on the roadway. Now, drivers who make unsafe movements around a motorcycle which force it to unsafely change lanes or run off the road will be fined $200. If the unsafe movements result in a accident or personal injury of the motorcyclist, the driver will be fined $500. The full text of the law can be viewed here.

Check out stories like this and more in our Weekly Motorcycle E-Newsletter. Sign-up is free.

Drop Off Your Coat For Kids in Rocky Mount, NC

2011-12-13T10:02:00.001-05:00

Once again, Leadership Rocky Mount and the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to collect coats for kids. But coats aren't the only thing that can be brought as centers will be collecting gloves, hats and scarves for elementary school age children. All sizes of coats will be accepted. It doesn't matter if it is a child's size or not.

Drop Off Collection Sites:
● All City of Rocky Mount Fire Stations
● City Hall - Downstairs Lobby 331 South Franklin Street

● Rocky Mount Senior Center – Main Lobby 427 South Church Street

● Nash Community College, 522 North Old Carriage Road

● Wesleyan College (Welcome Center) 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd

● Sherwin-Williams, 1280 Independence Drive

● Boddie-Noell Enterprises, 1021 Noell Lane

● Nash General Hospital, Main Lobby and Cafeteria

● Nash County Admin Center (Front or Rear Entrance) 120 West Washington Street

● Nash County Agricultural Center 1006 Eastern Avenue Nashville

● Nash County Senior Center 103 M. Alston St Nashville

● Edgecombe Community College – Rocky Mount & Tarboro Campuses

● Southern Bank Locations including:
107 S. Fairview Rd,
225 S. Franklin,

3690 Sunset Ave.,
1405 Benvenue Rd.

● Poyner Spruill LLP 130 S. Franklin Street

● CenturyLink Retail Store, 1100 N Wesleyan Blvd, (at the Mall)

● Fit-4- Life 3020 Sunset Avenue

● Clean-Clean Dry Cleaners 2408 Sunset Avenue

If you would just like to give a contribution, please see this PDF for more information. For contact information, please see the PDF as well.

* Photo courtesy of vchili via Flickr Creative Commons.

NFL Linebacker Pushes for Independent Neurologist to Attend All NFL Games

2011-12-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

If you're a regular Hardison & Cochran blog reader, you know we touch on sports subjects involving youth pretty often. One of our more recent posts came in early September when we covered sports related concussions in youth sports. In that post, we highlighted how the NFL and NCAA are attempting to cut down on the number of concussions.

After a brutal hit involving the Steelers' James Harrison and Cleveland's quarterback Colt McCoy, one player is ready to take action to make the game more safe. Current NFL player, Scott Fujita, is coming out and saying he is going to press the National Football League Players Association to request that an independent neurologist attend each NFL game.

Right now, the NFL only requires that a player to be cleared by an independent neurologist after a concussion to return to practice and games, but they are not required to be present at the game. As this report from popular football blog, ProFootballTalk says "the NFL doesn’t even require a team-hired neurologist to be present at games."

Fujita said the following on the subject in an e-mail to NFL writer Peter King and ProFootballTalk:

“The one thing I know is that when it comes to this issue, players, coaches, and team medical personnel struggle in the heat of the moment. This has been an ongoing problem for years. The game-day sideline is intense, there’s a lot going on, and we can’t always count on everyone to make the most responsible decisions.”

Fujitia added:

“The question becomes not about what’s best for your health, but about what your pain tolerance is and what you’re willing to play through. So when it comes to head injuries, I think the only real solution I’ve heard that might help remedy this problem is to have an independent neurological consultant on the sideline. I think we may have missed an opportunity to properly address this as we were finalizing the CBA. Hopefully it’s not too late to get it right.”

* Photo courtesy of Erik Daniel Drost via Flckr Creative Commons.

Use the Social Security Disability Benefits Checklist Before You Send In Your Disability Application

2011-12-07T15:08:00.001-05:00

Each day hundreds of people visit our blog. Many of those people are looking for information on Social Security disability. Some might have already applied and been denied and are looking for information on the next step off the process. Others haven't applied yet, but they are looking for valuable information to make sure when they apply they are crossing every "t" and dotting every "i."

Today's post is for those who have yet to apply for benefits from the Social Security Administration. Being prepared and knowing what is needed or having an idea of what is going to happen is the best way to enter any situation. It is the same theory behind why attorneys in our firm have penned books on personal injury, workers' compensation and Social Security disability topics. They provide valuable information on what a person should expect where they will not be blindsided if the unfortunate happens.

Staying on the "being prepared" theme this post has taken, today we are linking a very simple, but valuable checklist from the Social Security Administration which will make sure all your ducks are in a row before you submit your online disability benefits application.

Click here to view the Disability Benefits Checklist for Adults Applying on the Internet (PDF)

If you're going to apply for Social Security disability benefits, this checklist is a great place to start when getting your information together to send to the Social Security Administration.

Christmas Tree Safety for North Carolina Families

2011-12-05T14:28:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year. The big Thanksgiving meal is over and we are moving closer and closer to Christmas. If they haven't already, many folks will be putting up Christmas trees over the next week. Christmas trees are a great way to show your holiday spirit and setting one up is a great activity for the whole family, but they can also be hazardous if precautions are not taken to ensure they are safe.

According to the US Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually which result in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13 million in damages. In addition, a Christmas tree that does not have sufficient base may tip over. While this isn't near as bad as a fire, there are still some safety concerns present with small children and pets. Below we have provided resources to look over to make sure your Christmas tree is safe. After looking through some of these resources, please check out your tree.

Christmas Tree Safety (Home Safety Council)
Christmas Tree Tips (National Safety Council PDF)
Christmas Tree Safety FactSheet (Texas Dept. of Insurance)
Fire Safety For the Holidays (Videos) (NIST)
Christmas Tree Safety Essentials (Reader's Digest)

The Geography of Social Security Disability

2011-11-30T12:03:00.001-05:00

Daily Yonder, a news blog covering the 55 million folks who live in the rural United States, has a great post today on the geography of Social Security disability beneficiaries. The authors of the post, Bill Bishop and Roberto Gallardo, break all the information down by way of text, maps and charts.

Overall, a thorough and very interesting read about how rural areas are well above the US average when it comes to receiving Social Security disability benefits. To the left is a map that was featured in the Daily Yonder post which breaks down by county the percentage of residents who are receiving Social Security disability benefits. For a larger version, please view the Daily Yonder post.

This is the first time we have stumbled upon Daily Yonder, but after sifting through a few posts, it looks like a good daily read for those who live in the rural parts of North Carolina. Below is from Daily Yonder's about page:

Check us throughout the day for breaking news, commentary, reports from our rural correspondants, updates from the best rural bloggers, and eye-opening photography from across the rural U.S.

The Daily Yonder's special reports also bring you overviews of the big issues now facing small communities -- health, employment, broadband access, education, and economic development. We're tracking how national policies are reaching (or ignoring) rural communities.

WebMD: The Most Expensive Medical Conditions

2011-11-29T15:27:00.000-05:00

WebMD has an interesting slide show on its website which breaks down the top 11 most expensive medical conditions in America. The list is below, but go ahead an click on the link to see the full explanations. While heart conditions top the list, trauma injures come in second at $74.3 billion. The biggest percentage of trauma injuries come from auto accidents. The article also notes that this amount has decreased due to better road design, air bags, seat belt laws and anti drunk driving laws.

1. Heart Conditions $95.6 Billion
2. Trauma $74.3 Billion
3. Cancer $72.2 Billion
4. Mental Disorders $72.1 Billion
5. Joint Disorders $57 Billion
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma $53.7 Billion
7. Hypertension $47.7 Billion
8. Diabetes $45.9 Billion
9. Hyperlipidemia $38.6 Billion
10. Back Problems $35 Billion
11. Normal Childbirth $35 Billion

Come Ride With Us For A Great Cause!

2011-11-18T10:13:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, we will be in Harnett County for a Poker Run which benefits Harnett County Deputy Jonathan Overby and Becky Strickland and we want you to come out and ride with us. All funds raised at this event go to help with medical expenses for both Deputy Overby and Mrs. Stickland.

In addition to the motorcycle ride, barbecue plates will be sold starting at 2:00pm for $7.00 per plate and Fluffy's Funnel Cakes will be sold for $4.00 at the Lillington, NC VFW.

Good food, good people and motorcycle riding all for a great cause, so come on out and join us. All the information is below:

What:
Benefit Poker Run for Deputy Jonathan Overby and Becky Strickland

When:
November 19th, 2011
Registration: 8:00am
Ride Starts: 10:00am

Where:
Harnett County Court House

Rider Donation Fee:
1 Rider: $20.00
2 Riders: $25.00
All other donations are greatly appreciated.

More Information:
Please call Ronald Lackey (910) 890-6845

Day Care and Non-Relative Child Care Safety

2011-11-10T16:38:00.001-05:00

When both parents work and there isn't family members nearby to watch children on a daily basis, often times the next best option is placing the child in a day care program or with some one who is not related to the family. Stats as recent as 2010 show that nearly 15% of children between the ages of 5-8 years old whose mothers' were employed use a center-based care. Additionally, in the same age range, a little over 10% of children are in the care of non relatives. In the younger age range of 0-4 years of age, 24% of children were in center-based care and 14% were in the care of a non relative.

When a child is being cared for outside of the family and not in their home, it can be scary for the parents. Problems do exist in day cares and non relative caretakers' homes. Recently, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study to identify safety hazards in 220 licensed childcare settings. The study found that two-thirds of the child care settings had at least one of the safety hazards targeted by the CPSC. Also, annually 31,000 children visit the emergency room for injuries sustained while in day care or in the care of a non-relative.

When placing a child in a day care or the care of a non-relative, there are steps to take to make sure the location and those caring for a child are safe. Below we have linked many documents and websites from around the web. If you're thinking about or have any concerns about your child's care when you are at work, please view them.

Daycare Safety Checklist PDF (injuryfree.org)
Safety Tips for Childcare Facilities (Livestrong.com)
Childcare S.A.F.E. Tips (National Program for Playground Safety)
Family Child Care and Child Care Center Checklist (NC Dept. of Human Services)
Choosing a Daycare Provider (iVillage)
What to look for in a daycare (Macon.com)

If you know of any resources or have any tips you do not see covered in the resources above, please feel free to share them in the comments sections.

* Photo courtsey of D.Hilgart via Flickr Creative Commons

Have Medicine in Your Home? Lock It Up For Child Safety

2011-11-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

Each year thousands of children are rushed to the emergency room after swallowing medicine that is not intended for them. To very small children some pills can even look like candy. If you have prescription pills in your house, make sure to lock them up. Please view the video below produced by the FDA on more information about locking up your medicine. Also check out some of the links below the video for more tips on keeping your medicine safe from children.

