Friday Comp Comics

Comp Comics

Amber Gould Joins Memphis Office

Pollan Dobbs is pleased to announce that Amber Gould has joined our team as a legal assistant for attorney Jared Martin.  Amber was born and raised in Memphis,  TN and has over five years of legal experience.  She received her Associates Degree in Paralegal Technology from Northwest Mississippi Community College.  

In her free time Amber enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time at the lake, taking the 4-runner out into the woods to do some rock crawling, and anything that takes her outdoors.

Call us at 888.931.COMP (2667) or visit our website and get a proper analysis of all your claims' lawful benefits.

Experienced/Hard Working Louisiana Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Pollan Dobbs, PLLC is proud to offer our Louisiana Workers' Compensation clients the services of our experienced and hard working attorneys - Jennifer Eddington Priebe and Rob Lunsford.

Call us at 888.931.COMP (2667) or visit our website and get a proper analysis of all your claims' lawful benefits.

Thursday Comp Comics

MS 2016 Weekly Maximum Benefit and Mileage Rate Announced

The Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission has posted the 2016 Maximum Benefits and Mileage rates. For all injuries that occur in 2016, the maximum weekly disability benefit will be $468.63  The maximum lifetime disability benefit will be $210,883.50.  These rates are maximums (not minimums) and depending on a worker's average weekly wage, the benefits could be different.  Calculation of an injured workers average weekly wage is extremely important.

The mileage reimbursement for 2016 has also been set at .54 cents per mile.  The mileage rates apply to all travel to and from related medical appointments with some exceptions.  We strive to make sure all injured workers receive the correct amount for mileage reimbursements and that the mileage is paid as quickly as possible.

Call us at 888.931.COMP (2667) and get a proper analysis of all your claim's lawful benefits.  

Pollan Dobbs, PLLC adds new Receptionist

Pollan Dobbs would like to welcome our new receptionist - Ariel Briley. Ariel was born in Baton Rouge, LA but moved to Mississippi during high school. She graduated from Holmes Community College with Honors, then went on to obtain her Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and baking.

Tuesday Comp Comics

Sabrina Shrader added in Jackson, MS office

Pollan Dobbs is pleased to announce that Sabrina Shrader has joined our team as a legal assistant for attorney Brad Baskin.  Sabrina was born and raised in Pulaski, TN and moved to Mississippi in 1998.  A  resident of the Jackson Metro area for many years, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.  She loves football (University of TN), reading, hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors.   

She was an Honors graduate at Forest Hill High School and a top Honors graduate at Hinds Community College.  Sabrina has extensive paralegal experience handling workers' compensation claims.  She has volunteered for Blair E. Batson as well as Stew Pot.  She also supports  numerous 5k runs for charitable causes (Little Lighthouse, Color Run, Wounded Warrior Run, Color Me Rad, Warrior Dash).  All of us here at Pollan Dobbs are excited to welcome Sabrina.

Injured Workers Under Seige

In state after state, Workers' Comp changes means shoddy treatment for injured workers.  Calls for so called 'reform' come as employers are paying premiums rates at a 4 decade low.  Added to that, the insurance sector is seeing decade high profits.

So why the need for reform?  Greed.  More than 2/3 the states in the US have reduced worker benefits or made legitimate benefits more difficult to attain.  The new rules have sent millions across America into a spiral of debt, poverty, and a fight for their very health.  Some states like Tennessee are considering allowing your employer to do away with workers' compensation coverage all together. 

The bottom line:  Record profits and low premiums aren't enough and the only way to squeeze more value is to take it out of the very blood and living dignity of our American workforce.  Reductions in disability, and arbitrary denial of legitimate medical treatment are now routine in the name of profit.  In state after state, we are finding that workers who once handled routine claims on their own are needing assistance just to make the insurance companies follow the law. 

This is no longer the workers' compensation system of even the recent past.  If you are hurt, you owe it to yourself and your family to get help from a legal professionals.

