If your disability keeps you from going back to work for more than 12 months, you may qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). A Clearfield Social Security Disability lawyer can help you fill out your paperwork and file your claim.
Berger and Green works with clients who want legal assistance applying for or appealing a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denial. We conduct a thorough investigation into your accident or medical condition, organize and prepare all documents, and present your case on your behalf.
Contact our law firm today at (412) 661-1400 to get a free, no-obligation case assessment.
What You Need to Know About Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA recognizes disability as a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” As such, the SSA provides benefits to supplement your income or to help you and your family if you are unable to work. Two of the main programs include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Security Income
For a free legal consultation with a social security disability lawyer serving Clearfield, call (412) 661-1400
We Can Help You Determine Whether You Qualify for Disability Benefits
To qualify for disability, you must prove that you have a medical disability that hinders you from going back to work. When determining how you qualify, the SSA makes sure:
- You earn less than a specific amount of money (typically changes each year).
- Your condition limits you from working for at least 12 months.
- Your condition is on the list of medical conditions the SSA considers disabling or keeps you from working.
- You cannot do the work you used to do.
- You cannot do any other type of work.
The challenging part of qualifying for Social Security Disability is demonstrating that your disability prevents you from working. Therefore, it is important that you keep all medical records and reports, as well as all other documents. The more you document your medical condition, the better.
Clearfield Social Security Disability Lawyer Near Me (412) 661-1400
Applying for Disability Can Be a Complicated Process
You may find that filling out the paperwork and following all of SSA’s instructions may be challenging. A Clearfield Social Security disability lawyer can help you through it.
You may be required to see a doctor to verify your claim. The doctor SSA appoints may not be interested in your case and may not investigate your condition further than looking at a few documents or giving you an in-person exam. Consequently, you could lose your case if the doctor does not provide a compelling argument or sufficient evidence that clearly establishes your disability.
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Why Your Case May Have Been Denied
Denials are all too common. In fact, between 2001 and 2010, over 50% of all SSDI applications were turned down by the Social Security Administration, according to the SSA’s 2011 Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program. Some reasons for claim rejections include:
- Incorrect application: Applications can be confusing or may ask for information to which you may not have instant access. If you make a mistake filling out the application, the SSA may reject your claim.
- Not enough medical evidence: If you do not have enough evidence to substantiate your medical or mental condition, then your application may be rejected. Evidence may include doctor verification, medical records, or accident records.
If your application was turned down by the SSA, you may be able to appeal the decision. Call Berger and Green at (412) 661-1400.
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The Ways a Lawyer Can Help You
Whether you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits for the first time or attempting an appeal, you may want to consider hiring a Social Security disability lawyer. A lawyer can help your case in several ways including:
- Obtaining evidence of your current medical condition
- Speaking with doctors about your condition
- Filling out all of the paperwork and submitting your claim
- Contacting SSA and monitoring your claim
- Ensuring that the application is complete and accurate
Even if you are able to fill out your own application, an attorney can provide resources and a full staff that can advocate for you. An attorney can present a compelling case based on a thorough investigation of all the facts.
What You Need to Know About the Appeals Process
If your application was turned down, Berger and Green can help you with the appeals process. There are four main levels of appeals, including:
- Reconsideration
- An Administrative Law Judge hearing
- Appeals Council review
- Federal Court review
A Clearfield Social Security disability lawyer can attend meetings and hearings to engage with Social Security representatives on your behalf. We can argue as to why you deserve disability and how your condition has prevented you from working. We can also supply all documents and evidence that substantiates your claim.
We Can Also Help With a Personal Injury Case
If your disability was the result of another party’s negligence or a work injury, you may have other options to recover compensation. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to help you file a workers’ compensation claim or an injury claim or lawsuit.
You could be entitled to the following damages in an injury case:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Miscellaneous expenses
Get Started With Your Social Security Disability Case Today
When you are suddenly disabled, you do not have time to wait for your disability income. Berger and Green can get to work on your case right away and submit your application to SSA.
To find out more about our legal services, call (412) 661-1400 to get a free case review today. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis and take our payment out of the back pay you receive. This means there are no upfront costs and no risk when working with us.
Call or text (412) 661-1400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