More information:
Keeping Medicine Out of Reach By Room (Tylenol)
10 Ways to Keep Medicine Out of Reach of Children (Tylenol)
Lock It Up: Medicine Safety in Your Home (FDA)
Keep Medicine Away From Children (Vicks)
Keep Medicine Away From Kids (Sheknows.com)

Insurer Reconsiders, Pays 2.5 Million On Workers' Compensation Claim of Tornado Hero

2011-11-02T10:24:00.002-04:00

On October 24th, we brought you the story of Mark Lindquist. To recap, Mr. Lindquist nearly gave his life in an effort to save three developmentally disabled adults during the deadly tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri earlier this year. When the dust settled, Mr. Lindquist was left with broken ribs and all his teeth knocked out. He was also in a coma for two months. After the tornado, 132 workers' compensation claims were filed. Only eight were denied. Mr. Linquist's claim was one of the eight.

One day after the media broke the story of Mr. Linquist's denial of his claim, the insurance company decided to reconsider its decision and paid $2.5 million on the claim. Below is the statement from the insurance company:

“Upon further review of the case, and receiving additional information on the facts involved in this situation, Accident Fund believes the appropriate decision is to honor Mr. Mark Lindquist’s claim for worker’s compensation benefits. We are committed to working with Mr. Lindquist to ensure he receives all the benefits to which he is entitled and helping him to recover from his injuries.”

More information:
Insurer reconsiders, pays $2.5M claim of Joplin tornado hero
'Miracle' tornado survivor denied workers' comp

* Photo courtesy of steakpinball via Flickr Creative Commons.

Women More Likely To Be Injured in Auto Accidents Study Says

2011-10-31T11:15:00.000-04:00

Women who wear seat belts are 47% more likely to be injured in a car accident compared with men who wear seat belts, according to a study by the American Journal of Public Health.

The above line is the first line in an October 28th post on the USA Today blog Drive On. Women's average height and weight proved to be the main cause for the higher frequency of injuries. Air bags and car design seem to be the problem with cars produced before 2008. Older cars are designed in a one size fit all mold. Today's cars are being build to sensor how big the driver is and change the way an air bag is deployed during an accident.

For the whole story, check out this blog post on USA Today's blog, Drive On.

*Photo courtesy of adam*b by way of Flickr Creative Commons.

Youth Sports Becoming Too Competitive?

2011-10-27T13:31:00.000-04:00

We're sports nuts here at Hardison & Cochran. If you're a frequent reader of the blog, you knew that. Since we're sports nuts, articles on youth sports always catch our eye. Gretchen Reynolds, who writes for the New York Times Health blog, had an interesting post yesterday on a new trend of knee injury which physicians once believed couldn't happen to children.

The injury being covered in the post is an anterior cruciate ligament (A.C.L.) tear. At one time, physicians believed children were immune to an A.C.L tear. “Twenty years ago, medical textbooks usually included a statement saying that kids did not tear their A.C.L., that they fractured the tibial spine instead,” said orthopedic surgeon, Dr. J. Todd Lawrence.

So what's going on? Dr. Lawrence has a thought on this:

“I think it’s primarily because kids are out there trying to emulate professional athletes, You see these very young athletes playing sports at an extremely intense, competitive level. Kids didn’t play at that level 20 years ago. They didn’t play one sport year-round.”

The full article, which can be viewed here, is a great read.

So what is your opinion on this? Are kids playing too hard these days? Let us know in the comments section.

*Picture courtesy of accutalk via Flickr Creative Commons.

Tornado Survivor Denied Workers' Compensation

2011-10-24T17:19:00.000-04:00

Mark Lindquist is a hero. He was even recognized by the House and Senate of the Missouri legislature as being "a true hero and inspiration to others." Why is he a hero? Why is every lawmaker in the state giving him praise? Lindquist nearly gave his life in an effort to save three developmentally disabled adults during a tornado earlier this year in Joplin, Missouri. In the course of his heroic efforts, all of his ribs were broken, his teeth knocked out and he was in a coma for two months.

He thought workers' compensation would take care of him, but that wasn't the case. To see how the story ends for Mr. Lindquist, please read the rest of the story on Yahoo! News.

Social Security Disability Beneficiaries Getting a 3.6% Bump in 2012

2011-10-19T10:08:00.003-04:00

Social Security disability beneficiaries will receive a 3.6% increase in their payments starting in January of 2012. The increase, which is based off the data in the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, will be the first in three years. While the 3.6% increase is much needed after two years of going without one, it is still lower than the 4.2% average increase from years before. Since 1975, the last two years are the only ones that have not seen an increase.

While the increase may mean a little more money in the household, many reports warn that some of the increase will be lost to a higher Medicare premium. These premiums are deducted from beneficiary's Social Security payments. Trustees who oversee the program are anticipating an increase. An announcement will be made next week concerning the Medicare premium.

Over the past two years, we have written many blog posts on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). If you would like to learn a little more about how this increase, or the lack thereof for the past two years, was calculated, please check out some of the articles below:

The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): An In-Depth Look at What It Is and How It Is Calculated
It's Official: No Cost of Living Adjustment for 2010
Social Security Disability Benefits Not Expected to Rise in 2010
No Cost of Living Adjustment For 2011
The Lack of Cost of Living Adjustment in 2010 Social Security Benefits Covered by the Mainstream Media
CBS News Video on Cost of Living Adjustment and Social Security

3 Fall Driving Tips to Stay Safe on North Carolina Roads

2011-10-18T11:21:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year. Green giving way to yellow, orange and red on the trees. Cool fall wind in your hair. Those first few lines sound like the beginning to a good song, but we're talking about something different today. We're talking about driving safety during the fall. If you didn't know this week is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Here's a stat you may not have known:

Teen drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group. The crash rate per mile driven for 16-year-old drivers is almost 10 times the rate for drivers aged 30-59.

All signs point to inexperience and the fall offers some unique driving hazards that some young drivers may not have dealt with yet. If you know a young person who has recently started driving on their own, make sure you share the following 3 fall driving tips with them:

1. Leaves on the road may make for a beautiful picture, but they are dangerous
Wet leaves on the road make for slippery conditions. If you're coming to a stop, turning or accelerating from a stop in a pile of wet leaves, do it with caution. In addition to cutting down on traction, leaves can cover up pot holes, road markings and curbs. Anytime you enter a road with a lot of leaves on it, even if they are dry, reduce your speed to make sure you're safe.

2. Shorter Days Don't Stop Runners and Bicyclist
With fall comes shorter days, but that doesn't stop runners and bicyclist from getting their exercise. It also doesn't stop dog owners from taking walks with their four legged buddies. During the fall when it is getting dark earlier, make sure you are on the lookout when you enter roads where you have seen frequent foot travel.

3. Be on the Lookout For Wildlife
As we posted last year on the blog, an encounter with wildlife on the roads can happen anytime of the year, but the majority of accidents happen between October and December. The two main reasons for this is mating and hunting season. North Carolina is considered a "high-risk" state when it comes to vehicles colliding with deer. The stats say that one in every 150 vehicles in the state of North Carolina will collide with a deer over the next 12 months. Please view our November 9th, 2010 blog post for more information on tips to avoid wildlife while driving.

Additional Resources:
Yellow & Orange Alert: Fall Driving Tips (Castrol)
Fall Driving Tips (DriveSafePA)
Fall Driving Tips (TeensDriveSmart.com)

*Photo courtesy of jpctalbot via Flickr Creative Commons.

NBC News Video: Problems With Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement

2011-10-05T09:53:00.002-04:00

Dr. Joshua Jacobs, Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and second vice president of the American Academy Orthopedic discusses what problems to look for with metal on metal hip replacement. (NBC Nightly News)

Additional Information on Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements:

New York Times: Metal on Metal Hip Implant Complaints Soar in 2011
New York Times: Recalled Devices Mostly Untested, New Study Says
Hardison & Cochran Files First of Many DePuy ASR™ Cases
DePuy Hip Replacement: Women More Likely To Need Revision Surgery Than Men According to Joint Registry The Implant Loophole: New York Times (DePuy Hip Replacement)
Chicago NBC Affiliate News Story On DePuy Hip Replacement Recall
ABC News Video: DePuy Hip Replacement
Heavy Metal Toxicity (DePuy Hip Replacement)

Hunting Safety Tips for the Fall

2011-10-04T09:55:00.000-04:00

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting colder. In addition to football being in full swing, many of the hunting seasons for the state of North Carolina have started or are about to start. Since this is the case, we figured we'd search around the Internet for some hunting safety tips in case you decided to get out to the tree stand early sometime this fall. In North Carolina, it is law to take a hunting safety course before you hold a hunting license. Many of these tips will be covered in one of those classes, but there is nothing wrong with some info to jog your memory.

2011-12 North Carolina Hunting Season
Ten Commandments of Shooter Safety (GameCalls.net)
Safety: Hunter Safety (Daniel Boone National Forest)
Four Basic Rules of Firearm Safety (Wisconsin: Dept. of Natural Resources)

"Billed vs. Paid" Becomes Law in North Carolina on October 1st, 2011

2011-09-30T11:02:00.001-04:00

Ken Hardison says North Carolina accident victims will soon need to disclose the amount of medical expenses paid by their health insurer when negotiating and litigating tort claims.

The new law, House Bill 542, takes effect October 1. It has been called by some the “billed vs. paid law.”

Hardison, who has a record of recovering substantial awards for plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits throughout North Carolina, says the new law likely will lead insurance companies to argue that accident victims and their families should be limited to recovering only the amount of their out-of-pocket medical expenses.

“Our law firm opposed the law before it was passed because we believe it gives an unfair advantage to insurance companies, and it essentially gives them a discount if an accident victim has been paying for health coverage,” said Hardison, whose personal injury law firm, Hardison & Cochran, Attorneys at Law, represents those who have been harmed by the negligent and reckless acts of others.

Ken Hardison

“Now that the law is set to take effect, what’s important is to seek a skilled and experienced lawyer to protect your rights and interests if you have a claim against a person or company that has wronged you,” Hardison said.

“For instance, our law firm has a long history of working with insurance companies. We know how they operate, and we know that they will do everything they can to minimize the amount they pay out in a settlement or verdict. We can level the playing field.”

In the past, North Carolina accident victims and families of those killed in an accident needed to disclose only the billed amount for their medical expenses when they sought compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. They did not need to reveal how much they paid versus how much of the medical bill was paid by their health insurance providers.

Ben Cochran

However, starting October 1, the plaintiffs in civil cases will now need to disclose the amounts paid through their healthcare coverage.

Ben Cochran, Hardison & Cochran’s managing partner, pointed out that in addition to the “billed vs. paid law,” North Carolina is also one of the few states in the country that follows the law of pure contributory negligence.

Under this law, any North Carolina car, truck, motorcycle or other accident victim may be barred from recovering anything in a lawsuit if they are found to be as little as 1 percent at fault for causing their injuries.

