Pacific Workers Compensation - May 2020

Pacific Post HowCOVID-19 Is AffectingWorkers’ Compensation Listen on ‘Work Comp Talk’ Podcast May 2020

As we deal with the COVID-19 (the coronavirus) pandemic, it’s our duty to stay up to date on the latest news in order to see how this situation affects our personal lives as well as our workers’ comp laws. However, as we’re staying inside more, it’s the perfect timing for us to launch our workers’ comp podcast, because COVID-19’s impact may change our current and future cases. Our first episode was actually on immigration laws for those who are undocumented and how workers’ comp comes into play. As the virus has spread, we’re fortunate that doctors have been readily available to talk about the situation and how to handle it properly for those without documents. In our second episode, we talked specifically about how COVID-19 affects workers’ comp laws. For first responders — like police officers, nurses, and many others in the public safety and health care fields — we can proceed with a claim for benefits due to contraction. If a first responder has developed a long-term illness and becomes infected, their treatment can be costly, but we are still figuring out how to handle that situation. However, if someone dies as a result of COVID-19, there are benefits that help reduce the financial burden on loved ones. We work with many first responders, and we want to be sure that they are not only safe but also taken care of in the event of infection. The first law that the COVID-19 outbreak prompted included defining what is considered an essential business and what

“In our second episode, we talked specifically about how COVID-19 affects workers’ comp laws.”

employees of those businesses are entitled to. If you’re in the health care field, in the food industry, or if you get infected in general, you are entitled to benefits to help you manage the situation, including paid time off to self- isolate for 14 days and workers’ comp pay. Washing your hands frequently and ensuring your workspace is clean are the best preventions. Employers have an obligation to slow the infection rate and should be doing their best to help their employees limit contact with others. This includes offering remote work opportunities for as many departments as possible. If an employee suspects that there is an outbreak in the area, then they need to inform their employer immediately. If the employer doesn’t act, then we suggest going to the appropriate medical authorities. Contracting the disease

at work is considered a work injury because you got it while on the job rather than bringing it to the workplace. Be warned: There is misinformation circulating about the disease, so it’s essential to check your sources. Stick to local news outlets and established news entities like Forbes and The Washington Post. If you have any questions or concerns, remember that we’re here, and you can call us anytime at 888-740-6463. If you want to keep up with our new podcast, visit PacificWorkers.com/about-us/work-comp-talk to listen to the latest episode!

– The Lawyers For Injured Workers

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The Silver Lining Bringing Us

COVID-19 has put a strain on the entire world. Our economy is unstable, social distancing has prompted some people’s depression symptoms to surface, and people are becoming increasingly worried about their physical health. While these are

valid issues, recognizing some silver linings can help us keep going through this unique time in our lives.

The NBA playoffs typically rule the sporting world fromApril to June every year, so there’s no better time to take a look back at some of the greatest championship runs in the league’s modern history. The 1991 Chicago Bulls Many Chicago fans remember where they were when the Bulls won their first title in 1991— in fact, most basketball fans know about this historic title run. The road to the championship took the Michael Jordan-led Bulls through Detroit. Back then, the Detroit Pistons were known as the“Bad Boys” in the NBA, and they won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. But the Bulls—backed by head coach Jim Boylen’s philosophy that every player on the teamhad value—shut down the Pistons on their route to the championship. The Bulls would go on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, win their first championship, and cement Michael Jordan’s legacy. The 2003 Los Angeles Lakers The early 2000s were a prime period for basketball, in large part thanks to Los Angeles Lakers legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. In 2003, the Lakers were looking for a repeat victory tomake themback-to-back NBA champions. Having gone 15-1 in the playoffs, the Lakers only lost once in the finals. This is evenmore impressive when you consider that the teams they faced housed six future Hall of Fame players and none had any major injuries. The Lakers would go on to win their second championship in a row and win once again the following year to join the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls as three- peat titleholders. The 2017Golden StateWarriors Much like their LA counterparts did in 2003, the Golden State Warriors were undefeated heading into the NBA Finals. Thanks to the addition of superstar Kevin Durant, the team’s regular-season record of 67-15 propelled them into a hot streak in the championships. What’s even more impressive about this season was the Warriors’ plus-13.5 point differential against championship-caliber teams, and they even managed to handily defeat future Hall of Fame player LeBron James when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. A Look Back at the Greatest NBA Playoff Runs in Modern History

Connection While we might be more secluded right now, many people are using apps like FaceTime and Skype to stay connected

with routine check-ins with friends, family, and neighbors This allows everyone to spend time with others and have quality conversations and shared experiences while observing social distancing.

As the virus spreads, we can see there are many different ways to handle this experience. Of course, our socioeconomic

Sticky and Sw

Inspired by Bon Appétit Whether you’re celebrating your mom or those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s no better recipe to grill up than these delectable country-style pork ribs.

