Mossman Law Office Boise SSDI Attorney | Idaho Workers Compensation Claims Lawyer | Twin Falls Caldwell ID 2026-08-10T17:05:12Z https://www.mossmanlaw.us/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1605408/2026/04/cropped-mossman_law_site_icon-32x32.png On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Spinal cord injuries can have significant long-term effects]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48949 2026-08-10T17:05:12Z 2026-08-10T17:05:12Z time in a rehabilitation center. During that time, they may start to think about modifications they need to make so life will be a little easier when they make it home.

Modifications can be costly

There are many modifications that might be necessary when a person with a spinal cord injury is ready to return home. Transportation is often the first challenge, especially if a person is in a wheelchair. This could mean they need a new vehicle that can accommodate their wheelchair. They may also need to have modification of their home completed. This may include installing ramps, widening doorways, remodeling bathrooms, lowering counters and changing furniture, all with the purpose of being more accessible. Each of those modifications can be costly, especially if the person has lost their income and has mounting medical bills. For individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence may opt to pursue a compensation claim. The claim should include all the damages related to the injury at issue, including the modification expenses. It’s not always easy to determine the amount of damages to which a spinal cord injury victim is entitled, which is one of the many reasons why it’s generally advisable to seek legal guidance when pursuing justice.]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Understanding workers’ compensation disability benefits]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48934 2026-07-31T12:27:23Z 2026-07-31T12:27:23Z Disability pay doesn't fully replace wages Workers’ compensation disability benefits do not provide 100% income replacement protection. Instead, both temporary and permanent disability benefits generally only replace up to two-thirds of a professional’s average weekly wage. Even then, the employee making the claim is subject to a statutory maximum benefit adjusted annually by the state. Those in particularly well-paid professions may find that the maximum benefit of amount available is significantly less than two-thirds of their usual weekly wages. Even though disability benefits only provide partial wage replacement, they are still crucial for the financial stability of those who cannot work due to job-related medical conditions. Having support during a workers’ compensation claim makes it easier for people to understand their rights and maximize the benefits they receive. An attorney can assist with paperwork and work to ensure that they receive the maximum amount of benefits possible.]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[When brain injury symptoms get worse after an accident]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48931 2026-07-17T13:37:27Z 2026-07-17T13:37:27Z If you suffer a head injury in an accident, whether it is a workplace accident or a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Even if the injury initially seems relatively minor, keep an eye on the symptoms to see if they get worse. This could demonstrate that it is much more serious than previously believed. For instance, in a jarring impact, you could suffer a concussion. The brain moves violently against the inside wall of the skull, which can cause an injury even if there is not any external damage. As a general rule, people recover from concussions relatively quickly, usually in a matter of weeks or potentially months. Their symptoms will generally be getting better the entire time. But if the symptoms are getting worse, it could be a more serious injury, like a subdural hematoma.

Bleeding around the brain

A subdural hematoma happens when there is bleeding in the tissues around the brain. Because the brain is confined within the skull, this means that pressure builds up. It also means that blood flow and oxygen can be cut off from certain parts of the brain, two things that can lead to severe harm. When symptoms are getting worse, it could indicate that this type of internal bleeding is happening and that emergency medical treatment is necessary. Symptoms could include dizziness, confusion, brain fog, headaches, migraines, memory loss, lack of motor skills and much more. If medical attention is not provided, a subdural hematoma can even become fatal. The key, then, is to take every head injury seriously and talk to medical professionals, just to ensure that there are not any underlying complications. Those who have suffered a serious TBI also need to know what legal options they have at this time.  ]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[How long must people work to be eligible for SSDI benefits?]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48921 2026-06-30T23:53:56Z 2026-06-30T23:53:56Z Applicants need enough credits The Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks payroll contributions and how much income people make. Workers can accumulate a maximum of four credits each year. In 2026, people can receive one credit for every $1,890 they earn. Anyone who makes $7,560 or more can accrue the maximum four credits. Most SSDI applicants are over the age of 31. They must have 40 total credits, 20 of which they earned in the last year, to qualify. Younger applicants may be eligible for benefits with fewer work credits. Young professionals just starting their careers can potentially be eligible for benefits with as few as six total credits. Reviewing work history and medical records with an SSDI attorney can help people determine if they are likely to qualify for benefits and if they need additional documentation before they apply. SSDI applicants with support while filling out paperwork and appealing unfavorable decisions often have a better chance of securing the benefits they need.]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[What you and your teen need to know about workers’ comp]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48920 2026-06-18T19:16:13Z 2026-06-18T19:16:13Z Who is eligible for workers’ comp in Idaho? While you certainly hope something that serious doesn’t happen to your child, it’s crucial that parents and their teens know that they have the same right to workers’ compensation as other employees in their workplace. The Idaho Industrial Commission states, “Employers with one or more full-time, part-time, seasonal, or occasional employees are required to maintain a workers’ compensation policy unless specifically exempt from the law.” This applies to minors as well as adults. Workers’ comp can cover medical care for work-related injuries and illnesses and help recoup some lost wages if a worker has to take any time off while they heal. It’s important for your teen to know about workers’ comp so that they don’t accept misinformation from their employer – whether that misinformation is intentional or not. Of course, it’s better if they aren’t injured in the first place. Summer and part-time employees have the same right to appropriate safety training and protective equipment as full-time employees. If your teen suffers a workplace-related injury or illness, it’s important for them and you to know their rights. Seeking legal guidance may be necessary if their employer tries to deny them those rights.]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Why meat processing plants need speed limits]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48915 2026-06-08T02:17:21Z 2026-06-08T02:17:21Z Speed is often viewed as a measure of productivity in meat and poultry processing facilities. However, when production lines move too quickly, worker safety can suffer. Employees in meat processing plants perform physically demanding, repetitive tasks while working around sharp tools, heavy machinery and fast-moving products. As line speeds increase, the risk of workplace injuries often increases as well. Recently, Democratic lawmakers called on the federal Food Safety and Inspection Service to halt its efforts to raise line speed limits at poultry-processing facilities and remove maximum speeds for pork processors permanently. Supporters of the request argue that higher production speeds may place workers at greater risk of injury and make it more difficult to maintain safe working conditions.