“When you consider the many advantages that insurance companies have in North Carolina, it becomes clear that you need an aggressive advocate by your side who will stick up for you against these companies,” Cochran said. “That means fighting for a fair and reasonable recovery through a settlement and, if necessary, through a jury trial.”

Hardison pointed out that, in addition to medical expenses, North Carolina negligence victims and their families may be able recover other expenses, including lost past and future income and compensation for pain and suffering.

“At our law firm, we examine the entire case and work hard to ensure that our clients receive the full amount of funds they are entitled to receive,” he said. “This new law won’t change our approach to protecting our clients.”

16 Year Old Aims For Law Degree at North Carolina Central University

2011-09-29T14:04:00.000-04:00

When you see a great story, you want to share it. After surfing through Raleigh's News & Observer website yesterday, we came across a story we had to post here on the blog. The article, which was authored by Lana Douglas and can be viewed here, is about Ty Hobson-Powell, a 16 year old student who is currently attending North Carolina Central University School of Law. The story did catch our attention, but not for the reasons you would think. The obvious common thread here would be law, but the following quotes from Hobson-Powell are what reeled us in:
"In a non-cocky way, I want to make sure that there are more stories like mine, because there's a lot of people like me and a lot of people with potential to be like me, but for whatever reason, be it lack of support at home or lack of drive from within, are not where I am currently"

He's not resting on his laurels and he's driving to improve not only himself, but those around him. Just a great all around story from Durham.
"Hopefully, I can instill values in youth and even adults to go out and strive to be as good as they can."

Cell Phone and Texting Laws State-by-State

2011-09-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that drivers who use handheld devices in their car while driving are four times as likely to be involved in a crash where they will be seriously injured. Here in North Carolina, we have a ban on texting while driving, but the use of a cell phone is still permitted. Each state varies, so today we're posting a link that gives you the information on all states in case you get out this fall and travel. While you travel, no matter what the state law says, make sure you are keeping your eyes on the road. Distracted driving is serious. In the short time smartphones have been avaliable, it has caused harm and even death. Trust us, the text or call can wait till you get to a safe place.

Cell Phone and Texting Laws State-by-State (Governors' Highway Safety Association)

* Cell Phone picture courtesy of samantha celera via Flickr Creative Commons

Workers' Compensation Premiums Linked to Stocks and Bonds UC Davis Study Says

2011-09-21T14:24:00.002-04:00

When workers' compensation premiums are raised, the number of claims and the payment of these claims are usually blamed for the increase. That might not be the case according to a University of California at Davis study. Published in the September-October issue of Public Health Reports, the UC Davis study shows that higher premiums may be linked to decreases in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and interest rates on U.S. Treasury bonds.

Quotes from the UC Davis Health System Article:

"Insurance companies appear to have been setting premiums according to their returns on the stock and bond markets, not according to the number of claims they have. They invest because they need a financial cushion to pay for claims and, if they lose, raise premiums to recoup their losses."

"The association of premiums with the stock market and Treasury bonds was consistent and strong. Increasing premiums had nothing to do with the number of injured workers, who often are incorrectly blamed for increasing premiums for employers."

- J. Paul Leigh, UC Davis Professor, Senior Author of study

More Information:
Workers' Compensation Premium Hikes Linked With Stock Losses, Rather Than Claims (UC Davis)

* Photo courtesy of Nick.Allen via Flickr Creative Commons.

Fireplace Safety

2011-09-20T11:06:00.000-04:00

With the temperature starting to drop, we figured this would be a great time to go over some fireplace safety tips. While the temperatures didn't drop too far this past weekend, it was a reminder that colder weather is only a few weeks away. According to the US Fire Administration, more than one third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. While fireplaces and the like can be a great source for heat and a great way to save on heating costs, the threat of a home fire is always present. Each year, 36% of residential home fires in rural areas are attributed to one of these heating sources. If you use a fireplace, wood stove or another appliance to heat your home, please check out the information below to make sure everything is safe and ready to go when the mercury drops.

Fireplace and Home Safety (US Fire Administration)
Fireplace Safety Fact Sheet (HPBA)
Top 10 Woodburning Tips (CSIA)
Wood Stove Safety (Maryland Fire Marshall)
Fireplace Safety (News Moms Need)

Do You Know Your Drugs' Side Effects?

2011-09-15T16:40:00.002-04:00

"There are a lot of people taking drugs to treat the side effects of drugs, and sometimes that makes sense, and maybe the initial drug is essential. But when you're taking a drug to treat the side effect of a drug which is treating the side effect of another drug, it gets to be rather a house of cards."

- Gordon Schiff, M.D.

The above quote is from an article featured in the September edition of the AARP Bulliten. The article, which was penned by Patricia Berry, explores the problem behind medications causing other conditions which are totally unrelated to the problem the drugs was intended to treat.

Quick Facts from the Article:

● 4.5 million Americans visit their doctor or emergency room due to adverse drug effects.

● Serious drug reactions are the fourth leading cause of hospital deaths.

As Berry covers in the article, the serious and fatal drug reactions are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this problem. Minor reactions can slow the reaction time of patients. They can make a person sleepy. Mobility could be hampered. These mild reactions could possibly cause a riff in daily activities and work.

Click here to view suggestions from the AARP on "How to Avoid Drug Reactions." If you take a prescribed drug, this is a good list to look over to make sure you and your doctor are on the same page concerning your medicines.

Additional Resources:

Quantifying adverse drug events: Med mishaps send millions back for care (amednews.com)

Medications can cause other conditions unrelated to the health problems they're prescribed to treat (AARP)

How Much is My Case Worth?

2011-09-13T13:53:00.000-04:00

"How much is my case worth?" This is a question that is asked of our attorneys in our firm from time to time during the initial consultation. The simple truth is this: If an attorney quotes you a dollar amount of how much your case is worth during an initial consultation, they are simply telling you something you want to hear. During the initial consultation, there is no way any attorney, no matter how many years they have been in their current position, can tell you how much your case is worth.

Let's look at it this way, say Bill was rear ended by a truck while sitting idle at a red light on Monday. He is taken to the Emergency Room by way of ambulance and is treated by the hospital staff. The doctor checks him out and it is obvious that Bill has a lower back injury. The doctor prescribes Bill some medicine to help with his pain and refers him to a specialist. Bill sets up an appointment with the specialist on Thursday of that week. On Tuesday, he decides to call a lawyer to make sure he is going about all of this the right way and protecting his best interests. As an aside during the conversation, Bill says, "You know, my wife is out of work, now I'm going to have to miss some work due to this accident. I have to pay a specialist. Will I be able to recoup all these costs? Just exactly how much is this case worth?"

In the above situation, there is no lawyer out there that can say with any kind of certainty how much Bill's case is worth. Why? Because Bill still hasn't seen the specialist. He really doesn't know the extent of his injuries. Will he need surgery? How much work will Bill miss? Will Bill have to live with this injury his whole life or can he be treated and return to his former state? Will Bill need any kind of medical devices to aid his recovery? How many doctor visits will Bill make between now and the end of his recovery? What is the total mileage Bill and his wife drove to see the doctors? Will Bill be prescribed additional medicines at the specialist? Did Bill have any injuries from a previous accident? We can keep going and going but the point is made.

The lawyer, unless they can see into the future, doesn't know the answer to any of the above questions, so any kind of monetary amount he or she answers this question with is just not true. At all. They are just telling the person what they want to hear.

* Photo courtesy of Colin_K via Flickr Creative Commons

Remember 9/11

2011-09-09T09:46:00.001-04:00

This weekend, take some take to reflect on what happened exactly 10 years ago from this coming Sunday.

The Triangle Remembers 9/11 (News & Observer)
Remembering 9/11 (National Geographic)
9/11 (Washington Post)
Remembering 9/11 (New York Historical Society)

* Photo courtesy of nicksarebi via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Facts and Future of Social Security

2011-09-07T14:57:00.000-04:00

Huffington Post writer Daniel Marans penned a great article today on the facts and future of the Social Security system in the United States. In his article, Celebrating Social Security: The Workers' Program, Marans sifts through the constant noise you hear about Social Security programs and spells it out from how and why the system was created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to what problems are being faced today and what can be done to ensure the solvency of the programs into the future. A good read as everyone gets back into work after the long holiday weekend.

Recognizing Concussions in Youth Sports

2011-09-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

If you have been reading the Hardison & Cochran Blog here lately, you may have noticed we've been posting frequently about athletics. From the end of the NFL Lock-out, to the start of the college football season and of course our own Hardison & Cochran Kings basketball team.

Today, we're going to again focus on sports, but this one is a very serious matter. If you're a football fan, you know the dangers of concussions. The threat of concussions and brain injury have changed the professional and college game in recent years:

2009: The NFL outlaws the wedge formation on kickoffs.
2010: The NFL started enforcing more strict penalty and fines for helmet-to-helmet hits.
2011: The NFL moved the kickoff placement to the 35 yard line resulting in more touchbacks.

All of these rule changes and stricter penalties were put into place for the safety of the players. Remember, this is the NFL. We're talking about million dollar athletes with nothing but the best gear and best resources at their disposal if they happen to be injured. If a player is hurt, there are doctors and trainers that will treat them right on the field. The same can be said for most colleges and high schools that have a dedicated athletic staff.

Needless to say, things are a little different when it comes to youth sports. So today, we're going to give you some resources about concussions where you will know what to look for if your child, grandchild or a friend's children ever takes a serious hit to the head during a game or practice. These resources are also good if you live in a neighborhood full of children and someone is injured and you're the only one around for help.

What is a concussion? (KidsHealth.org)
Concussion (WebMD)
Learn to Prevent & Recognize Concussions (Center For Disease Control)
Recognizing Sports Concussion: When to Seek Treatment (Patient Power)
Recognizing Concussion Signs and Symptoms: Advice for Parents (MomsTeam)

*Picture courtesy of accutalk via Flickr Creative Commons.

Friday Feed 81: College Football

2011-09-02T10:01:00.000-04:00

The last time we posted the Friday Feed it was about football. We were celebrating the NFL Lock-Out ending and might have a been a little premature with our celebration in July. Can you tell we like sports around here? Anyway, without any further adieu, let's spin move, stiff-arm and dive into the 81st Friday Feed which brings us college football. Enjoy the games this weekend.

College Football Stats
Your one stop shop for College Football stats. If you can think of a stat, most likely you will find it here very easily. Clean and organized website as well.

College Football Preview 2011
Need to get caught up on the season only moments before the games kick-off Saturday? This is the website for you. ESPN breaks down the season team by team.

College Football Fight Songs
This is what college football is all about: Tradition. Check out your favorite school's audio files.

The 50 Greatest College Football Traditions
The headline says it all.

* Photo courtesy of RonAlmog via Flickr Creative Commons.

