Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers, P.C.

05/28/2026

Today, we are proud to celebrate a very special milestone — the 85th birthday of Jerry Summers. 🎉

Jerry’s vision, dedication, and lifelong commitment to justice laid the foundation for everything our firm stands for today. His leadership has shaped not only our practice, but also the lives of countless clients, families, and members of our community.

We are deeply grateful for the example he continues to set — one rooted in integrity, hard work, and unwavering service to others.

Please join us in wishing Jerry Summers a very happy 85th birthday. 🎂

05/27/2026

⚠️ Workplace chemical exposure is more common—and more dangerous—than many workers realize.

According to the AFL-CIO’s Death on the Job report, occupational diseases caused by workplace chemical exposure are responsible for more than 50,000 deaths and 190,000 illnesses each year, including cancers, lung disease, nerve damage, reproductive harm, and other serious health conditions. Many of these risks are preventable with proper safeguards, training, and employer accountability.

No worker should have to choose between earning a paycheck and protecting their health.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to hazardous chemicals at work—or your employer failed to provide a safe workplace—you may have legal rights.

05/18/2026

A DUI arrest in Tennessee can impact far more than your driving privileges. Our recent blog explains how criminal charges, insurance issues, and employment concerns can arise quickly after an arrest. Learn what happens after a DUI arrest and why taking action early matters. Contact Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers, P.C. today to discuss your legal options.

🔗 https://www.summersfirm.com/2026/05/what-happens-after-a-dui-arrest-in-tennessee/

05/16/2026

Mental Health Matters On and Off the Job

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that workplace safety includes mental health, too.

Long hours, dangerous conditions, harassment, burnout, trauma, and job stress can take a serious toll on workers and their families. No one should have to suffer in silence to keep a paycheck.

Every worker deserves:

A safe workplace
Respect on the job
Support for mental health challenges
Protection from retaliation when speaking up

Mental health is a workplace issue. And protecting workers means protecting both physical and emotional well-being.

05/11/2026

Join Jerry Summers as he sits down with Mike Costa on the My Morning Cup podcast for an in-depth look at the life and career behind the name.

From humble beginnings to a distinguished legal career, Jerry shares his story in a candid, chronological conversation—covering the moments that shaped both his personal life and professional path.

This episode offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at the experiences that built a respected career—and the person behind it.

Click on the link below to listen:

Podcast Episode · My Morning Cup · May 11 · 56m

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

A new chapter begins for UAW Local 42! ✊The union’s first internal elections marked an important milestone, with members again making their voices heard. Participation like this reflects the dedication, unity, and strength of the membership. Every member who stepped forward as a candidate and or who took part in the election process helped shape the future of the Local and strengthened the union as a whole.

Congratulations to the newly elected Executive Board members:

• Steve Cochran – President
• Troy Hunt – Vice President
• Michael J. Bromley – Financial Secretary
• David “Goatbeard” Gleeson – Recording Secretary
• Eric Shropshire – Sergeant at Arms
• Justin Friar – Guide
• Trustees: Isiah “Ike” Hester, Travis Elliott, and Rob Walden

Strong membership. Strong participation. Strong union.

UAW Volkswagen Local 42
UAW International Union

05/01/2026

Workplace violence doesn’t come out of nowhere.
In many cases, it is foreseeable — and preventable.

These incidents often follow warning signs:
▪ Prior threats or incidents
▪ Understaffing
▪ Lack of security measures
▪ Failure to train employees

When employers ignore these risks, they are making a choice.

A safe workplace means more than hard hats and safety gear —
it means taking known threats seriously before someone gets hurt.

Accountability matters — especially when the danger was predictable.

AFL-CIO

04/28/2026

Today, on Workers' Memorial Day, we pause to remember the men and women who lost their lives or were injured while simply doing their jobs.

Behind every statistic is a family forever changed—and a reminder that workplace safety is not optional, it’s a right.

As labor advocates, we stand with workers and their families. We fight for safer job sites, stronger protections, and accountability when employers fail to put safety first.

Today, we honor those we’ve lost. Tomorrow, we continue the work to protect the living.