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Lake Tahoe Social Security Disability Lawyer

California Disability Case

Life is known to throw the unexpected curveball or two. You may find yourself needing a  Lake Tahoe or Reno area Social Security Disability Lawyer. Many people find themselves in a situation where a new or preexisting disability prevents them from working. This is where the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) can come in. 

SSDI is a government-run Social Security program. It provides monthly assistance to qualified individuals who are unable to work. Filing A SSDI claim can be complicated, and it is imperative that a person gives themselves the best chance for their request to be approved. Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center has a team of lawyers who specialize in Social Security Disability Insurance and are dedicated to seeing their clients receive the assistance they deserve. We are here to help wrangle all of the moving pieces into place and simplify the process of applying for SSDI benefits so you can focus on living your life.  Even if you don’t qualify for SSDI benefits, you may qualify for SSI benefits.

The Social Security Administration also offers the SSI program, which is different than the SSDI program.  SSI (Supplemental Security Income) a minimal safety net for those who can’t work for medical reasons but who don’t have enough credits to qualify for SSDI.  It requires the same medical showing of disability as SSDI, but pays less than SSDI and you must have minimal resources to qualify.

How to know if you qualify for SSDI or SSI:

A citizen who has paid into the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) at some point in their lives may believe that they are automatically eligible to receive benefits. However, this is not always the case. SSDI eligibility is determined by a point system. These points, formally called credits, are accumulated when a person works any job and pays Social Security Disability insurance. You can earn up to four credits per year. This leads some people to believe that they rack up one point quarterly, yet this is untrue. Credits are determined by your income, and the dollar amount that corresponds to one point fluctuates yearly. Depending on how old you are when seeking out disability insurance assistance, the number of points needed to qualify changes. 

Younger applicants require fewer credits, as they have been able to work fewer years.  This is much different than retirement benefits, where a steady 40 credits are needed to qualify. Confusingly, the number of credits needed does not climb linearly with age. There are also restrictions based on when your credits were accrued which muddies the water further. Finally, there are certain medical situations that can qualify you for the program.  If you need assistance in determining if you are a candidate for SSDI benefits, contact a Lake Tahoe or Reno area social security disability lawyer at Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center.

The Gold Country Difference

Hiring a social security disability lawyer is, on average, shown to increase your chances of having a successful SSDI claim. But Gold Country Workers’ Comp brings an additional layer of experience, professionalism, and comfort to the process with our team of California lawyers helmed by Kim LaValley, Gold Country’s founder, and Kyle Adamson. 

LaValley decided to pursue a law degree after growing up in a legal family. His devotion to providing counsel to those who need it most was ingrained in him from his earliest years and has carried him through his 40+ year career. It is also a sentiment shared by Adamson, who applies his years of experience and deep commitment to his clients at Gold Country to each new case. If you are looking to file an SSDI claim, please do not hesitate to contact us or check to see if you live in a county we service!

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Lake Tahoe Social Security Disability Lawyer

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Sacramento Disability Lawyer – 5 FAQ About California Disability

Workers Compensation Help in Roseville

When handling a disability case, it’s in your best interest to find a Sacramento disability lawyer that can help you navigate through the process. California and Federal disability laws are more complex than many people believe.  The rules governing eligibility for California State Disability are very different from the rules governing Federal (Social Security) disability programs.  They are similar in that they both are basically non-profit  insurance programs, but disabled people need to know the differences. 

It’s not at all uncommon for people to have questions regarding their disability benefits. We will try to cover some of the more common frequently asked questions in the article below. If you’re interested in consulting a California disability lawyer about your case directly, please contact Gold Country Comp Center.

What Happens If My Social Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) routinely denies initial applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. 

Both SSDI and SSI require the same medical showing to qualify, but SSDI is a better program available only to those who have paid enough into the Social Security program.  SSI eligibility requires proof that you are medically disabled AND have very low access to resources. 