Meet The Hardison & Cochran Kings: Justin Kiaku

2011-08-31T15:39:00.000-04:00

As we mentioned earlier this month on the blog, we are sponsoring a youth basketball team in Raleigh. Over the next week or so, we're going to let you meet each player who makes up the squad. Today, we're featuring Justin Kiaku.

Number: 12

Position: Center

School: East Garner Middle

Favorite Athlete: John Wall

Favorite Sport: Football

Favorite Team: Chicago Bulls

Favorite TV Show: So You Think You Can Dance?
Favorite School Subject: Math

Why do you enjoy playing basketball?
It gives me something to do in the summer.

What do you want to be when you're an adult?
Singer, Rapper, Actor, Lawyer and Broadway.

Be sure to check out all the updated photos on our Facebook Photo Page.

As Hurricane Irene Draws Near, Stay Safe North Carolina

2011-08-26T11:07:00.000-04:00

As Hurricane Irene makes it way to the North Carolina coast tonight, be sure to stay safe and make sure you prepare. We have provided links below which will be helpful in tracking the storm, knowing what is going on in your community and of course tips to keep you safe. Again, be safe this weekend guys and we'll see you back here on Monday.

Hurricane Safety in North Carolina
ABC11 Weather Coverage
WRAL Channel 5 Weather Coverage
NBC17 Weather Coverage

Interactive Hurricane Tracking Map

Meet The Hardison & Cochran Kings: Makee Edmonds

2011-08-25T14:39:00.003-04:00

Number: 3

Position: Point Guard
School: Ligon GT
Favorite Athlete: LeBron James

Favorite Sport: Basketball

Favorite Team: Miami Heat

Favorite TV Show: Phineas and Ferb

Favorite School Subject: Math

Why do you enjoy playing basketball?
Shooting and dribbling.

What do you want to be when you're an adult?Famous basketball player

Be sure to check out all the updated photos on our Facebook Photo Page.

Hardison & Cochran Employees Quoted in Associated Press Article About East Coast Earthquake

2011-08-24T12:13:00.004-04:00

The East Coast earthquake yesterday was some pretty big news. Our West Coast friends were picking at how the East Coast overreacted to the earthquake, but hey, that just doesn't happen a lot over here. The last earthquake to hit Virgina before yesterday's was in 1875. They may have just been picking at the intense news coverage of the earthquake. Speaking of news coverage, two Hardison & Cochran employees were quoted in a report from the Associated Press about where they were and what they thought was going on when the tremors shook Raleigh right before 2pm yesterday.

From the Associated Press report:

Attorney Rachel Lane of Hardison and Cochran in Raleigh was in her car when she felt it and the ground shake. She immediately thought she'd have to take her car to the shop.

"I thought my car was getting ready to shut off because I had the air-conditioning on full blast," she said. She learned about the earthquake later when her fiance texted her. Betty Lynne Montgomery, a receptionist at the same law firm, put her hands on each side of her computer monitor and moved them back and forth to explain what she saw when the earthquake shook.

"The monitor was doing this," she said, "and I was like, OK, what do I do now?"

She said she looked out her window but didn't leave her second-floor office even though others did. "I thought to be sure that it wasn't an earthquake," she said. "I just sat here. I didn't know what to do." She won't make that mistake again if there are aftershocks. "Now that I know what it is, I think I shall leave," she said.

Meet the Hardison & Cochran Kings: Tony Battle Jr.

2011-08-24T11:25:00.003-04:00

Number: 4

Position: Power Forward/ Center

School: East Wake Middle School

Favorite Athlete: LeBron James

Favorite Sport: Basketball

Favorite Team: Miami Heat

Favorite TV Show: Everybody Hates Chris

Favorite School Subject: Math

Why do you enjoy playing basketball?
It's fun

What do you want to be when you're an adult?
Athlete

New York Times: Metal on Metal Hip Implant Complaints Soar in 2011

2011-08-23T15:00:00.004-04:00

If you keep up with the blog, you know about the complications associated with metal on metal hip implants like Johnson & Johnson's DePuy ASR. Yesterday, the New York Times Business Section had a report on the soaring number of complaints these hip replacement systems are receiving at the FDA.

Since January of 2011, the FDA has fielded more complaints about the metal on metal hip replacement systems than the previous four years combined. The DePuy ASR accounted for 75% of the complaints according to the New York Times complaint reviews.

Metal on Metal Hip Replacement News from the Hardison & Cochran Blog:
New York Times: Recalled Devices Mostly Untested, New Study Says
Hardison & Cochran Files First of Many DePuy ASR™ Cases
DePuy Hip Replacement: Women More Likely To Need Revision Surgery Than Men According to Joint Registry
The Implant Loophole: New York Times (DePuy Hip Replacement)
MDL No. 2197 DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. ASR Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation
Chicago NBC Affiliate News Story On DePuy Hip Replacement Recall
ABC News Video: DePuy Hip Replacement

(HT: @StaceyEBurke)

* Photo courtesy of Simon Davison by way of Flickr Creative Commons

Hurricane Safety in North Carolina

2011-08-23T10:48:00.000-04:00

As of today (August 23rd), it looks like North Carolina is going to get some serious weather over the weekend due to Hurricane Irene. If this Weather Channel graphic turns out to be correct, then Irene will be hitting the shores of North Carolina on August 28th at 2am as a category 3 hurricane.

While some in North Carolina have never been part of a hurricane, many still remember the effects of Hurricane Floyd in 1999. As you can see in the picture to the left, Floyd left much of Eastern North Carolina under water. The picture, which was taken by Dave Saville of FEMA, is of a neighborhood in Greenville.

With the threat of Hurricane Irene only days away, the people of North Carolina need to jog their memory as to proper hurricane safety. Below we have provided tips, links and videos to make sure you're ready in case Irene takes a turn for the worse.

What to do before a hurricane (FEMA)
Evacuation Plans (FEMA)

What to do during a hurricane (FEMA)
After the hurricane (FEMA)

National Hurricane Survival Initiative
Hurricane Safety Tips
Hurricane Safety Guide (USA Today)

Report: Social Security Disability Fund Will Be Insolvent by 2017

2011-08-22T15:13:00.000-04:00

New estimates say the trust fund that supports Social Security disability payments will run out of funds by 2017. Unless there is action in Washington, the program will be unable to pay full benefits to those who have been deemed disabled by the Government.

Social Security Administration Commissioner Michael J. Astrue commented on the news:

“It’s primarily economic desperation. People on the margins who get bad news in terms of a layoff and have no other place to go and they take a shot at disability.”

In the past 10 years, applications for Social Security disability benefits have boomed almost 50 percent. There are many factors to this rise, but many cite the down economy and baby boomers as the catalyst. This isn't the first time the future of the Social Security disability fund has been on the brink of insolvency.

In 1994, Congress combined the retirement and disability funds to ensure the program did not become insolvent.

More information:
Social Security disability on verge of insolvency (New Orleans City Business)
Report: Disability fund losing cash (Politico)
The latest economic worry – Social Security disability (NC Policy Watch)
Historic reading:
July 4th, 1994 Boost in disability fund sought (Lakeland Ledger)
April 23, 1993 Congress told disability trust fund going broke (Times Daily)

Hardison & Cochran Reviewing Actos Cases

2011-08-16T16:31:00.000-04:00

The Dangerous Drug division of Hardison & Cochran is currently reviewing claims from people who have bladder complications and bladder cancer associated with the use of Actos. Actos, which is also know by pioglitazone, is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and is used to control blood sugar levels in Type II diabetes patients.

In June of 2011, after a study concluded an increased risk of bladder cancer, French regulators pulled the product from the shelves. German regulators soon followed suit. In the US, the FDA recently approved a new warning to be placed on the Actos label.

The new labeling for the drug warns health care providers to be cautious of a patients bladder cancer history before giving them Actos. It also suggests to not use Actos in those patients who already have bladder cancer. The new warnings also urge patients to contact their doctor if their urine starts showing a red color or blood and if they start experiencing lower back or abdomen pain. Each are an early sign of bladder cancer.

The FDA recently concluded that using Actos for more than a year raised the risk of bladder cancer by 40%. This is increased by the time of dosage and the amount of dosage.

Actos can be found in the following medicines:Actos
Actoplus Met
Actoplus Met XR
Duetact

If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor:- Blood in Urine
- Red Color in Urine
- Frequent Urination
- Pain in the lower back or abdomen

If you are currently taking Actos and are concerned about these findings, please contact your doctor. If you would like to speak with an attorney in our Dangerous Drug division, please contact us online or call our office at 1-800-600-7969.

What Do You Think? Dogs In The Courtroom

2011-08-10T16:50:00.000-04:00

Interesting story from New York about a dog named Rosie in a courtroom. We first learned about this story from California lawyer Mitch Jackson's blog.

Rosie is a Golden Retriever. She specializes in comforting people who are in stressful situations. In New York, she stood by while a 15 year-old girl was testifying that her father had raped and impregnated her. The trial ended in June and the father of the girl was convicted. The 15 year old girl noted that she was grateful to Rosie for being there for her.

This isn't too uncommon as courts have allowed trained dogs to comfort witnesses while they were speaking in front of juries, but now an appeal will test to see if dogs like Rosie will be allowed in courts in both New York and across the nation. The defense said in the appeal that Rosie's presence "infected the trial with such unfairness" that it violated their client's rights.

Advocates of Rosie and her pawed peers say that the dogs do not affect the substance of the testimony. They just ease the stress and trauma of talking about such horrible events.

There is a lot more to this story which can be read in its entirety at The New York Times website, but we want to know what you think.

Should dogs be allowed to comfort children and vulnerable witnesses while giving testimony in a courtroom?

* Picture courtesy of WagsomeDog via Flickr Creative Commons.

The Hardison & Cochran Kings

2011-08-09T15:52:00.003-04:00

There is no doubt that the skills children acquire through organized sports will stay with them through their adult years. Just ask any adult who played sports as a child and teen and they will most likely tell you only positives about their experience. Sports builds self-discipline and self-confidence. It builds strong relationships with peers and adult coaches and of course helps keep in shape. The halls of Hardison & Cochran are filled with many former athletes. Ben Cochran played soccer. Ken Hardison and John Paul Godwin all took their talents to the football field. Jack Hardison (all 6 foot 6 inches of him) was a three sport star out of Martin County.

There is no doubt, sports are a passion of many at the offices of Hardison & Cochran. So when we were approached with the opportunity to sponsor a Raleigh youth basketball team, it was an easy decision. Below are some pictures of the Hardison & Cochran Kings. Also, check out the rest of the pics on our Facebook Photo Page.

Social Security Benefits Will Be Paid On Time

2011-08-02T14:43:00.000-04:00

Social Security Administration Commissioner, Michael J. Astrue said the following today in a press release:

“I am happy to announce there will be no delay in the payment of August Social Security benefits, which should be a relief to those people who were concerned about their benefits. I’m pleased the President and Congress were able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to avoid an interruption in payments.”

