Pegnim & Ivancich, LLP

Rodman Martin – Chamber Golf Tourny Winner!

Michael — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:42:47 +0000

Harvey’s Cleaners Team wins Annual Chamber Golf Tournament

Congratulations to Harvey & Karen Tulchinsky, Dan Karas & Rodman Martin on winning the Annual Dublin Chamber of Commerce golf tournament on Monday, June 13th at Dublin Ranch Golf Course.

The Big O Tires team consisting of Greg Mitchell, Bruce Cherry, Barry Hart & Paul McKellar received the award for low net. Congratulations Big O Tires!

Thank you to all the all sponsors, players, volunteers and staff of Dublin Ranch Golf Course along with everyone else for helping to make this event such a success!

PQME Update

Michael — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:46:17 +0000

The Medical Unit is the office responsible for issuing the Panel Qualified Medical Evaluation lists. In speaking with the Medical Unit, they are now processing requests from March 2011. So, if you have submitted a request after March 2011, be patient. The Medical Unit assures us our requests will be processed as soon as possible.

Deposition Inquiries

Michael — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:36:54 +0000

When a defendant, either the claims adjuster or an attorney, schedules your deposition it can be very stressful. Depositions can be scheduled at any time and on more than one occasion. Depositions are question and answer sessions under oath. An attorney from our office will be with you during the entire deposition to make sure your interests are protected. For more details on depositions, see the deposition icon on our web page.

New Associate Attorney – Justin C. Sonnicksen

Michael — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:34:01 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Justin C. Sonnicksen has joined our law office as an associate attorney. With over eight years experience in Workers’ Compensation, Justin will focus primarily on representing clients that have sustained work related injuries. Justin is a welcome addition to our office. Pegnim and Ivancich, LLP, represents clients in Personal Injury, Social Security Disability and Worker’s Compensation cases.

AME & PQME Assistance

Michael — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:28:59 +0000

Evaluations by an AGREED MEDICAL EVALUATOR (AME) or a PANEL QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATOR (PQME) have become more complex than ever. It is very important the initial questionnaire is completed accurately. If you are unable to complete the answers to the questions and need assistance, it is really important to write on the questionnaire itself if you had help. For example, you could note by your signature line “also completed by _____” and have whoever helped you sign next to your name. The doctors make assumptions about you and your case based upon your answers. If you tell an AME or a PQME that you love your job when he/she asks if your job is stressful, then they will assume you are not under any stress at work. If the physician makes the wrong assumption, you will get less settlement or even worse, your case could be wiped out completely. So, if you need help with the questionnaire or are unsure if it has been completed accurately, please call our office. The legal assistant assigned to your case would be more than happy to help you.

Temporary Disability while Incarcerated

Rodman Martin — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:21:11 +0000

When an applicant is incarcerated after suffering an injury prior to being sent to jail, what happens to any temporary disability (TD) and/or permanent disability (PD) benefits that the applicant is entitled to? Labor Code Section 3370 addresses the area of state penal or correctional inmates and the treatment of such benefits. Subdivision (a) paragraph (2) says that no inmate shall be entitled to TD indemnity benefits while incarcerated in state prison. Paragraph (3) tells us that no benefits are to be paid to an inmate while they are incarcerated and that the benefits shall commence upon release. It goes on to point out that if the person is released and begins to receive benefits and is subsequently reincarcerated in a city or county jail or state penal or correctional facility, those benefits will immediately cease and will not be paid for the duration of the reincarceration.

Subdivision (d) of Section 3370 says that the above paragraphs of subdivision (a) are applicable to inmates of state penal or correctional institutions who are otherwise entitled to workers’ compensation benefits based on an injury prior to their incarceration. However, if the inmate has dependents, the TD and/or PD that the inmate would be entitled to if not for being incarcerated is paid to them. If the inmate has no dependents, then the TD goes to the State Treasury to the credit of the Uninsured Employers Fund and any PD is held in trust for the inmate while he is incarcerated by the Department of Corrections.

Activities of Daily Living

Lisa Ivancich — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:04:01 +0000

For all injuries occurring after January 1, 2004, ADL’s or Activities of Daily Living are an important factor when settling your case. Make sure to mention to the evaluating physician all limitations to your ADL’s.

Good news for those collecting Workers’ Compensation!

Lisa Ivancich — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:33:53 +0000

Good news! The Labor Code Section 4659 COLA, cost of living adjustments, begin at the date of injury and not at the time COLA would be applied. Translated, more money for anyone receiving a life pension.

Plant closings or mass layoffs require advance notice to employees.

Lisa Ivancich — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:23:22 +0000

Harvey Sohnen, an employment and business law attorney with Sohnen and Kelly located in Orinda recently noted, “The Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) requires advance notice or pay in lieu of notice in some cases where plant closings or mass layoffs occur.” So, if you have been laid off or are anticipating losing your job, you may have rights under WARN.

Free eyeglasses for Children 12 Years and Under

Lisa Ivancich — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:54:36 +0000

Target is having a special promotion for their optical service. This promotion can end at any time and will definitely end by April 29th.
Parents of children 12 years and younger can get a free pair of glasses from Target. All you need to do is bring in a valid prescription for glasses from their doctor and Target will let the child pick from around 40 different frames. Target will place their best lenses in the frame which are non-glare and scratch resistant that normally sell for $200. There are no income guidelines so any child 12 years or younger is eligible. You may find Target stores with optical departments at www.target.com and call and confirm that they are participating in this promotion before making a trip to the store.