If your initial application to Social Security is denied, it’s important to know that you will need to respond quickly if this occurs. There are only 60 days following the date on your SSA letter to appeal your denied claim. It’s possible that you can still save your benefits if you act quickly.

California State Disability Insurance is funded by deductions from your paychecks and once your account has enough quarters paid in, you are eligible if a doctor certifies you cannot perform the duties of your regular job.  It is a stopgap measure to provide some income pending a successful resolution of a denied or delayed workers’ compensation claim, or if your TOTAL disability will be for more than one year, pending approval of your SSDI or SSI claim.

If Approved, What Do My Disability Benefits Include?

Disability benefits can include any number of things. Qualifying claimants will receive individual monthly monetary benefits, and for SSDI claims, you will receive Medicare, and for for SSI claims, MediCal/Medicaid), or family benefits. The formula that is used to calculate each person’s SSDI benefits generally provides more benefits than early retirement pays. A Sacramento disability lawyer will be able to help answer your questions in more detail after reviewing your case.

How Do I Know If My Disability Qualifies Me For Benefits?

The Social Security Act defines an eligible disability as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months or result in death.” To be certain your disability qualifies, it’s recommended to visit with a qualified physician to be sure you can produce evidence of the nature and extent of your impairments, and to also consult with a disability attorney.

Do I Still Qualify If I Haven’t Worked In Awhile?

In order to qualify for disability benefits, a person will need to have a certain amount of Social Security earnings or work credits within the qualifying time frame. One way to determine this is by counting the number of years in the last decade you’ve worked. You most likely will have enough work credits to qualify if you have worked at least five or more years. A Sacramento disability lawyer can help you calculate whether or not you qualify.

Can I Still Appeal If My Application Was Denied Last Year?

There are no limits regarding how many times someone can apply for disability benefits. This includes if you have an application that was previously denied. If your medical condition has worsened since you were denied, it’s possible that your case will be approved when you apply again. If you’re considering appealing a denied application, speaking with a disability attorney directly will be helpful to you.

For more answers to frequently asked questions about California disability benefits, visit our Social Security Disability FAQ page.

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Sacramento Disability Lawyer

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Help Your Case By Hiring Disability Lawyers Truckee and Nevada County

Social Security Disability Info

If you’re seeking Social Security Disability benefits, it’s highly recommended to look for Truckee and Nevada County disability lawyers to help with your case. Hiring a disability lawyer can be extremely beneficial when it comes to obtaining a successful outcome. 

Studies show that an experienced disability attorney can improve your case’s chances as much as 40-60% if you have already been denied and elected not to be represented. This is predominantly due to the simple fact that their legal expertise helps you gather necessary evidence and navigate the complex process of securing disability benefits.

Learn more about the being represented by a disability lawyer below. If you’re ready to schedule a case consultation with an experienced Truckee disability lawyer, contact Gold Country Comp Center to learn more about how we can assist you.

What Do Disability Attorneys Do?  What Do They Charge?

Social Security Disability lawyers have studied and learned the various rules and regulations required to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Experienced disability lawyers have a full understanding of the potential pitfalls that could cause your case to be denied and should not be underestimated. 

The disability attorney you choose to hire will verify that you are filing for the proper type of disability benefit payments and ensure everything is filed correctly. As your legal representative, your attorney will evaluate your case, provide suggestions on how to increase your case’s chances of success, and inform you of any reasons that might invalidate your chances.

In addition, disability attorneys can collect all relevant medical evidence on your behalf. Not only is this vital to your case’s chances but it can be a strenuous task to attempt yo take on by yourself. Lastly, your attorney will communicate directly with the Social Security Administration, which is often regarded as the most difficult aspect of applying for benefits.  They also try to get as much in back due benefits as possible.

Disability attorneys work on a contingent fee basis generally charging 25% of the back-due benefits payable to you up to a maximum of $6000 and payable only if you win.   They should be willing to give you a free initial consultation, too.