If you haven't been paying attention to the recent debt ceiling debate in Washington, there was threat of the Social Security checks not being sent out due to the government not having enough money to cover the cost in August. The Hardison & Cochran blog covered this news on July 18th.

Social Security Administration Augments Compassionate Allowances List to 100

2011-08-02T11:23:00.001-04:00

In July, the Social Security Administration added 12 conditions to the list of Compassionate Allowances. The 12 conditions added all involve severe heart diseases. With the addition, the list of Compassionate Allowances now rounds out to 100 conditions. Below, the 12 new conditions are listed. If you would like more information on the specific condition, click it below:

1. Aortic Atresia
2. Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Recipient
3. Eisenmenger Syndrome
4. Mitral Valve Atresia
5. Endomyocardial Fibrosis
6. Primary Cardiac Amyloidosis
7. Heart Transplant Graft Failure
8. Pulmonary Atresia
9. Heart Transplant Wait List - 1A/1B
10. Single Ventricle
11.Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
12. Tricuspid Atresia

For more information on Compassionate Allowances, please check out this 2009 blog post on the subject. For the press release from the Social Security Administration on the new Compassionate Allowances, please click here.

Back to School Checklist for Students With Asthma

2011-08-01T15:54:00.000-04:00

While clothes and backpacks often come to mind when thinking about getting ready for school this fall, the American Lung Association reminds us of additional necessities if your child is afflicted with asthma. Being prepared can ease the transition to school if he or she is one of the seven million children in the US, 18 years and younger, who is afflicted with this chronic childhood disease.

The American Lung Association urges parents to:

1. Prepare a written Asthma Action Plan that includes information about your child’s symptoms, medications and what to do if he or she has an asthma attack.

2. Schedule an annual visit with your child’s physician and update the Asthma Action Plan to reflect any changes in medication or limitations on physical activity.

3. Get your flu shot and have your child vaccinated for seasonal influenza.

4. Visit school and deliver a copy of your child’s Asthma Action Plan to the principal, teachers, school nurse and coaches so they can prepare to assist effectively if an asthma attack occurs.

5. Make certain the school knows how to contact you in the event of an emergency.

6. Advocate for your child. In all 50 states, students have the right to carry asthma medications while at school.

7. Don’t let the cost of medication prevent your child from receiving treatment for asthma. Talk to your doctor. There are no-cost or low cost options available.

For additional information on asthma and children, contact the American Lung Association at 919-719-9960 or 1-800-LUNG-USA, or visit www.lungnc.org.

Friday Feed 80: Football

2011-07-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

With the NFL Lockout over, it's time to look forward to both college and pro football this year. So this week is nothing but football links. As always, have a safe and fun weekend and we'll see you back here on Monday.

The NFL Team Quiz
How many NFL teams can you name in four minutes? Click on the link and test yourself out.

Super Bowl XLV Pictures
Start this year with a load of great pictures from the last Super Bowl.

NFL Helmets That Never Made It
Check out some prototype NFL football helmets that never made their way onto the field.

The Helmet Project
The Helmet Project is a website that is dedicated to the evolution of the football helmet. If you're a hardcore football fan, you'll enjoy this site. Click on the ACC tab to check out how NC State, UNC, Duke and Wake Forrest's helmets have changed through the years.

Hardison & Cochran Client Awarded Workers' Compensation Benefits Again After Full Commission Hearing

2011-07-25T13:53:00.003-04:00

In late December of last year, we brought you the story of James Hunt. To recap, Mr. Hunt, who is a former principal and former Marine living in Robeson County, was shot while driving to work by an unknown person. After the shooting, Mr. Hunt put in a claim in for workers' compensation, but he was denied benefits. In December, the North Carolina Industrial Commission ruled in favor of Mr. Hunt and he began receiving benefits. This decision was appealed and the matter was discussed again in front of a full commission on May 10th, 2011.

On June 22nd, Mr. Hunt was once again awarded workers' compensation benefits after the full commission ruled that the injury was work related. Mr. Hunt is represented by Hardison & Cochran Managing Partner and Board Certified Specialist in North Carolina Workers' Compensation Law, Benjamin Cochran.

More information:
Ex-principal wins case against schools (The Robesonian)
Workers' comp panel sides with ex-Robeson Principal James Hunt who was shot in face (Fayetteville Observer)
Robeson principal get workers' comp after shooting (WRAL)

* Photo of Mr. Hunt courtesy of http://whoshotprincipalhunt.blogspot.com/

Benjamin Cochran Interviewed by NBC 17 About Durham Manhole Deaths

2011-07-22T10:14:00.009-04:00

On July 21st, the news story below aired on Raleigh-Durham's NBC17. NBC17 has been investigating the deaths of two men who suffocated after a manhole they entered didn't have sufficient oxygen. The insurance company for the business has denied both of the mens' families workers' compensation death benefits. Hardison & Cochran Managing Partner, Benjamin Cochran, who is a Board Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law, is currently representing the family of one of the victims. For more on the story, please view the NBC17 investigation.

If the videos below do not load, please view it on the NBC17 website by clicking here.

The History of Workers' Compensation

2011-07-21T09:33:00.001-04:00

Do you know the history behind the workers' compensation system in the United States? While the rules differ from state to state, the aim of each is the same. Helping injured workers maintain and get the medical attention in which they are entitled. If you don't know the history or how it came to then don't worry we found just what you need. Produced by young adults from Nimitz High School located in Houston, Texas, the above video was created for a History Day contest in 2008. We don't know if the team won or not, but there is no doubt this is a very well done and well researched piece. Now, when someone asks, "What is workers' compensation?", you can ask them to set a spell while you explain.

Safety Tips: Working In The North Carolina Heat

2011-07-20T14:35:00.000-04:00

Temprature highs across North Carolina are reaching up into the triple digits this week. If you have lived in North Carolina during the summer months, it's safe to say you know the temprature is only half of the story when it comes to how it feels outside. We're talking about the heat index. The difference between it being just hot and sweltering hot.

The heat we are experiencing right now should be taken with caution. If your job requires you to work outside or you are a weekend warrior with around the house projects, please make sure you are hydrated. If, during the course of work, you feel uncomfortable, let someone know and take a few minutes to cool down inside or at least in the shade. The Internet is full of information on how to keep cool while working. Below you will find some information on working in the heat and ways to keep cool.

Safety & Health Topics: Heat Stress (US Department of Labor)
Working Outside in the Heat (Texas A&M University)
Heat Wave Safety Tips
Working Outdoors in Warm Climates (OSHA)

The Nation's Debt Ceiling and Social Security Disability Payments

2011-07-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

If you have turned on your TV or surfed the Internet in the past two weeks, there is a good chance you have heard a thing or two about the dispute surrounding the nation's debt ceiling. So what does all of this have to do with Social Security disability payments? First, check out this video from CNN that explains exactly what all the news is about: CNN Video: Explain it to me: Debt Ceiling

Now, watch this video below from a CBS News interview with President Obama. If you would like to skip all the political talk and get right to the point of this blog, fast forward to the 4:40 mark when the interviewer asks the question about the Social Security checks slated to be mailed on August 3rd.

More Information on Debt Ceiling and Social Security Payments:
Obama: Social Security Checks Threatened If Debt Ceiling Deal Isn't Reached (Huffington Post)
Debt-limit delay would jeopardize Social Security payments (USA Today)
Debt Ceiling Impasse Could Delay Social Security Payments (Jeffrey A. Rabin & Assoc)

Friday Feed 79: Just Stumbling

2011-07-15T10:32:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been to the website StumbleUpon.com? Well, it's a pretty nifty website if you want to discover things within the topics you love. Here's how it works: You create an account, pick topics that interest you and then start hitting a button that stumbles you across the Internet. Each time the "stumble" button is hit, it sends you to another random website that is within your range of topics you picked. Pretty simple, right?

Let's do us some stumbling for the Friday Feed.

BabeRuth.com
The Bambino, The Colossus of Clout, The King of Swing, yes, he has an official website.

Awesome Artwork Made with Sharpies
Woman's Day spotlights some Sharpie artwork. It's not simply Sharpies on paper. It's Sharpies on things like, you know, Lamborghinis and Ibanez guitars.

Why Are Scrubs Usually Blue or Green?
Matt Soniak, a writer for Mental Floss, has your answer.

33 Cool Kitchen Pantry Designs
Want to amp up your kitchen pantry? Get some creative ideas from Shelterness.
Booty's Basic Funk Formula
Just can't get the funk? Bootsy Collins has the answers. As he says, just do what you feel.

Have a fun and safe weekend folks. We'll see you back here on Monday.

Hardison & Cochran Client Testimonial: David Clifton of Benson, North Carolina

2011-07-14T11:34:00.001-04:00

On June 30th, David Clifton of Benson, North Carolina sat down with us in our Dunn office to discuss his experience with Hardison & Cochran. Mr. Clifton was represented by Jack Hardison in his workers' compensation case.

2011 Puerto Rican Family Picnic At Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, NC

2011-07-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday the United Puerto Rican Association of North Carolina held its annual Family Picnic at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh North Carolina. It was a hot day, but that didn't stop the folks from coming out and having a great time dancing, eating and enjoying the camaraderie. The events main sponsors were Hardison & Cochran and BB&T. Check out some of the pictures of the event below. If you would like to see all the pictures, please visit the Hardison & Cochran photo gallery on Facebook.

Hardison & Cochran Client Testimonial: William Rhone of Fayetteville, North Carolina

2011-07-06T13:25:00.000-04:00

On June 30th in Dunn, North Carolina, William Rhone sat down with us to share his experiences of being a Hardison & Cochran client.

9 More Questions About North Carolina Property Damage Answered

2011-06-29T10:26:00.000-04:00

The cost of hiring a lawyer to handle your vehicle damage claim is generally not practical. The cost of direct attorney assistance is too high. Even a lawsuit without a lawyer’s assistance may not be a reasonable option. A lawsuit takes time. When your primary objective is to get your car repaired as quickly as possible, the time required for a lawsuit can be counter-productive. We hope these Q&A's below will aid you in negotiating your vehicle damage claim without having to hire a lawyer. If you have a question, please visit http://www.lawyernc.com/ and ask us. We will have an answer to you in 24 hours.

1. Is it possible to avoid owing money to the bank on my totaled car when I’m upside down (ie: when you owe more on your car than it is worth)?

A: You can talk to your lender and see if they are willing to allow you to have your car repaired, despite the car having been declared totaled, or see if they are willing to do a substitution of collateral.

2. What is substitution of collateral?
A: Substitution of collateral is when a lender agrees to substitute the totaled motor vehicle with a comparable vehicle in order to allow you to finish paying off your loan. N.C. Gen. Stat. §25A-26 allows for the substitution of collateral in consumer credit sales, but allows the seller to charge a fee that is capped at 10 % of the unpaid balance of the debt or $15.00, depending on the lesser amount.