Ingredients •

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1/2 tsp ground mustard Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, to taste 12 large eggs, hard- boiled Fresh parsley, minced, and paprika for garnish

1/2 cup mayonnaise

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2 tbsp milk

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1 tsp dried parsley flakes

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1/2 tsp dill weed 1/2 tsp fresh chives, minced

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Directions 1.

In a blender, purée garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine, chili oil, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth. 2. Reserve and chill 1 1/2 cups for later use. 3. In a bag, add the remaining mixture and pork shoulder. Marinate for at least 8 hours. 4. Using a convection plate on the grill, cook pork until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 140–145 F. 5. In a large saucepan, simmer brown sugar, molasses, and reserved marinade for 6–8 minutes. 6. Baste the pork with the brown sugar glaze for 2 minutes before serving.

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gs Of COVID-19 Us Together

position and health may differ, but right now, many are focusing on what they have in common and how they can help each other.

Health Now more than ever, people are taking their health seriously. For instance, those who have diabetes are watching their blood sugar levels much closer and avoiding junk food. Stores are selling out of soap, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Even those who are not at high risk are reviewing their diets and finding ways to boost their immune systems, including exercising at home, improving their sleep schedules, and trying new hobbies to stay positive and mentally healthy.

Fun May Celebrations

Given our current situation, it can be challenging to find things to look forward to or ways to appreciate the little things in life. But in May, there are several fun holidays you can celebrate while homebound with your friends and family. ‘Star Wars’ Day If you’ve ever thought “May the fourth” and “May the Force” sounded familiar, then you’re not alone. The entire “Star Wars” fandom has turned this lighthearted pun into a full holiday: May 4, “Star Wars” Day. If you have a “Star Wars” fan in your family, then take this as an opportunity to binge all their favorite “Star Wars”movies and TV shows. But the “Star Wars” franchise is more than just film and TV; there are several book series and board games you and your family can enjoy together too!

So, what are some of the silver linings you’ve found during this unique time? Let us know the next time we chat! We’re all optimistic, but we’re always looking for more silver linings and reasons to stay positive.

weet Pork ‘Ribs’

Free Comic Book Day Whether you and your family are Marvel or DC fans — or both! —May 2 is the best time to check out the comics! This day was established to invite new readers into the medium by offering an assortment of free comics from the storylines that the blockbuster movies are based on. Though in-person events have been postponed due to COVID-19, you can find 47 free comics on the Free Comic Book Day’s website, which are available at participating local stores or for purchase online.

National Paranormal Day If you have a ghoul and ghost lover in your family, then take this opportunity to stock them up on their favorite spooky movies and books, like “Ghostbusters”or “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”! If your family loves to tell stories, gather everyone around, turn off all the lights, grab a flashlight, and pass it around as you all swap ghostly tales! International Workers’ Day International Workers Day is May 1 and is a time to reflect and celebrate the workers’ rights everywhere. This holiday began after several union strikes were held on May 4, 1886, to protest unfair treatment of workers and unsafe working environments. Today this holiday has even greater significance for the global workforce and is celebrated in over 60 countries around the world.

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Inside This Issue

How COVID-19 Is Affecting Workers’ Comp

Celebrate the NBA Playoffs With Some Championship History

The Silver Linings Of COVID-19

Sticky and Sweet Pork ‘Ribs’

Fun May Celebrations

How to Avoid Allergies This Spring

Tackle Allergies This Spring With These 3 Strategies

Change immediately after spending time outdoors. If you suffer from seasonal allergies but still love to exercise outdoors, build a habit of showering and changing immediately after coming back inside. While you were out crushing that 30-mile bike ride, pollen was slowly accumulating in your hair and on your clothes. And while 30 minutes of outdoor exercise will, according

Spring has officially sprung. Grass is growing,

flowers are blooming, and longer days are here again. And while the arrival of spring is a cause for celebration, for outdoor enthusiasts who suffer from seasonal allergies, the season is bittersweet. For many, this time of the year is characterized by stuffy noses, burning eyes, and sneezing. But according to WebMD, even severe allergy sufferers

to WebMD, completely coat your nasal membrane with allergens, showering and laundering your clothing will limit your exposure while indoors.

can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about allergies by taking the following precautions.

Watch pollen counts. You can usually find information about

Medicate, medicate, medicate. Depending on the severity of your allergies,

local pollen levels on the internet or in your local newspaper. If pollen counts are through the roof, consider hitting the indoor gym instead of running outside. In general, pollen counts are highest on warm and breezy mornings and lowest when it is cool and rainy. Plan your outdoor pursuits accordingly.

medication, not prevention, will likely provide the best relief available. Every person is different, so ask your doctor about the best medicine for you, and make sure you understand how you’re supposed to use it before dismissing its efficacy. Some allergy medicines can take as long as three weeks to reach their full effectiveness.

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