Hiring Potential Truckee Disability Lawyers

If you are uncertain of your case’s chances, it’s best to consult with several Truckee disability lawyers before hiring one. This will not only give you a fuller understanding of how confident you should be in your case’s chances but also help you choose the most suitable representative for you.

While many people assume hiring an attorney will be too costly, this isn’t the case. There are reputable Social Security Disability lawyers willing to provide you with the help you need for a contingency fee, which means you will only pay them if your case is successful.  Disability attorneys will also be able to maximize the chances that you receive the full amount of benefits you are entitled to and inform you of other potential benefits you might not have known were available.

It’s important to remember that the sooner you choose to hire a disability benefits lawyer, the better your case’s chances. EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS! To schedule a free case consultation soon, please call 530-362-7188.

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Disability Lawyers Truckee

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Consult Experienced Disability Attorneys Lake Tahoe

Disability Case in 2022; Disability Case in 2021

Have you been injured at work and considering whether or not to consult with disability attorneys in Lake Tahoe? The best disability attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that clients are fairly compensated following a disability diagnosis.

Social Security Disability lawyers understand the stress and uncertainty that you and your family will experience due to the difficulties living with a disability can present. Hiring an experienced disability attorney can alleviate some of the stress and ensure your claim is approved.  This article focuses on Workers’ Compensation benefits, but mentions aspects of Social Security claims, too.

These disability legal specialists use their experience and extensive legal knowledge to protect your rights. A disability attorney helps clients navigate the complicated claims and/or appeal process for both Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability and SSI claims. Experienced disability lawyers will also fight to secure the full compensation you are entitled to. 

The following article will highlight why you should contact a disability attorney to represent you. If you would like to discuss your particular claim with a California diability lawyer that has your best interests in mind, please contact Gold Country Workers Comp Center today. 

Disability Attorneys Help File Your Claim

Social Security Disability is designed to help support those suffering from a physical or mental impairments (or a combination of them) that totally prevent realistic employment in any job whether the disability is caused by work or not.  SSDI and SSI is an “all or nothing” system.  The benefits for an injured worker, however, do not require proof that you are totally unable to work at any job in the marketplace.  Injured workers receive benefits according to their particular medical circumstances and the degree of the long term impairment, the severity of the injury, and other factors.

Although it is meant to help people, the disability insurance claim process for both Social Security and Workers’ Compensation is full of challenges. Many people will attempt to file their disability claims on their own, which is never recommended without first consulting with a legal specialist.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of reasons why disability claims can be denied. Some reasons are as simple as missing or providing incomplete information. This is one area where Lake Tahoe disability attorneys can help. 

An experienced disability lawyer can assist you through the process of filing your claim. They can gather all the necessary and relevant documentation to ensure the claim is filed properly. This can save you time, stress, and even inform you of available benefits you were unaware of. 

Workers’ Compensation—Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Most employers will not handle workers’ compensation or disability claims “in-house.” Instead, they will pay into a workers’ comp and disability insurance fund provided by an insurance company who evaluates and administers the claim.

The insurance company is responsible for accepting or denying claims and paying out benefits. Obviously, the insurance company is a business like any other with their own bottom line to consider. 

Insurance companies often use aggressive tactics backed by their teams of lawyers to pay out as little as possible. Disability attorneys in Lake Tahoe will develop supportive evidence and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf.

Simply put, disability lawyers use their expertise to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the benefits you are entitled to. 

Workers’ Compensation—Represent You In Court Proceedings

Mistakes happen all the time by the person reviewing applications for benefits and determining eligibility for the various benefits potentially available to injured workers. In some cases when a resolution cannot be reached, denied claims or any part of the claim can be appealed to a judge.

If your claim is appealed, to a judge, your attorney will represent you through the proceedings. They have an extensive understanding of how to navigate the appeals process as well as how the necessary court proceedings are conducted.

As your legal representative, your attorney will be able to properly file motions, present evidence, and file an appeal, maximizing your chances of a successful resolution. Remember, EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS!