3. How can I get my “totaled” vehicle fixed if I owe more than its worth?
A: The insurance company most likely will not pay for repairs on a car they have evaluated as being a total loss. Therefore, you will need to approach the shop you are using to repair the car and find out if they are willing to fix the car for the amount that the insurance company is paying for the total loss. Before this is possible, you need to get the lienholder’s approval since their name is on the check as well. Please note that there is no guarantee, if you take this route and therefore, you undertake it at your own risk.

4. What about charges for towing and reasonable storage?
A: If the insurance company deems that your car is repairable, then they are responsible for towing and reasonable storage fees “until three days after the owner and storage facility are notified in writing that the insurer will no longer reimburse the owner or storage facility for storage charges.” 11 N.C.A.C. 4.0418(6).

5. My car was towed after the accident. How do I retrieve my personal items?
A: Contact the towing company and find out what the rules and policies are for picking up your personal items. Most likely, identification will be required before you are able to receive access to your vehicle and your personal items.

6. When am I entitled to a rental car?
A: The insurance company should pay for you to have a rental car for a reasonable amount of time. The insurance company should either place you in a rental or reimburse you for your rental car. Normally, this is during the time in which your car is being prepared or while the insurance company is deciding how much your car is worth. Once the insurance company has made a reasonable offer to pay you for your totaled car, or once your car has been repaired, you will need to turn in your rental vehicle.

7. What kind of rental am I entitled to?
A: The insurance company should place you in a similar vehicle. If you have a handicap or have a need for a specific type of rental, let the insurance company know.

8. Do I need to purchase the extra insurance coverage suggested by the rental car company?
A: Depends on your own motor vehicle insurance policy. You should check with your insurance company first and find out how much coverage you have under your policy to determine whether you need to purchase additional coverage. Normally, the insurance company is not obligated to pay you back for this additional coverage.

9. What if the insurance company or responsible driver wants me to sign a release?
A: Do not sign a release until you are 100% satisfied with your settlement. Also, make sure that the insurance company is not also including your personal injury claim in the release. Have your attorney take a look at the release to ensure that your rights are protected.

*Photo courtesy of adam*b by way of Flickr Creative Commons.

9 Fireworks Safety Tips and Links

2011-06-27T14:16:00.001-04:00

It's almost that time again. A week away from today, everyone across the United States will be celebrating independence. Grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, playing catch, meeting up with the family; it's all par for the course this time of the season, but today we'd like to offer some tips and links to make sure if your celebration includes some type of firework, that you stay safe. Before we begin, check out this PDF file which explains what type of fireworks are allowed in North Carolina.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety lists nine safety tips to remember this July 4th:

1. Use fireworks outdoors only.

2. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

3. Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

4. Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.

5. Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

6. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

7. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."

8. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

9. Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Additional Fireworks Safety Links:
Firework Related Injury Rates 1976-2007
Be Fireworks Smart Before, During and After Your Fireworks Display
Firework Safety - Kids Health
Fireworks Safety - US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Advice for staying safe during July 4th firework celebrations - WRAL-Raleigh, NC
Expert Tips on Firework Safety - Good Housekeeping
Fireworks - Safety and Advice Information - The Fireworks Shop

* Photo courtesy of The Wandering Angel via Flickr Creative Commons.

Friday Feed 78: Summer Time

2011-06-24T11:02:00.001-04:00

This past Tuesday, at 1:16pm if you want to get technical, we said good bye to the spring of 2011 and walked into summer of 2011. So for this Friday Feed, we're going to pay homage to the season of the sun and break out some summertime links. We hope you enjoy and remember, when you exit the beach or pool to reapply the sunscreen.

Here Comes The Sun
Here are some shots from Boston.com's Big Picture Blog that show the power and beauty of the sun. All pictures were taken since the first of June.

How Sunburns and Sun Tans Work
Discovery Health gives us the full run down on sun tans and sunburns.

What is Humidity?
If you've lived in North Carolina, or the south in general, you know all about humidity. But let HowStuffWorks.com fill you in on the science behind it.

Highest Temperature Ever Recorded in North Carolina
The State Climate Office of North Carolina has the hot facts. The highest temperature in North Carolina was a steamy 110 degrees, but you'll have to click above to see where it was recorded.

7 Beach Safety Tips for the Summer
This one is from our own blog. Make sure you're safe when visiting all the great beaches of North Carolina this summer.

100 Greatest Summer Songs of All-Time
This article from Entertainment Weekly was penned in 1996. Still some great songs for the season.

Grilling Tips
Earlier this week on our Facebook page, we asked everyone since it's time to grill, what are you grilling? Well, here's a whole page about grilling that includes tips, tricks and methods from the marinade to the meat.

USA Today: Backlog Grows For Social Security Appeals; North Carolina Social Security Disability Stats

2011-06-21T09:56:00.001-04:00

Earlier this month, we shared a post that shined a positive light on the decision times associated with Social Security disability claims. Now, according to the USA Today, a report shows that there is a 5% jump in pending cases during the last year. Simply, the backlog is growing.

The study was performed by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), which is an data organization under the Syracuse University umbrella. While the numbers are pretty much are what they are, Social Security Commissioner, Michael Astrue, questions the significance of the increase of pending appeals. Commissioner Astrue thinks the more meaningful measure is in the faster processing and decision times produced by the SSA.

Like stated in the Fayetteville Observer article from early June, Commissioner Astrue's goal is to drop the waiting time to 270 days by 2013 from the 350+ day national average that we are currently seeing in 2011. With federal budget cuts and no new hearing offices opening up, this is an uphill battle, but one that Commissioner Astrue feels they will be close.

With all this said, where does North Carolina rank in the mix? From the information provided by the TRAC there are 722,786 cases pending in all states. North Carolina ranks in with the 13th most cases pending with 22,775.

Going into North Carolina, the Charlotte Hearing Office currently has the most pending cases in the state at 6,496 with Raleigh (6,253), Greensboro (5,542) and Fayetteville (4,502) following.

If you would like to look up more information, please check out this interactive data guide from TRAC.

Resources:
Backlog grows for Social Security appeals - USA Today
Social Security chief says Fayetteville office cuts wait time - Fayetteville Observer

Hardison & Cochran Motorcycle E-Newsletter (June 14th, 2011)

2011-06-14T11:16:00.000-04:00

The Hardison & Cochran Motorcycle E-Newsletter is hot off the press. For your weekly look into the world of Motorcycles, just click here.

North Carolina General Assembly Approves Senate Bill 33, Medical Malpractice Reform

2011-06-13T15:24:00.001-04:00

Last week, the North Carolina Senate approved North Carolina Senate Bill 33, a bill which reforms medical malpractice in the Tar Heel state. The main change in the SB33 is a $500,000 cap on "non-economic" damages. The exception to the $500,000 cap will be when an act of gross negligence, fraud, intentional failure, malice, or reckless disregard for the rights of others results in someone’s death, disfigurement, permanent injury, or loss of a body part. (1) The bill will now be sent to Governor Perdue.

From Our Blog on North Carolina Senate Bill 33:
What is the North Carolina Senate Bill 33: Medical Malpractice Reform?

Additional Reading on North Carolina Senate Bill 33:
NC lawmakers take up slew of bills - WRAL
Dust settles on crossover as bills head to Gov - WRAL
Compromise reached on medical malpractice bill - Under The Dome Blog
NC General Assembly Strips Patients' Rights, Leaves All North Carolinians at Risk - NCAJ

North Carolina House Bill 542: Auto Reform Billed v. Paid

2011-06-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

The following is a press release from the North Carolina Advocates for Justice which explains the House Bill 542 Billed v. Paid Auto Reform which passed two readings in the House earlier in June and passed its first reading in the Senate on June 6th.

RALEIGH, N.C., June 2, 2011-- Republican leaders in the NC House today pushed through proposals that will benefit insurance companies and giant pharmaceutical outfits, said the NC Advocates for Justice, at the expense of average North Carolinians.

"The Republican-led majority has said with this bill that it's OK for people who hurt others to benefit from their victims. And they've extended that privilege to insurance companies," said Todd Barlow of the NCAJ. "This is a bad bill that puts more money in the pocket of insurance companies, taking it from the innocent and the injured." HB542 skews the rules of presenting a lawsuit to favor wrong-doers and their insurance companies. The "Billed v. Paid" provision would mandate that people hurt by the actions of others reveal the extent to which they are covered by insurance, while allowing defendants – those accused of wrong-doing – to keep their insurance coverage a secret.

The upshot is that the wrong-doer would benefit from the victim diligently having paid his/her insurance premiums.

Billed v. Paid Is a Bail Out
Imagine you are injured in an accident – rear ended by a drunk driver or attacked by an aggressive, unattended dog. The resulting injuries are serious – an ambulance ride to the hospital, perhaps surgery. None of it was your fault; yet as a result you rack up $10,000 in medical bills.

But you've been diligent about paying for insurance. The hospital charges $10,000, of which your insurance company pays $5,000. That leaves you to pay $5,000.

Right now, in trials, a victim like you asks to be compensated for the full amount of $10,000. The fact that you paid $5,000 and your insurance company paid $5,000 isn't mentioned. After all, you paid for that insurance.

Tort reform lobbyists want to change that, and tilt the field against victims. Those lobbyists are wrong for two key reasons:

1.) You, the victim, paid for the health insurance. The discount would not have existed otherwise. And as a moral principle, the person harming you has no right to benefit from the 'discount' you paid for.

2.) This bill takes money you spent (for health insurance) to protect yourself and uses it to benefit of the insurance company of the person who harmed you. Your money in effect reduced the amount of restitution you received. In that sense it is a 'bailout bill' for insurance companies.

On top of all this, lobbyists only want victims to disclose their insurance situations, not defendants.

The NC Advocates for Justice today unveiled a new television and online campaign criticizing the Billed v. Paid bail out. HB542 now moves to the NC Senate, where Senators Phil Berger, Tom Apodaca, Pete Brunstetter, Neal Hunt and others may have a say on whether the legislation becomes the law of the land.

For more information, please visit http://www.letjuriesdecide.com/. Follow our news on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/NCLawandPolitics

Social Security Administration Commissioner Makes Stop in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Speaks About Social Security Disability Claims

2011-06-07T11:55:00.001-04:00

Last week, Social Security Administration Commissioner, Michael Astrue made a stop in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was in town to celebrate the opening of a permanent Social Security appeals hearing center which is located in downtown Fayetteville. The new center serves a 17 county region. Forty-eight employees are currently working in the new center.

In his visit, Commissioner Astrue said that the wait to appeal for disability benefits has been reduced considerably in the past four years in the Fayetteville area. Four years ago, the wait was more than 700 days. Today, as Commissioner Astrue mentioned, the wait in the area is down to under 300 days.

