Lawyers Blog Legal What Does Your Social Security Disability Attorney Need to Know

What Does Your Social Security Disability Attorney Need to Know

Sometimes people need the assistance of a social security disability attorney to help them with the claim that they need to file. Because this is a federal government program that has been designed to support citizens who can no longer work due to a disability, people can take advantage of these finances when they need it most. However, before an individual can secure the funds from this kind of program, there is a process that they will need to adhere to, and it is managed by the social security administration.

Even though the benefits are available to citizens when needed, there is process of approval that people will need to follow very closely prior to being granted the finances for their specific situation. Also, due to the complexity of this program, its not uncommon for an individual to seek out the assistance of a SS disability attorney in the initial stages of the process. Therefore, before an individual meets with this kind of attorney, there is some information that they will need to gather so that it can presented for their review.

What items should the individual disclose to their SSD attorney

Previous Work History Information

In order for an individual to obtain help from the social security disability program, they will need to meet specific requirements. One common requirement that people must meet is a certain amount of work credits in order to qualify. Therefore, the person who files the claim must have this kind of information available to present and review with the attorney in the first initial meetings. It is also important to note that the injury that the person has sustained or the illness that they have been diagnosed with must be serious enough to remain off the job for an extended period of time. The list of illnesses and injuries are currently maintained by the social security admininstration so people can review the social security administration site to see how the injury or illness applies.

Medical documentation

If the condition that the person has is on the list, they will need to make sure that they have the appropriate amount of documentation from their physician. The medical documentation should contain the date that the person is expected to be out of work. Specifically, if the illness, disease or injury is expected to last one year or more. In some cases, the social security administration is normally looking for a condition that is serious enough to pay the person while they are off work recovering or until the person’s demise. Regardless to the circumstances, this information should be supplied to the SSD attorney if they want the attorney to win their case in court or settle it on the outside.

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The Scoop on Common Injuries at WorkThe Scoop on Common Injuries at Work

The workplace is one of the most common places for injuries to occur. According to research, one in five people are injured at work. Thousands of individuals are killed at work and millions suffer serious injuries at work. Injured individuals are generally able to recovery from a workplace injury; however, it isn’t uncommon for some workers to be partially or permanently disabled as a result of the injury. Research also suggests that there are a few particular types of injuries that occur more frequently at the workplace than others, which are as follows:

  1. Musculoskeletal Injuries – These are injuries that affect the neck, shoulders, back and limbs. As a general rule, these injuries are a direct result of overexertion, typing, lifting heavy objects, squatting, kneeling, awkward postures and other typical tasks and motions related to a job.
  2. Repetitive Motion Injuries – Probably one of the most common injuries related to repetitive motion in the workplace is carpal tunnel syndrome, although vision problems, back pain and strain muscles are common as well. Unfortunately, these are injuries that are not as obvious as others, but are very harmful in the end. As a general rule, this is covered by workers’ compensation; however, it is always recommended to seek assistance to be sure, such as at http://legalmedicalassistance.com/.
  3. Slip-and-fall Injuries – Whether from a small object on the floor or a puddle of liquid, slip-and-fall injuries are very common in the workplace. They can lead to severe back, shoulder and neck injuries and can often require surgery. These types of injuries can generally be avoided is debris is picked up quickly and spills are immediately cleaned.
  4. Machine Entanglement – Equipment in workplaces must be upheld to a certain standard. When it is not, employees are at risk of injury. When the proper precautions are not taken in the workplace, fingers, clothing and even hair may become entrapped in the machinery resulting in serious injury, or even death.
  5. Falling from Heights – This type of fall occurs when someone falls from an elevated height, such as from the roof, stairways, ladders, etc. In some cases, it can be from a slip-and-fall accident or even due to defective equipment.

Ensuring one is wearing the proper protective equipment and is trained properly can go a long way in reducing common workplace injuries. However, for those that have been injured at work, there are options available.

Questions To Ask a Personal Injury AttorneyQuestions To Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

So you find yourself in a car accident and have sustained serious injuries that will require extensive medical care. Instead of stressing about how you are going to pay for all of the new expenses, think about hiring a personal injury attorney. If you are around the San Antonio area perhaps considering contacting the Law Offices of Jan Perry Lederer for some great advice. She is experienced in helping individuals suffering from injuries including physical, emotional, or mental and getting you the compensation and relief you are entitled to. When meeting with an attorney there are some key questions you’ll want to ask.

First, it is important to ask about the attorney’s educational background. You’ll want to know whether or not they have a solid education and if they know their stuff or not. Second, along the same lines you should ask if they have taken any continuing education classes recently. Lawyers are required to take a certain number of hours of continuing education in their field each year to stay current. Third, it is important to ask how long they have been in practice. You’ll want someone seasoned to work with because they’ll know the ins and outs very well. Fourth, you can ask how many claims they have settled outside of court. This obviously is the goal, as going to court can take months or even years. You want to know you have a good negotiator on your side.

Fifth, you’ll want to make sure that the attorney you choose to work with typically works with the individual who is injured and not the insurance company. This is important because you want to make sure that your attorney is completely committed to you. Sixth, you’ll want to ask who also works with this attorney. Would it just be them you would be working with, or is there an associate or paralegal also assigned you’d deal with as well. Seventh, you can ask them flat out if they expect your case going to trial given the information and details you provided. Trials can be long and costly, so you typically want to try your best to settle outside of court. Eighth, in the event it goes to trial, what sort of trial experience does this attorney have? Trial is very different than in an office and negotiating. You want someone who is a tiger and comfortable in the courtroom. Ninth, you want to make sure the attorney will honor your wishes so ask them flat out, if at any time during the process you want to settle and the attorney doesn’t agree, if they will support you and finalize things appropriately. Tenth, make sure you know all their fees. If they charge a retainer or work on contingency make sure you completely understand it and both of you are on the same page in regard to fees and costs. You want to know absolutely everything upfront. If you ask these pointed questions you can rest assured that you will make the most out of your initial consultation and be able to retain a great attorney to help you win your case.

3 Times To Consult a Lawyer3 Times To Consult a Lawyer

As an individual who worked as a paralegal for a couple years after college, I am a huge proponent of consulting lawyers when you have problems that need to be resolved with the help of a professional. That being said, what are three specific instances in which you should consult a lawyer. First, I’d say you should consult a lawyer when you are going through a divorce. This is a crazy time where the emotions of both spouses are heightened and things can get really ugly really fast. I was a family law paralegal and saw this day in and day out. When you get divorced there are so many different little things to consider that consulting with a lawyer is in your best interest.

Second, I’d say you should consult a lawyer when you are needing the declare bankruptcy. Hopefully this never happens to you, but given the economic status of the United States, I’ve seen a lot of people struggle financially. Declaring bankruptcy is a big deal since it affects you in a very real way for at least 7 years, but in reality for your whole life. Rather than running into it too hastily, I suggest consulting with a lawyer beforehand to really see if that is your best option.

Third, I’d say you should consult a lawyer when you are charged criminally with a crime. Once again, I sure hope you don’t find yourself down this road, but everyone is entitled to representation. Even those individuals who can’t afford a lawyer can have a court appointed one. The law has many intricacies so it is best to speak to someone who has made it their career to understand the law and help other people. This is crucial depending on the severity of the crime because you could end up in jail forever. It is important to speak with a lawyer who specializes in your particular issue.

For instance, our attorney is a worker’s compensation specialist. When an attorney specializes in your legal issue you know you are going to be well taken care of because they have a lot of experience with it if it is all they focus on and spend their time doing. So regardless of what preconceived notions you have about lawyers, there are some times where you should definitely consult with one.