Speed can cause harm, speed can kill

The concerns of Democratic lawmakers are not difficult to understand. Workers on processing lines are often required to perform the same motions hundreds or even thousands of times during a shift. Faster line speeds may increase repetitive stress injuries affecting the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and back. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and chronic musculoskeletal disorders can develop when employees are unable to recover adequately between repetitive movements. Increased line speeds may also contribute to traumatic injuries. Employees working with knives, cutting equipment and mechanical machinery have less time to react to hazards when production demands accelerate. A momentary lapse in concentration or a slight miscalculation can result in serious lacerations, amputations or crush injuries. Fatigue is another significant concern. Workers attempting to keep pace with faster production lines may experience physical exhaustion, reduced concentration and slower reaction times. Fatigue itself can become a workplace hazard, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and accidents. Safety rules and production goals should not be viewed as competing priorities. Reasonable speed limits may help ensure that workers can perform their jobs safely while maintaining productivity. Proper staffing levels, adequate breaks, ergonomic workstations and realistic production expectations all contribute to safer workplaces.]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Why do young drivers have higher serious accident rates?]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48873 2026-05-26T15:00:18Z 2026-05-26T15:00:18Z Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that young drivers have a very high risk of being involved in serious accidents. For example, drivers between 16 and 19 years old have one of the highest fatal accident rates of any age group. These rates are high for a variety of reasons. For instance, the CDC notes that young drivers may engage in behaviors that increase their risks, such as not wearing a seatbelt. Driving at night can also increase the odds of being involved in a serious crash.  But these are risks for drivers of any age, so what is it about young drivers specifically that makes them more likely to be involved in fatal accidents?

A lack of experience may be the ultimate cause

One fundamental issue is that young drivers simply lack the experience that older drivers have. For example, the highest crash risk is often during the first few months after someone gets their driver’s license. At age 16, a driver’s crash rate per mile driven is 1.5 times higher than that of someone who is 18 or 19 years old. All of these drivers are teenagers, but the one who just received a license is more likely to be involved in an accident. Experience plays such a major role because it takes time for young drivers to develop their skills and abilities. They need practice and time behind the wheel. This helps them get better at identifying dangerous situations and learning how to respond safely. But because they need that real-world experience on the road, this also means they can put other drivers at risk as they learn. Those who have been injured in accidents caused by inexperienced young drivers may deserve financial compensation for medical bills and other damages.]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Mental conditions can also lead to SSDI claims]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48874 2026-05-14T17:50:29Z 2026-05-14T17:50:29Z Many SSDI claims center around physical disabilities. These physical limitations could make it impossible for a person to work in their chosen career. They are seeking benefits because the physical issues may be long-term, such as a spinal cord injury that will cause permanent mobility loss. However, it is important for people not to assume that a physical disability is necessary. Many mental or neurological conditions can also qualify for SSDI benefits. They may also keep an individual from obtaining gainful employment in much the same way that a physical ailment would, and so an SSDI claim is still necessary.