For more information and pictures on Commissioner Astrue's visit to the Tar Heel state, please view this article by Andrew Barksdale of the Fayetteville Observer.

For more stats on the decision time of disability appeals across the United States, check out this blog we posted in 2009 about a special report from Delaware Online. The report has sortable stats from each hearing office nationwide and also the percentage of people who are denied benefits from the initial application. In the stats, North Carolina, at the time of the report, is one of the top states of denials with an 82% rate.

House Votes In Favor of North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act Changes

2011-06-01T11:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in the North Carolina General Assembly, the House voted in favor of changes to the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. The bill, which has changed from its original filing in April of 2011, passed with a vote of 102 in favor and 12 opposed. Before the bill moves to the Senate there will be a final vote in the House which is expected to be later this week. If the bill is favorable in the Senate, this would mark the first major changes to the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act since 1994.

The main change the bill proposes is a 500 week (roughly 9 1/2 year) cap on disability benefits for injured workers in the state. In the original bill, specific severe injuries were the exception to the cap. The version which was voted on yesterday includes a provision for "extended compensation" for workers who can prove that their capacity to earn wages is lost. Other changes include:

● Expanding an employers' access to an injured worker's doctor

● Extending benefits to dependents of the injured worker from 400 to 500 weeks.

● Workers killed on the job burial expenses will rise from $3,500 to $10,000.

To see the full text of the bill which was voted on yesterday, please click here.

More information on North Carolina House Bill 709:
House votes in favor of workers' comp overhaul - News & Observer
North Carolina House Passes Workers’ Compensation Changes - Insurance Journal

Revised North Carolina Workers' Compensation Bill Set For Vote

2011-05-31T09:36:00.000-04:00

If you frequent the blog, you are familiar with the proposed bill concerning workers' compensation in North Carolina. The original bill, which can be viewed here, aimed to reform the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. After a fight from injured workers, the attorney's who represent them and union reps, the proposed bill was taken back and a compromise was found between opposing sides. If you would like to read more on today's vote and the revised workers' compensation bill, please visit the Under the Dome blog from the News & Observer.

Quotes about the revised workers' compensation bill:
- Dick Taylor, CEO, Advocates for Justice

“Many may feel that the bill does not go far enough to reduce costs and others will feel the provisions fall short of protecting the interests of injured workers, but in times such as these all sides made compromises, and overall we feel the changes preserve the backbone of our Workers’ compensation system that pays fair compensation to injured workers at a reasonable cost to the employers.”

Friday Feed #77: Memorial Day

2011-05-27T09:41:00.000-04:00

This upcoming Monday is Memorial Day. A day where we honor those who have fallen while serving our country. On this Memorial Day, remember what freedom means. Remember how we achieved it.

This week's Friday Feed is all about Memorial Day.

Memorial Day History
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day has been around since the late 1800's. Read up on the history by checking out this website.

Memorial Day: History Channel
The History Channel has a whole section dedicated to Memorial Day. Good stuff right here.

Battleship North Carolina Memorial Day Events
Check out what is going on in Wilmington on Battleship North Carolina.

Memorial Day in The Triad
Check out some events going on in The Triad.

Client Appreciation Day 2011

2011-05-26T10:08:00.000-04:00

The Hardison & Cochran Client Appreciation Day was held this past weekend at Tart Park in Dunn, North Carolina. We pushed back the timing of the event this year from June to May in hopes of escaping the heat, but the heat caught us again for the third year in a row. No worries, we still has a great time with all our clients who came out for the music, food, camaraderie and all around fun. Liquid Pleasure once again took the stage and kept the party going all day. They are a great group of musically talented guys. As always, we took along the camera and snapped some photos. Below, you will find some shots from the day, but you can see them all by visiting our Facebook photo gallery.

6 Hot Weather Tips For Your Family Pet

2011-05-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

The forecast for the majority of North Carolina this week is between the high 80's and low 90's. This is the first wave of heat we have experienced in 2011, so it's always good to have a reminder of how to deal with the heat. Well, you know how to keep yourself cool and hydrated if you're working or playing outside, but what about your furry loved ones? Below are 6 tips on making sure your family pets stay safe as the mercury rises. We also added a bonus video from FoxNY below the tips.

1. Shade & Hydrate
If you're going to take it outside with your pets, always make sure to have some cool, clean water around where they can get a drink when they become dehydrated. After a little outside exercise in the heat, make sure you have a spot at the park or around your house where your pet can sit in the shade and relax.

2. Keep an Eye Out For Warning Signs
Just like humans, pets have warning signs when they are overheating. These include excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor and collapse. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting are also signs of overheating.

3. Take Some Off The Top
Depending upon the breed, some pets have very thick, long coats. Take your pet to a reputable groomer and let them know you want your pet to be protected from the sun, but also have a light coat to stay cool during the warm days.

4. NEVER Leave Your Pet In a Parked Car
Parked cars on hot days can become very, very hot. Sliding the windows down won't help much either. If you can't bring them with you to your destination, just don't bring them at all.

5. Ice, Ice Baby
It will take no time for water dishes left in the heat to become hot. Check on your pets outside water supply during the day and drop in some ice cubes to keep the water cool.

6. Morning and Late Evening Walks
If you get off work at 3pm and go home and walk your pet, you may want to think about delaying the walk to later in the evening. With the hot weather comes hot asphalt and concrete. These can easily burn the paws of your pet. If you're able to, a good morning walk when the sun is just coming up would be good as well.

Pet Heat Safety Tips: MyFoxNY.com

* Photo courtesy of Gore Fiendus via Flickr Creative Commons.

The FDA and Avandia: Dr. Harlan Krumholz On The Need For Quicker Protection of Patients

2011-05-23T13:34:00.001-04:00

In the summer of 2010, the diabetes drug Avandia was in the news almost daily. News studies that said Avandia increased heart risk were released. The drug was the center of attention for a FDA Advisory Panel meeting. These studies and hearings led to the FDA limiting the access and placing significant restrictions on the drug in the US. With all this being said, these restrictions were not placed on the drug the day after the hearings or the final decision to limit access. Like stated above, this all happened nearly a year ago. Prescribing requirements for Avandia stay the same today as they were before the Advisory Panel meeting in July of 2010.

Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a professor at Yale University School of Medicine, reports that the way the drug is prescribed is finally undergoing major changes (Please read Dr. Krumholz full article on Forbes.com)

● Prescribers will need to be certified. This will involve a training program and a signed agreement that the prescriber will register patients who will be taking the drug.

● The drug can only be filled at certified pharmacies that have a system in place to ensure the patient is enrolled in the registry.

● Patients must sign a form that they understand the risks associated with taking Avandia.

In addition to sharing the new systems of prescribing Avandia, Dr. Krumholz also touches on the pace of the FDA to implement this new system. He notes:

This system will be implemented over the subsequent 6 months. That’s a total of fourteen months elapsed before the way patients and doctors access Avandia (rosiglitazone), manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, will change.

What became clear yesterday is that the system moves too slowly. If the FDA needs to act to protect patients – if that decision is made – then it should act quickly.

Dr. Krumholz makes many strong points in his article. We urge you to take a look at the full text on his blog by clicking here.

Are Insurance Companies Looking Out For You? CNN's Anderson Cooper Investigates the Auto Insurance Industry

2011-05-10T15:17:00.002-04:00

In these two videos below, CNN's Anderson Cooper investigates tactics of the auto insurance industry to maximize profits by limiting payments to accidents victims. The videos feature two cases of ladies who were involved in accidents. One lady was offered $15,000 which was only a little over half of her medical bills.

The second lady, who was hit by an insurance company employee, was only offered $2,000 when her medical bills and lost time at work was around $15,000.

The videos offer a glimpse into a strategic approach by insurance companies. "Deny, Delay, Defend"

Check these videos out. Some of the tactics you see will surprise you.

The Most Popular Baby Names of 2010

2011-05-09T14:36:00.001-04:00

The Social Security Administration recently released the top 10 baby names given to boys and girls in 2010. For boys, Jacob took the top spot for the 12th year in a row. For the girls, Isabella took the top spot unseating 2009's winner, Emma. Below you will find the top 10 list for each gender for 2010:

Male Names:

1. Jacob

2. Ethan

3. Michael

4. Jayden

5. William

6. Alexander

7. Noah

8. Daniel

9. Aiden

10. Anthony

Female Names:

1. Isabella

2. Sophia

3. Emma

4. Olivia

5. Ava

6. Emily

7. Abigail

8. Madison

9. Chloe

10. Mia

Want to check out the most popular names of each gender dating all the way back to 1879? Just click here to do some research.

* Photo courtesy of Hammer51012 via Flickr Creative Commons.

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T11:28:00.000-04:00

Hardison & Cochran wishes all mothers a Happy and Peaceful Mother's Day!

* Photo courtesy of AlexanderY via Flickr Creative Commons

Friday Feed #76: Motorcycles

2011-05-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

Did you know May is motorcycle awareness month across the nation? In honor of the two wheels (unless you own a trike), the open road, the leather and most importantly the sense of freedom one gets when riding, were making this week's Friday Feed about motorcycles. Saddle up and hold on.

How Low Can You Go?
Causal motorcycle riding and riding a motorcycle for competition are two different beasts. Want to know how different? Click the head line above.

Don't Mess With The Honda Six
We all know you don't mess with the Zohan, but why not mess with a Honda produced motorcycle. Story time: In 1966 Honda produced the RC166. In the same year, the RC166 went 10 for 10 in World Championship races. The bike also has a pretty sweet sound to it. Check out the videos.

Famous Men and Their Motorcycles
Check out the relationship ten famous men share for their beloved motorcycles.

So You Want to Know How Motorcycle Suspensions Work?
Well you came to the right place.

Have $160,000 Burning a Hole in Your Pocket?
Well, good news, you can get an all carbon fiber titanium Ducati.

7 Beach Safety Tips For The Summer

2011-05-05T12:31:00.001-04:00

We're on the cusp of beach season here in North Carolina. While going to the beach is a great get away from the everyday grind, make sure you stay safe while you're having some fun this summer. Be sure to check over the beach safety tips below. We've also added videos below the tips that also offer beach safety tips. If you're staying in the state of North Carolina, going to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina or taking it down to Florida or over to the West Coast, please have an awesome trip this summer and stay safe!

1. Never Swim Alone - Swimming in the ocean is a lot different than swimming in a pool. If you're going to have some fun in the ocean, make sure you take a friend or loved one out with you.

2. Stay Alert For Others - Not all people take the advice above. If you notice someone or a group of children swimming alone or without any kind of adult supervision, keep an eye on them. Make sure they are staying safe. At the first sign of any trouble, alert a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not on duty, throw the person who is in trouble something that floats and call 911.