To learn more about how we can assist you, please call 530-362-7188.

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Disability Attorneys Lake Tahoe

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What You Should Know About Workers Compensation Benefits California

Social Security Benefits Attorney

Workers’ compensation benefits in California help workers of all kinds in countless ways. Workers’ compensation is a legal imperative for businesses and is designed to provide employees who get injured or sick due to work-related activities with compensation in various forms. 

According to the law, workers’ compensation benefits are due, are owed and are paid regardless of who is at fault for the cause of the injury. However, due to the no-fault basis for liability, workers give up the right to sue their employer over work-related injuries or illness for the regular damages otherwise available to an injured person who is suing another party for negligently causing an injury. 

Learn more about the various workers’ compensation benefits in California available to workers who experience injuries or illnesses due to work. If you are ready to file a claim or need assistance getting the benefits you deserve, contact Gold Country Comp Center to schedule a free consultation with our California workers comp lawyers.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California

It is the primary responsibility of a business to sign up for workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp insurance is where the payments to injured workers come from, unless the employer is so big that the State has allowed it to be self-insured for Workers’ Compensation purposes.  

After experiencing an injury or symptoms of an illness, the afflicted worker must file a workers’ compensation claim with the insurance company. However, filing a claim and getting benefits isn’t a simple process. So what sort of workers compensation benefits in California are actually available?

Medical Care and Mileage

Medical care is provided is provided through networks of providers as is usually the case with private medical insurance coverage.  Although California law allows the insurance carriers’ “in-house” doctors to in essence veto medical decisions and prescriptions your treater wants to provide, medical care with no deductible or co-pay is provided.  Mileage, bridge tolls and parking for travel to and from the doctor, the pharmacy, physical therapy etc. is also paid as part of the medical care benefit.

Permanent Disability

For workers who become permanently injured in some way, there are either permanent disability benefits to cover ongoing medical costs long-term or a negotiated option to take a lump sum financial settlement. How much the lump sum settlement is for will vary based on a variety of factors, including the nature of the injury and how long the employee is incapable of working. 

While taking a lump sum settlement can seem more appealing at first, it’s important to remember that the total amount of compensation should be able to cover ongoing medical costs as well as lost wages. For this reason, it’s always best to consult with an experienced disability attorney to gain a better understanding of all the options available.  Additionally, insurance carriers will usually insist on a waiver of the right to future medical care, for which they will pay extra.

Temporary Disability 

For workers who experience an injury or illness that only affects them temporarily, or until the effects of the injury have stabilized and is deemed unlikely to substantially change in the next year, temporary disability benefits are available. Temporary disability benefits are different from permanent disability benefits in a few key ways. 

Generally, injured workers will receive 2/3 of their average wage loss during the period they are unable to work and suffer a wage loss. These benefits are only payable for a maximum of 104 weeks within 5 years of the injury date.  Obviously, if you return to work, temporary disability ends unless you continue to experience a wage loss, which still entitles you to 2/3 of that loss. It’s also important to note that temporary disability benefits are tax-free. Still, the only way to ensure an injured worker receives the maximum amount of California workers’ compensation benefits available to them is to seek out counsel from a qualified and experienced workers’ comp attorney.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

Another part of the benefit package a seriously injured worker may be entitled to is the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit, commonly referred to as the “voucher.”  It is a certificate that is like a limited use credit card valued at $6,000  that can be spent on courses approved by the California Dept. of Workers’ Compensation. All “brick and mortar” programs must be inside the State.  The approved list includes colleges, universities, vocational training programs and on-line training.  If a computer is needed, up to $1000 can be reimbursed upon documenting the need per the applicable rules.  Also, once the voucher is sent to the appropriate State office, California will send the voucher holder a check for $5000.

The entire Workers’ Compensation process is complicated, and most everyone should consult with a specialist soon after being injured.  Many attorneys, such as those at the Gold Country Workers’ Comp Center offer a free consultation.

 

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Workers Compensation Benefits California