Howard Ankin

SSA Decides Not to Inform Claimants of Assigned ALJ Before Hearing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently instituted a policy that it will no longer provide prior notification of the Administrative Law Judge assigned to preside over an applicant’s social security disability hearing. The new ruling, which took effect December 19, 2011, has been met with much criticism among social security disability professionals. The ruling may have

Road Construction Safety Hazards

It is often said that there are two seasons in Chicago: winter and the road construction season. With several road construction projects underway in and around Chicago, it is important to be aware of various road construction safety hazards such as: Narrower lanes Reduced number of lanes Reduced visibility Cones, barriers, and other obstructions Presence

Did You Know?
  • If you are injured at work you may be able to recover compensation through a workers’ compensation claim as well as by filing a personal injury claim against responsible third parties.
  • A signed liability waiver may not be enough to bar your personal injury claim if willful acts or negligence caused your injuries.
  • Some SSDI claims qualify for expedited processing, allowing claimants to obtain approval in a matter of days or weeks.

What You Need to Know About Your OSHA Whistleblower Rights

Employers are required to comply with a number of laws in an effort to prevent work-related accident and injuries. Not only are employers obligated to follow the safety regulations put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but they are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for their role in reporting

Increasing the Likelihood of a Successful Social Security Disability Application

Before applying for social security disability benefits – whether Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – there are several things to consider and certain actions you can take to increase the likelihood of receiving social security disability benefits. You can greatly increase the likelihood of receiving social security disability benefits by submitting a complete and thorough application,

Role of Chronic Conditions in Pediatric Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is when a doctor or other medical professional injures a patient due to negligence. When you seek medical care, there is an expectation that you will be treated according to accepted standards of practice. When your care deviates from these standards and results in injury, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries suffered

Inside the Sacred Heart Hospital Investigation

n The Medicare fraud scandal at Chicagou2019s Sacred Heart Hospital continues to shock and horrify, with alarming details about unnecessary medical treatment, substandard health care, and Medicare fraud emerging over the past several weeks. n n n Last month, the owner, a key executive, and five doctors of the hospital were charged with various crimes in connection

Studies Link Zoloft to Birth Defects

Zoloft, an antidepressant used to treat major depression in adult patients, as well as obsessive-compulsive, panic, and social anxiety disorders in both children and adults, has been linked to birth defects in several studies. Zoloft’s manufacturer, Pfizer, has been named in hundreds of lawsuits as a result. As we reported in July 2012, nearly 100 Zoloft