Weight of Combat Gear Causing Increased Injuries in Military Veterans

A February 1, 2009 article in The Washington Post entitled "Weight of Combat Gear Is Taking Toll," discusses the significant increase in orthopedic muscle and bone injuries due to the weight of combat gear. The Army, which reported 257,000 acute orthopedic injuries last year, is studying the effects of the heavy gear and investing in lighter versions of the gear, which can weigh anywhere from 60 to 150 pounds.

Read the entire story on the Washington Post website:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/31/AR2009013101717_pf.html

------------------------------------------------

CNN Gives Tips for Individuals Without Health Insurance

CNNHealth.com published an article today aimed at helping those without health insurance.

Story highlights include coverage of organizations who offer financial assistance for certain conditions and diseases, information on state and federal government programs and free clinics, help for prescription drugs, and companies who offer health insurance to part-time workers.

Check out the full article here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/12/ep.health.insurance.help/index.html

------------------------------------------------

Quatrini Rafferty Helps Local Recycling Efforts In Westmoreland County

Quatrini Rafferty recently partnered with Westmoreland Cleanways, the recylcing coordinator for Westmoreland County, to promote recycling efforts in the western part of the county.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/blairsvilledispatch/s_566507.html

Learn more about Westmoreland Cleanways and its mission at:

http://www.westmorelandcleanways.org/

You can also read more about Westmoreland Cleanways in the "QR Community Partners" section of our Fall 2008 newsletter:

http://www.qrlegal.com/CM/Custom/TOCArticles.asp

-------------------------------------------------

Stimulus Payments for Recipients of Social Security / SSI

President Obama recently signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This act provides for the one-time payment of $250 to individuals who get Supplemental Security Income or Social Security benefits.

Social Security expects everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive it by late May 2009. They are currently working on the details regarding how they will issue over 60 million one-time payments to beneficiaries.

They will deliver the payment in the same way they currently deliver Social Security or SSI benefits. If they deliver monthly benefits by check, they will deliver the one-time payment by check. If they receive a monthly direct deposit or Direct Express debit card payment, that is how they will receive the one-time payment.

Individuals receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement Board may be eligible for these one-time payments.

For more information please see Social Security's website at: http://www.ssa.gov/payment/ or contact Quatrini Rafferty at 724-837-0080.

-------------------------------------------------

Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor and Industry Announces Average Weekly Wage for 2009

Pursuant to the Workers' Compensation Act, Section 105.1, the Department of Labor & Industry has determined the statewide average weekly wage for injuries occurring on and after Jan. 1, 2009, shall be $836.00 per week.

For purposes of calculating the update to payments for medical treatment rendered on and after Jan. 1, 2009, the percentage increase in the statewide average weekly wage is 3.6 percent.

For more information, see the website below:

http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=138&q=58516

- QR -

Quatrini Rafferty Lends a Hand to 15th Annual "Polo for the Cure" event in Westmoreland County.

Quatrini Rafferty was again a tent sponsor of the 15th Annual Polo for the Cure benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. QRG attorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman served on the Steering Committee for the event which crushed its initial goal of $140,000 by raising over $190,000!!

Congratulations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for such a successful and wonderful event!
__________________________________

Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr. appointed to Westmoreland Land Trust

Quatrini Rafferty partner Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr. was recently appointed as a Board Member to the newly created Westmoreland Land Trust.

The Westmoreland Land Trust was formed to "conserve and steward lands and waters of Westmoreland County that harbor ecological, scenic or recreational qualities to offer a healthier and more sustainable future for all."

To learn more about the Westmoreland Land Trust and its mission please visit the following links:

• Westmoreland Land Trust website:

http://www.wcdpa.com/landtrust/

• Westmoreland County's website:

http://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/westmoreland/cwp/view.asp?a=1421&q=626769

• Pittsburgh Tribune Review:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_541490.html
______________________________________

Rerko Successful in Federal District Court of Western Pennsylvania

Quatrini Rafferty partner Tereasa Rerko recently obtained a Remand of a Social Security Disability case that was appealed to Federal District Court for the Western District located in Pittsburgh.

The Court agreed with Ms. Rerko's argument that the Administrative Law Judge who decided the case at the hearing level did not use the correct standard when evaluating what side effects were caused by the Claimant's pain medication, and, how those side effects impacted the Claimant's ability to work on a full-time basis. The case will now go back for another hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

The case, Lickenfelt v. Astrue, 2008 WL 2275538 (Western District of Pa.), has been published in the Federal Court Reporter, and in the future will affect other cases with the same issues.
_______________________________

New QRG Radio "Legal Check Up" shows added to website!

We recently had our newest "Legal Check Up" shows archived. They can be found here:

http://www.qrglaw.com/CM/Custom/Radio-Shows.asp

Listen today!

Navigating Legal Issues in Psychiatry, Disability and Workers' Compensation

QRG partner Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr., was a featured speaker at the 10th Annual Behavioral Health and Society Seminar: The Law, The Mind and Community Wellness held at Chestnut Ridge Inn on the Green in Blairsville, Pennsylvania on September 12, 2008. The event, which was attended by over 200 health care provides and advocates, was formed to address strategies for enchancing the ability of individuals with mental illness to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

The event was sponsored by Torrence State Hospital, Cambria-Somerset Council for Education of Health Professionals, Inc., Fayette County Mental Health/Mental Retardation, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Mental Health America of Westmoreland County, PA Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Administrators and S'eclairer Englightening Self With Knowledge.

Mr. Quatrini's presentation, "Navigating Legal Issues in Psychiatry, Disability and Workers' Compensation," focused on the uphill legal battles facing individuals suffering from mental health challenges.