Top Workers Compensation Blogs for 2011

This blog has again been honored by its 2011 selection into the top 25 worker's comp blogs in the country by LexisNexis. This is our fourth year in a row. But I really liked what they said about this blog because it brings home the point that good writing about this tough area need not be boring at all and perhaps even worthwhile to our readers. Here from the LexisNexis website is what was said:

" Who says workers' comp writing has to be boring? Colorado Workers' Comp Blog, offered by Colorado Springs Attorney Richard Falcone, is an excellent example of an attorney who writes with depth and clarity, all the while sprinkled with flair and even humor. Falcone, who writes from the perspective of the injured and disabled worker, continues to provide readers with commentary and analysis. Falcone's September 16, 2011 post, entitled "New Court Case on Medical Benefits," and his May 13, 2011 article, "Munoz Court Case on DIME waiver," sift through complex medical issues with relative ease. He also enjoys the hypothetical-his February 4, 2011, "Does Charlie Sheen Have a Workers' Comp Claim," reacts to a whimsical question posted on a satirical blog, "the Spoof," regarding the antics of the former star of television's Two and a Half Men."

Retirement is coming soon!

While I shall continue to publish this blog it is just about my time to retire from an active law practice. I am not taking any new matters and only seeking to resolve all the remaining cases that I have. What I can say to all those thinking about and searching for an attorney is whenever possible at least consult with an attorney about your case. The laws and rules involving workers compensation and Social Security disability are quite complex. Thinking it is just common sense and form work is a major mistake. Deadlines are not to be ignored and some matters seem to go against common sense. The reason is that these areas are creatures of statute. Benefits, rights and responsibilities are what the law says they are not what you think it should be. Entire claims can be lost by assuming something that is not so. So it is better to consult to assess what can be done and if you need legal help. Claims that look like small matters or you are told are minor can be worth an enormous sum. Never rely on the accuracy of what you are being told by your employer or the insurer. Just protect yourself and the best way to do that may well be with an attorney. I have nothing to gain here because I am retiring but I know this...wherever possible use an experienced attorney. Even cases where you think the offer to settle is decent may actually be worth much more. Even where all is going along fine so you think you are being taken care of by the insurer please consult with an attorney. Too much may be at stake financially, medically and emotionally to not obtain good legal advice. And do not be afraid to check with more then one attorney. It is your claim and your future that is at stake. As I head into the sunset of my practice I can say that the legal profession has been rewarding not just financially but in making a difference for others. You usually do it one person and one case at a time but you also achieve real results for real people. You also stand up for those injured and disabled just when they are most vulnerable. For me that has been very special. So thanks for allowing me to help. I shall continue however to write and speak up in this blog for as long as I can.

Larson's National Workers Comp Advisory Board

I have just been invited to become a member of Larson's National Workers Compensation Advisory Board. This is maintained by LexisNexis a very large legal publisher. I do appreciate the invitation and accepted. So from time to time I'll provide information to them on Colorado workers comp matters. Larson's Workers Compensation Law is historically the major publication and source of knowledge in this field. With the internet much is now moving onto the web. For example I do my legal research using Westlaw which maintains a searchable database of legal materials. In the old days we had to search through digests and state law books followed by "shepardizing" cases just to verify the decided issue was still good law. Now we can do all this and more in less time.

Changing Offices

We've just finished moving offices and it went quite smoothly all things considered. I had been out near the Citadel Mall area at one office for some 16 years. It was an excellent office but time for a change. We moved just north of downtown to 730 North Weber Street and also to another location more convenient to our operations. It's a 21st Century way to operate. The problems of moving after such a long time are significant. We had an enormous number of files. We decided on a new phone system and of course needed new stationery. All the details were handled although we are still waiting added changes to our phone system. What sticks with me as we went through with the move is how many people we've represented over the years. It was a trip down memory lane as I reviewed all of our records. Some of those cases were considered lost causes but turned out fine. It reminded me to keep emphasizing to people to get an experienced attorney on your side if at all possible. Even so called lost causes need not be so with competent help. Thinking an insurance company will max out your benefits is unrealistic. You may even think everything is going along fine but please understand the insurance wants to save money. That fact means they seek to minimize and close a case as soon as possible. It is the nature of the profit system and it conflicts with obtaining maximum benefits in almost all cases. With an attorney you increase the odds in your favor often by 50 to 100 percent or more.

Author

Thought it might be nice to post a photo just like authors have on the back of their book. Of course I don't have a book yet so this will have to do. At least now you know I'm not just words on paper...uhh make that words on the internet.

I'm New At This

I'm new at blogging but felt this is a good place to post comments and new happenings in Colorado workers compensation. I apologize in advance for any typos or grammatical errors of any kind. This is not a place for legal advice on any claim. While I practice in the Colorado Springs area and do take some appointments the point of this blog is to provide my views in the area of workers compensation. Consider my postings more as an editorial. For example I handle cases from the claimants viewpoint so you can expect my perspective will be towards the injured workers and not the insurer/employer. Nonetheless I will try to be objective and welcome any comments by others. I will try to keep up you up to date with changes in the field and with matters I consider important but please realize this is a blog not a legal publication. I'd rather be freewheeling and personal in my comments not legalistic. Lastly when I post it may include non-legal matters but again I apologize. If I'm boring pass me by; if I'm annoying pass me by; if I'm saying something you agree with or disagree with then let me know about it!