Pollan Dobbs, PLLC
888.931.COMP (2667)

Goldfish Racing!

When they aren't helping injured workers, some of our attorneys enjoy high speed down-time at the racetrack.  Rob Lunsford is a part of the Gold Fish Racing Team and recently Brad Baskin joined up for a day at the track.  Goldfish Racing participated in the "Eights to Open, Trips to Win" endurance auto race in Houston, TX.  Despite a bit of rain and the obligatory mechanical issue, a fun time was had by all.

 

 

Workers' Comp Questions? Get Answers Before Problems Start

Do you or someone you know have questions about a workplace injury?  Do you know someone unsure about how workers' comp works, or what their options might be through the process?  We can help.

Our office can give the information injured workers need to make an informed decisions for their health and future employment.

• What happens when the insurance company won't approve treatment? Pay bills?
• Can you choose your own doctor?
• Can you be fired for filing a Workers' Comp claim?
• When do I get mileage?
• How much should I be paid for my time off work?
• What happens when I'm not being paid?
• Will hiring an attorney hurt your claim?
• Will attorney fees make my settlement smaller than I'd see on my own?

Our toll free HOTLINE is available for free consultation without obligation to hire an attorney.
Ask your question online 24 hours a day.
Our clients never pay a dime out of pocket for our services.
We solve problems before they start and negotiate settlements for top dollar.

Call the HOTLINE - 888.931.COMP (2667)

Associates Rob Lunsford and Brad Baskin in the News

The Clarion Ledger recently highlighted two associates at Pollan Dobbs.  Rob Lunsford works at the downtown New Orleans office.  Rob handles both Louisiana and Mississippi claims for injured workers.  Brad Baskin works in the downtown Jackson, MS office.  Brad represents injured workers in Mississippi with a unique background:  He's been a workers' comp defense attorney and he now represents workers who've been hurt on the job.

When Employers Fail to Secure Workers' Comp Coverage

In Mississippi, most companies who employ five or more workers are required by law to purchase workers' compensation insurance.  While most businesses are compliant, a growing number of companies are failing to meet this basic and important requirement.  It should be noted that failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance when required is a criminal offense in Mississippi. When a worker is injured on the job and their employer has failed to secure comp insurance a complicated and often times disastrous set of events begins.  The negative effects to companies are only trumped by the serious harm suffered by the injured worker.  Resolution of this specific subset of workers' comp claims requires the assistance of an attorney skilled in handling workers' compensation matters as well as other related aspects of the law.  Many lawyers that regularly assist injured workers or handle personal injury matters shy away from these type of cases.  The lawyers at Pollan Dobbs have handled numerous cases of this sort and have found creative solutions that benefit the injured worker first and also serve the interest of the employer to a limited extent.  Cases where workers have been hurt on the job and no insurance is present are complicated and rife with potential pitfalls not normally present in a run of the mill workers' comp claim. From determining whether to pursue the claim inside or outside of the administrative process to negotiating with companies who threaten to file bankruptcy, it is essential that injured workers make the right choice when selecting their advocate.  Our firm has helped many injured workers as well as attorneys who have referred us these type of cases and each time we have worked to secure a favorable result for all involved.

--Carter Dobbs, III

VA Disability? Social Security Disability? Workers' Comp? We Can Help!

Many people try to handle their disability issues alone.  There's no need when our HOTLINE is available.  Every year thousands of people see needless delays because they waited to ask questions or seek help.  Always remember--It costs nothing to call Pollan Dobbs, PLLC and make sure you're on the right track!

Happy New Year!

We here at Pollan Dobbs, PLLC wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving from Pollan Dobbs, PLLC

We at Pollan Dobbs, PLLC would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

Employers without Workers' Comp Coverage can Face Serious Penalties.

Employers can pay a high price for ignoring workers' compensation rules.

