Legal Guide: Understanding Disability Claims With Confidence

A person may become disabled at any time, even if they are perfectly healthy initially. A car accident, a sudden illness, or an injury can lead to this disability and leave them struggling to hold a job and remain independent. Men and women in this situation have somewhere to turn, fortunately.

Individuals are legally protected when they can no longer work because they have become disabled.  However, obtaining disability compensation can be challenging as this area of law is highly complex. It’s best to work with a disability lawyer when filing a claim for benefits or to appeal a denial. How can the attorney be of assistance?

Understanding Disability Law

Men and women who find they cannot work because they have a physical or mental disability are protected under current law. Disability law is the area that covers individuals who cannot work as a result of an illness, injury, or chronic health condition. Many people are familiar with the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. This program, run by the federal government, provides financial support to individuals who cannot secure employment due to a severe disability.

Individuals must determine if they are eligible for this financial compensation. They must have a documented work history and show that their disability makes them eligible for this program. There are stringent guidelines regarding SSDI, and many people find their claim is initially denied. They worried that they would no longer be able to support themselves or maintain their independence. An experienced disability attorney can help them navigate the system and appeal the denial.

 The Claims Process

When a person files a claim for disability benefits, they will quickly be overwhelmed with paperwork. There are numerous bureaucratic obstacles they must overcome to receive this compensation. What steps are involved in the disability claims process?

A person must initially apply for SSDI. They submit their application to the Social Security Administration, providing information about their medical condition, prior work history, and reasons for their current inability to work.

The Social Security Administration reviews this disability claim and either approves or denies it. Many people find their claim is initially rejected even if they qualify for the program. To reduce the risk of this happening, it is best to hire an attorney before filing the initial claim. People who do so find the process is much easier. The attorney ensures that all paperwork is thorough and complete, and that it meets the agency’s established requirements.

If the claim is denied, the attorney can be of assistance here as well. They help clients appeal these decisions, which may involve requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge or a reconsideration of the claim. If the claim is approved, the client will receive monthly checks or direct deposits to help them replace the income they have lost and cover their medical expenses.

Duties of a Disability Attorney

A disability attorney helps clients with numerous tasks. They gather medical evidence needed to prove that the disability leaves the individual unable to work.  The attorney files all paperwork related to the disability claim, confirms this paperwork has no errors, and ensures that all deadlines are met. If the claim is denied, the disability lawyer oversees the appeals process. They work to help the client get the best possible outcome.

 A person may become disabled unexpectedly and have no savings to cover their bills until they can work. Some disabilities are permanent, and the individual will never be able to work again. Navigating the legal system is challenging, which is why it is beneficial to have a disability attorney. They help clients secure the benefits they deserve so that they can have the highest quality of life.