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Should I Hire a Disability Lawyer or Social Security Disability Advocate?

Social Security Attorney in Roseville

When considering the need to request help from Social Security Disability advocates in California, it’s almost always more reasonable to retain a disability lawyer rather than a disability advocate who isn’t a practicing attorney. The fundamental differences between being represented by a California Disability Lawyer over Social Security Disability advocates that are not lawyers are actually numerous and fairly diverse.

The high number of people who require professional assistance in cases pertaining to disability benefits in California often find it difficult, if not outright impossible to achieve the full amount of benefits they are owed themselves. Continue reading to learn more about the various differences between a disability attorney and Social Security Disability advocates who are not lawyers.

The Requirements To Become A Disability Advocate v. Disability Attorney

The terminology of Social Security Disability advocates generally indicates the representative assisting with Social Security Disability claims is not an attorney. The qualifications required to become a disability advocate are lacking in comparison to that of which a disability attorney must fulfill to practice law.

There are five basic requirements to become a qualified disability representative capable of assisting people in Social Security Disability advocacy, the first of which is possessing a college degree or equivalent training and work experience. Social Security Disability advocates also must complete a background check, acquire liability insurance, pass a basic exam covering the rules and regulations put in place for Social Security, and complete continuing education classes.

By comparison, these qualifications are obviously lacking when stacked up to those required of a practicing disability lawyer. A Social Security Disability attorney in California must not only obtain a four-year college degree, but also continue to complete law school successfully, pass the state bar exam, become a respected member of the state bar association, and persist in continuing education courses.

The Differences Between A Disability Advocate v. Disability Attorney

The most significant difference between disability advocates and disability attorneys in California is the higher level of responsibility required to maintain a reputable position in the legal community. Disability lawyers have to both conduct themselves in a way that adheres to much stricter rules and regulations that do not apply to disability advocates and passionately represent each of their clients to stay relevant in the highly competitive field of disability advocacy.

The other disadvantage of Social Security Disability advocates is that they are not able to do all the things a disability attorney can do to attain the maximum amount of disability benefits owed to you. For instance, if an expert witness is called in during your hearing, a disability attorney can efficiently handle cross-examination to challenge the credibility of their testimony.

In the event the disability case is unsuccessful or denied, a disability attorney can appeal to the Federal District Court for further examination. Disability attorneys in California have a higher level of experience, understanding, and more reasons to fully invest themselves in the case in order to achieve a successful outcome for you both.

Consider consulting with a disability attorney in California for free rather than looking for Social Security Disability advocates. Call 530-362-7188 to find a disability attorney to help you today.

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Social Security Disability Advocates

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Safety in the Workplace

Workplace Injury Compensation Lawyers

How frequently do you appraise your workplace and evaluate just how secure it is? Have you walked past dangers thinking, “Someday, someone should probably do something about that”? Too often, someday comes too late. Hence the need for workplace injury compensation lawyers.

By overlooking that danger, you’re accepting that possibility of somebody getting hurt. No one wants to feel that guilt on their conscience. That’s one reason it’s so important to ensure the workplace is as safe and secure as possible.

Workplace safety is among the first things to consider with any job – especially for jobs in mining, pharmaceuticals, construction, chemicals or similarly dangerous and volatile fields. It is the responsibility of the employers to ensure workplace safety, including orientation and training.

Companies should monitor the place where you work by performing risk assessments and evaluating potential hazards. Failure to do so could result in steep financial penalties or legal consequences if the appropriate safety standards are not being met.

If you are an employee, you are legally entitled to work in a safe environment. This is a federal and California state law that gives you the right to report all safety concerns you find. Employers cannot legally penalize an employee for reporting a potential safety issue.

However, if you are concerned about the repercussions you’ll face if you do report an issue, consult with a workplace injury lawyer first. Again, it is an employer’s responsibility to keep its workers safe. Both workers and employers should check OSHA and CALOSHA requirements regularly to ensure the workplace is up to date or if there are any new standards.

A sound safety and security program involves an investment from management and a commitment from the employees. Management provides the organizational tools, equipment, and logistics needed to manage safety and safety hazards effectively. Employees should also be engaging in worksite risk assessments by developing effective strategies to follow and identifying any potentially hazardous points they are aware of.

Since workers are often more familiar with the plant’s physical layout, they know more likely hazardous points that might go unnoticed during an assessment. This advantage is why the employees’ knowledge and experience should be integrated into any plan that addresses safety and hazard issues.

Make sure there are safety plans in place and checklists for the following:

  • Cleaning Duties: Failure to perform daily chores cause the majority of workplace injuries. Minimize risk by keeping paths clear, materials properly disposed of, garbage empty, and floors dry.
  • Electrical Safety: All electrical devices should be examined, checked, and tagged regularly to ensure nothing is damaged or faulty.
  • Practicing Good Hygiene: Materials should be easily available to encourage maintaining good personal hygiene practices.
  • Emergency Plans: Make sure everyone knows what to do in the case of an emergency and have emergency escape plans posted in conspicuous areas.
  • Reporting: Encourage good and open communication to make reporting of problems and risks easier.

These are basic areas that any job should address to ensure both the workplace and its workers are safe. However, this is only a general start. Depending on the line of work, there might be many other things to consider that relate specifically to that industry. Risk assessments and thorough planning are key to maintaining a safe work environment, regardless of your place in the business.

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Workplace Injury Compensation Lawyers

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