3. Let Them Know - If you find yourself in the ocean and in any kind of trouble, let someone know. Tread water and raise your arms and yell to let someone know you need help. Do not panic. If you do, you may exhaust all the energy you have. Stay calm, but let someone know you need help by physical actions and verbal pleas.

4. Make Note of Lifeguards - Before you go into the ocean, make sure you make a note of where the lifeguard stand is located. This will come in handy if you see any trouble or are in trouble yourself.

5. Drink Plenty of Water - If you're spending the whole day at the beach, make sure to get plenty of fluids in your body. You don't want to be in the ocean swimming and a leg muscle cramp up due to dehydration.

6. Protect Your Skin - Always put on sun screen when you are going to be at the beach for an extended period of time. Reapply when exiting the water and hourly depending upon how easily you burn. If you have one or can rent one, get a beach umbrella to shield the sun. Remember, the sun is at it strongest point between 10am - 4pm.

7. Bring a First Aid Kit - You have it all. The beach ball. The cooler. The drinks. The snacks. The football. Make sure you pack a small first aid kit too. You never know what is going to happen, so always be prepared if something does happen. Even if it is a small cut from stepping on something while walking, at least you'll have the means to prevent an infection if you bring a first-aid kit.

5 Questions Answered About North Carolina Car Accidents

2011-05-04T13:35:00.000-04:00

1. I gave a recorded statement to the insurance company of the woman who hit my car. Now I’m thinking about getting legal representation. Is there a problem?

You may still seek and obtain legal representation after giving a recorded statement. With that being said, any statement you make can be used later against you.

2. I was injured in a crash where a truck driver was at fault. Can I receive money for time I missed at work?

You can recover lost wages when you have missed time from work due to injuries from the accident. In order to recover the lost wages, you need to have doctor’s verification of the time missed along with verification from your employer for the time you missed along with what amount of money you earned.

3. Can a passenger in the car recover for injuries caused by the driver?

If the driver was negligent in the accident, then usually a passenger can recover from the driver for injuries the passenger sustained. However, if the passenger contributed to the accident in any way, he could be barred from recovery. For instances if the driver was drunk and the passenger knew or should have known, the passenger would be considered contributory negligent and would be barred from recovering from the driver or the driver’s insurance.

4. What if I cannot afford to pay my medical bills?

If you suffer injuries from a car accident, you will likely have medical bills from physicians, hospitals, physical therapists, and other health care providers. Under North Carolina’s law, you are primarily responsible for paying your bills, regardless of the cause of your injuries. The at-fault person’s liability insurance carrier is responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages incurred, which includes medical bills, but the insurance carrier is not responsible for paying your doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Sometimes the amount the insurance company is willing to pay is far less than the actual amount you owe.

5. Am I liable for damages to my employer’s car because of a rear-end accident that occurred while I was using the car on my employer’s business?

If you were rear-ended and the accident was not your fault you should not be liable for damages. However, if you are at-fault and rear-ended the vehicle you and your company can be liable for the other person’s damages.

Hardison & Cochran: Making Muscles, Making A Difference

2011-05-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has a new theme! Well, it started about a year ago with the last MDA Telethon, but it is slowly making its way across the United States. The theme is "Make a Muscle, Make a Difference." The gesture to convey this meaning is a simple flexing of the bicep muscle(s). See examples here, here and here. We got the camera out last week and asked some members of the Hardison & Cochran team to make a muscle:

5 More Questions Answered On Social Security Disability

2011-04-26T09:52:00.000-04:00

Board Certified Social Security Law Specialist, Blair Biser takes on 5 questions concerning Social Security Disability.

1. So I’m not completely disabled. I’ve been declared 60% disabled by someone else. Can I get partial social security benefits?

No. With social security benefits, it’s all or nothing. You are either disabled or not disabled. However, if your condition keeps you from doing any past work or any other kind of full-time work, you are disabled by Social Security’s standards.

2. I was injured on the job and I’m getting Worker’s Compensation payments. Can I receive Social Security disability benefits too?

Yes, most likely, if you are approved for Disability Insurance benefits. However, your benefit amount may be reduced depending on how much you receive in Worker’s Compensation payments.

You will most likely not be able to receive Supplemental Security Income if you are receiving Worker’s Compensation payments. However, this depends on the amount you receive.

3. I’m receiving early retirement benefits from Social Security. Can I get disability benefits also?

Yes. If you apply for disability benefits before full retirement age, you may also receive disability benefits that will supplement your early retirement benefit.

4. My doctor says I’m disabled. So why haven’t I been approved?

According to Social Security, you have to meet their standards of disability. These standards for determining disability are much stricter than your doctor’s standards. In order to be declared disabled by social security, you must meet the following criteria:

1.You are not involved in any substantial gainful activity (In other words, you are not doing a job that earns you more than $860 per month in 2006)
2.You have a severe mental or physical impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months
3.You are unable to perform any past work
4.You are unable to perform or to be trained to perform any other less demanding work

5. Can I work and receive disability benefits at the same time?

If you are a participant of the Ticket to Work program, you may train to work or work and receive disability benefits for a limited time. This incentive program encourages people to try to go back to work once they no longer have a disability. Eventually, once you are able to sustain yourself by working, your benefits will be discontinued.

You should not try to hide your work from Social Security if you are receiving disability payments. If Social Security discovers that you have been working, it may declare that it has overpaid you for the period that you have been working and require you to pay back the overpayment.

North Carolina House Bill 709 Committee Meeting In Pictures

2011-04-25T13:38:00.000-04:00

On April 21st, the NC House Committee on Tort Reform met and discussed North Carolina House Bill 709. The meeting, which was held at the North Carolina Legislative Building in Downtown Raleigh, didn't go by quietly as many advocates for injured workers and injured workers themselves filled the room and even the halls outside of the room where the meeting was being held. Below are some pictures from last Thursday's meeting:

Hardison & Cochran attorneys, John Paul Godwin, Ben Cochran and Adam Bridwell.

Folks try to get a peek into the meeting room from outside.

Another shot of folks outside of the meeting room trying to get a look in.

A look inside the meeting room.

NC Chamber Expecting A Battle With Workers' Compensation Reform (NC House Bill 709)

2011-04-21T09:37:00.001-04:00

The past few days we've been posting frequently on NC House Bill 709. The bill aims to reform the North Carolina workers' compensation act. Yesterday, News & Observer blog "Under the Dome", which is the "inside source on North Carolina politics and government", touched on the NC House Bill 709 with a little blurb. In a nutshell, the post states how the North Carolina Chamber is urging its members to start giving money to amp up for the workers' compensation reform battle. Below is an excerpt from a memo from the president of the North Carolina Chamber, Lew Ebert:

"Plaintiffs' lawyers and labor unions are already mounting a well-financed, coordinated attack on this [Chamber-supported] bill. They flooded the legislature ... to oppose the legislation even before it had been introduced!"

...more from Ebert in an e-mail to the members of the North Carolina Chamber.

"Our lobbyists are working around-the-clock and going toe-to-toe with our opposition — but it will take an organized, united business community to get this legislation passed!"

The Raleigh Rescue Mission Needs Your Help

2011-04-19T16:46:00.002-04:00

Below from Raleigh Rescue Mission's Official Website:

Loss of power due to last week's tornado cost us nearly all of our refrigerated food and did damage to our children's playground and storage shed, but praise God that main building is intact and that all clients and staff are safe. The tornado left Raleigh Rescue Mission without power until early Monday morning and as a result, all the food in our cooler spoiled. We are in need of some perishable items to help re-stock our cooler. Items most needed are: eggs, cheese, margarine, yogurt, mayonnaise, salad dressings (especially Ranch, Thousand Island and French), juices, sandwich meat and breakfast meats. Please bring all food donations to 314 E. Hargett Street.

The folks at Raleigh Rescue Mission are a great group. If you have the ability to donate, please keep them in mind.

One Reader's Thoughts on NC House Bill 709 "Protect and Put Back to Work"

2011-04-19T14:36:00.001-04:00

Last week, we posted about the NC House Bill 709, short titled "Protect and Put NC Back to Work". The proposed bills aim is to reform the current North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. In that post, we asked for some reader feedback on what you thought about the bill. Today, the response below came in from Kimberly:

Yes, I believe the people that get hurt on the job should get their compensation. It should also include pain and suffering. The workers are on the job doing their best to help your company and to provide quality service which you strive for, and when they get hurt "the company" don't want to pay the employee. That's not right. The employees have families to provide for just like the employer have families to provide for. If "WE" the employee didn't provide good customer service or do our job, "which is the reason why we got hurt in the first place" The employee and employer would be out of a jobs. Take care of your people, and your people will take care of you!

Sounds like Kimberly is passionate about this bill and passionate about workers' rights to fair compensation after an on the job injury. Thank you Kimberly for your time in giving us your thoughts about the NC House Bill 709. To see the official draft of the bill, please click here.

* Photo courtesy of steakpinball via Flickr Creative Commons.

Helping With Tornado Recovery Across North Carolina

2011-04-18T15:45:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, tornadoes swept through North Carolina leaving a path of destruction in their wake. After the weather calmed down, the North Carolina people, as they always do, started looking for ways to help. Below you will find links to various pages where the need for help is listed. At Hardison & Cochran, our thoughts are with all those individuals and families who have suffered from this weekend's damaging storms and tornadoes.

ME3 Facebook Page
WRAL Channel 5 Facebook Page
Wake County Government
Groups, Red Cross Rally to Help Storm Victims - Raleigh News & Observer
Tornado aftermath: How to help - Hometown Hope Mills Blog
Residents work together to help tornado victims in Bladen Co. - WECT Channel 6
Samaritans Purse
City of Fayetteville, NC
City of Raleigh, NC

If you know of any additional volunteer efforts which are not listed, please contact us and we will place them on the list.

Hardison & Cochran Investigators See All, Lessons To Be Learned

2011-04-13T11:47:00.000-04:00

On our main website, there is a line on the top right of the page that reads "Call Us 24/7, We Come to You." This means that our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The part that says we come to you means that when you call and we agree to take your case, we send out an investigator to come to where ever you may be in North Carolina to find out more about your situation and help you get signed up.

Over the years, our investigators have traveled a lot of miles across North Carolina. Big cities, small cities, large towns, small towns it doesn't matter we go to them all to get people the help they need. Along the way, our investigators get to meet all kinds of great people across North Carolina. This morning, Investigator Justin Fagge met a new kind friend on the back roads of Macon, North Carolina. The picture above pretty much says it all.

There is a lesson to be learned here. When driving, even on the back roads of the Tar Heel state, you must always stay alert as to what is coming next. Thankfully, the farm animal was on the side of the road and not in the road. In early November, we posted a blog about how North Carolina is a "high-risk" state when it comes to vehicles colliding with deer and other kinds of wildlife. So make sure if you're in an area where it looks like wildlife or farm animals may be present that even though the roads may look clear, you just don't know what is going to be over that next hill.