Potential examples from the Social Security Administration

Every mental condition is unique, and it is important to gather medical evidence while working with professionals to get an official diagnosis. This evidence helps define the condition and support the claim. But, as a good place to begin, the Social Security Administration lists 11 different categories of potential mental disorders to keep in mind:
  1. Trauma- and stress-related disorders, like PTSD
  2. Eating disorders
  3. Neurodevelopmental disorders
  4. Cognitive disorders
  5. Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
  6. Bipolar disorder or depressive disorder
  7. Autism spectrum disorder
  8. Impulse control disorders or personality disorders
  9. Certain intellectual disorders
  10. Obsessive-compulsive behavior or anxiety disorders
  11. Somatic symptom disorders
The SSA does note in many of these categories that “related disorders” can also qualify. So even if your diagnosis does not fit perfectly into one of these boxes, it may be possible to seek SSDI benefits. With a complex case, it can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney as you explore all of your options.  ]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Tailgating: Why do some drivers do it?]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48875 2026-04-28T08:09:01Z 2026-04-28T08:09:01Z Drivers are widely taught about the safe following distance. This starts during the initial training and continues with the popularized recommendation of the three-second rule. With this rule, when the car ahead passes a stationary object, the following car should pass the same object at least three seconds later.  Several counting methods are used to apply it. For example, counting, “One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand” or "One-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two, one-thousand-and-three.”  So, why do some drivers tailgate if the principle of safe following distance is widely known and recommended?

Common reasons drivers tailgate 

Several factors contribute to this behavior. These include:
  • Impatience – When a driver is in a hurry, they may tailgate to pressure the driver ahead to speed up, as they may believe the vehicle is slower, even if the driver is within the speed limit.
  • Road rage – A driver who is frustrated because they believe the driver ahead is slower or they were cut off may use tailgating to express their anger.
  • Distracted driving – A driver who is not paying attention to their driving may fail to maintain a safe following distance. 
  • Drunk driving – Alcohol impairs perception and judgment. A drunk driver may be unable to judge distances to the car ahead.
  • Inexperience – Inexperienced drivers sometimes don’t know how to accurately assess the space needed to safely stop at various speeds or conditions.
  • Pack mentality – Some drivers tend to mimic the behavior of surrounding cars, which can result in people acting as a “wolf pack” rather than independently. This is referred to as pack mentality, and it’s driven by psychological factors. Tailgating is one of the behaviors often mimicked. 
Knowing why drivers tailgate can help you respond safely when you encounter such behavior. Tailgating causes many accidents yearly, particularly rear-end crashes. If a tailgater injured you, learn more to know the steps to take to receive what you deserve.   ]]> On Behalf of Mossman Law Office <![CDATA[Idaho high court rules for worker whose injury was aggravated]]> https://www.mossmanlaw.us/?p=48876 2026-04-12T17:51:13Z 2026-04-12T17:51:13Z Being approved for workers’ compensation benefits is always a relief if you’ve been injured on the job. However, that initial approval may not be the end of your battles.  For example, what if something aggravates that initial injury and additional medical treatment is necessary? Do your workers’ comp benefits cover it?

An Idaho Supreme Court case

Early this year, the Idaho Supreme Court overruled the state’s Industrial Commission in the case of an injured worker who aggravated a work-related injury. The commission had denied the worker benefits for continued care. The case involved a drywall delivery driver who injured his ankle on the job back in 2019. He later suffered a recurrent tendon tear. These tears are commonly caused by overuse or improper healing of the original injury.

Multiple delays

The man had continued to suffer pain after surgery for that injury. However, his physician didn’t order imaging to look at it until 2021. Due to a medical error and an insurance authorization delay, the imaging wasn’t done until 2022.  While that imaging showed that it was a recurrent tear, the commission claimed there was no proof that it was related to the man’s original injury. It cited the delay in completing the scan, even though the man had complained about continued pain much earlier.  It claimed that this was evidence that he had reached maximum recovery before the recurrent tear. However, the court noted, “The gap in medical records was not evidence of recovery.”

Document any recurrences and other details

Many types of work-related injuries can become aggravated for any number of reasons. That’s why it’s important to notify your treating physician immediately and ensure that you get documentation that any additional treatment and/or time off work required is a result of that aggravation and not a new injury, your actions or lack of follow-up care. This can help ensure that your workers’ comp benefits continue. If you’re running into pushback from your employer or workers’ comp insurer, it may be worthwhile to get legal guidance to protect your right to continued compensation.]]>