Workers' Compensation coverage, or some similar policy for injured workers, is required for nearly every job in the United States.  Some employers try to avoid their legal obligations by avoiding their Workers' Compensation coverage completely. Many employers don't realize this opens their business to large unnecessary liability, fines and even jail.

Chicago, IL (WorkersCompensation.com) - Another uninsured employer has pled guilty to a Class 4 felony for refusing to obtain workers' compensation insurance. John Linek, individually and as President of SMS Logistics of Chicago, has been ordered to pay a $10,000 penalty for refusing to obtain workers compensation insurance. The IWCC's Insurance Compliance Unit had been requesting compliance with the Act from this trucking firm since 2010.

Insurance Companies Simplify the Process...Just Not for You!

...That's where we come in.  Pollan Dobbs, PLLC simplifies Workers Comp for the injured worker.

New Pollan Dobbs, PLLC Newsletter

Our firm regularly offers a Newsletter about Workers' Compensation and Disability issues.  Please click below to see the latest issue and email us here to be added to the mailing list!  Always remember, you can get help online at www.PollanDobbs.com or on the HOTLINE at 888.931.COMP (2667)

Rob Lunsford is the Newest Addition to the New Orleans Office

We are quite proud to announce attorney Rob Lunsford as the newest addition to the Pollan Dobbs, PLLC team.  Mr. Lunsford brings the skill and tenacity our clients have come to rely upon.  A graduate of Tulane University and Loyola University Chicago - School of Law, he calls New Orleans home. 

Fight to Unionize the Mississippi Nissan Plant Grows

For over a decade efforts have been made to unionize the Nissan automotive plant in Canton, MS.  Workers want to be able to negotiate over pensions, bonuses, and sharing the profits when the company performs well.  While some people may or may not support an effort to unionize the Nissan plant, a more serious problem is rearing it's head.  Instead of leaving the matter to an up or down vote, workers have been said to face intimidation to tilt the scales on when votes can be taken, how votes can be taken, and whether retaliation awaits workers who vote to unionize.

Nissan has often said it's workers overwhelmingly oppose unionization, but has not seemed willing to face a clean vote without sprinkling intimidation into the picture.

Interestingly, a new Report shows that Nissan will receive $1.3 billion in taxpayer handouts credits and incentives.  As reported in the MS Business Journal, the Mississippi Development Authority claims the study exaggerates the State's tax burden.  Unfortunately, they have not offered to show their alternative calculations.

On May 17, 2013 Nissan has stated they would respond later.

Nissan still has not addressed the issues a week later and workers still wait on a fair union vote.

Questions Answered Day or Night!

Pollan Dobbs, PLLC is one of the few places where Workers can get help on a toll-free hotline when they have questions about their workplace injury or Workers' Compensation claim.  Unfortunately, not everyone has time to make a call during normal business hours.  With our online system, this isn't a problem!

You can click here day or night and get professional help for your Workers' Comp questions.  Why face your claim alone when help is a click or call away? 

Lilly Cutter Joins the Pollan Dobbs New Orleans Office

We are happy to announce the addition of Lilly Cutter to our New Orleans office.  A native of Albuquerque, NM, she is a graduate of the University of New Mexico.  We are fortunate to have such a skilled new member on our legal team.  Ms. Cutter brings a range of previous legal experience to working with both Mississippi and Louisiana workers' compensation claims.

TN Employers to Pay Less for Firing Injured Workers.

The Daily News Journal reports the cold, hard truth about Gov. Bill Haslam's (R-TN) proposed new Workers' Comp law:  The new law would allow employers to take a discount when firing injured workers making a legitimate Workers' Comp claim.

This represents a new low for the Tennessee legislature when it comes to protecting the backbone of the state:  It's workers.  A fast track by the governor threatens to create a new bureaucracy that supporters confess will be a multi-million dollar burden on tax payers and will now give a break to employers when they fire able bodied workers.  With higher costs for taxpayers, rewards for employers targeting injured workers, and more hardships for the injured, we may have one of the most perfectly awful bills seen out of Nashville in years.