If you're having difficulty with your Social Security Disability (SSD) claims, you're not alone. Unfortunately, a large number of people find themselves facing high denial rates, particularly with their first application. This is frequently due to technicalities or not providing enough medical evidence.
Florida social security disability attorneys from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, understands these challenges. Our firm, founded on the principle of fighting for the underdog, is committed to helping you secure the SSD benefits you need and deserve.
Why Choose Dolman Law Group?
Choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference in your SSD claim. Dolman Law Group stands apart for several reasons:
Personal Experience
At our firm, the inspiration behind our dedication to providing quality legal assistance is deeply personal. Our founder was motivated by witnessing his father's struggle with inadequate legal representation. This experience instilled in us a deep understanding of the impact of legal support on people and their families.
We want each client to feel heard, respected, and represented. This personal connection to our clients' struggles drives us to advocate for their rights and needs, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.
Proven Success
Our track record of successful settlements across various personal injury cases speaks volumes about our ability to secure favorable outcomes.
From achieving multimillion-dollar settlements in burn injury cases to securing justice for traumatic brain injury victims, our firm has repeatedly demonstrated our skill in overcoming complex legal challenges and obtaining substantial compensation for our clients.
These successes reflect our commitment to preparation, strategic litigation, and a deep understanding of our clients' needs.
Reputation
Dolman Law Group builds its reputation on recognized legal excellence and dedicated client service. Our accolades include being named in the Florida Legal Elite and The National Trial Lawyers listings, alongside memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
These honors, complemented by multiple selections as Florida Super Lawyers, reflect our firm's commitment to legal excellence and our proven success in securing positive client outcomes. They affirm our client's and peers' trust in us, emphasizing our role as a leading voice in the legal community.
Local and Nationwide Presence
While we are deeply rooted in Florida with conveniently located offices, our reach extends nationwide. Our understanding of local legal landscapes across the country enables us to offer personal, localized assistance no matter where our clients are.
This widespread presence means that whether you're dealing with a legal issue in Florida or need our help in another state, we can offer the high-quality legal support you require. Our national network allows us to collaborate with local counsel, ensuring our clients receive the best representation tailored to their specific requirements.
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Social Security Disability Compensation
Regarding SSD compensation, the types of benefits available can vary based on your situation. However, these benefits typically include:
Monthly Disability Payments
Monthly disability payments are a key component of SSD benefits, offering a reliable source of income for those who cannot work due to disability. These payments are calculated based on your work history and contributions to the Social Security system.
Our firm helps clients understand how their work record influences their benefits and ensures all relevant earnings are accurately accounted for, aiming to maximize their entitlement.
Medicare and Medicaid Benefits
Medicare generally becomes available to SSD recipients two years after disability benefits commence, while Medicaid eligibility might be immediate, depending on state-specific rules and your financial situation.
These programs cover different medical expenses, including hospital visits and prescriptions. Our team assists clients through the eligibility and enrollment processes, ensuring they access the necessary healthcare coverage.
Dependent Benefits
Dependent benefits extend SSD's financial support to certain family members of the disabled individual, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents.
Eligibility depends on age, relationship, and sometimes income. We guide clients in determining family members who may qualify and assist in the application process to ensure eligible dependents receive the necessary support.
Back Pay and Retroactive Benefits
Back pay, and retroactive benefits compensate for the period between the disability onset and the SSD claim's approval. Back pay covers the application to the approval date, while retroactive benefits may extend up to 12 months before the application, depending on the disability's onset date.
Determining these benefits requires proving the disability's onset and ensuring precise completion of all paperwork. Our attorneys handle these details, striving to ensure clients receive all compensation due from the onset of their disability.
Maximizing Your Benefits with Dolman Law Group
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our approach to maximizing your SSD benefits includes:
- Detailed Case Evaluation: We thoroughly assess each client's unique situation, including their work history, medical condition, and overall impact of the disability on their life.
- Strategic Evidence Gathering: Our team works to compile comprehensive medical evidence and documentation that demonstrates the extent and impact of your disability, adhering to the SSA's strict criteria.
- Guidance Through the Application Process: We guide clients through the SSD application process, ensuring accurate completion of all forms and meeting deadlines to prevent unnecessary delays or denials.
- Representation in Appeals: In case of an initial claim denial, our experienced attorneys handle the appeals process, including representing clients in hearings before an administrative law judge.
- Continuous Communication and Support: We keep our clients informed at every step, providing clear explanations and reassurance, ensuring they understand their rights and the progression of their claims.
Understanding and Navigating the Social Security Administration System
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we recognize the challenges of dealing with the Social Security Administration in Social Security Disability claims. The process often involves regulations and procedures that can confuse people seeking disability benefits.
Our firm is committed to guiding you through this process, advocating on your behalf, and ensuring full representation of your rights.
Preparing and Filing Your SSD Claim
The initial step in pursuing SSD benefits is preparing and filing your claim. This process involves completing forms, requiring a strategic presentation of your case.
Our team prepares your application, ensuring every detail of your work history and medical condition and documenting how your disability impacts your life. We understand that the strength of an SSD claim lies in its details, and we dedicate ourselves to building a comprehensive and compelling application on your behalf.
Gathering and Organizing Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is one of the most important components of any SSD claim. The SSA requires substantial medical documentation to prove the existence and extent of your disability.
Our attorneys work closely with you to gather all relevant medical records, doctor's statements, and other necessary documentation. We work with medical professionals when needed to ensure that your medical evidence is complete, up-to-date, and presented in a manner that aligns with SSA requirements.
Advocacy and Representation During the Application Process
Throughout the application process, we serve as your advocates. This role includes ensuring your voice is heard and presenting your case most effectively. We guide you through each step, from initial application to any necessary follow-up with the SSA.
Our team is always available to answer your questions, provide clarifications, and offer the reassurance you need during this process.
Handling Claim Denials and the Appeals Process
Denying initial SSD claims is not uncommon. However, a denial is not the end of the road.
Our attorneys are skilled in handling denied claims and guiding clients through appeals. This stage can involve several levels, from reconsideration to a hearing before an administrative law judge. We provide representation at each level, preparing and presenting a compelling case for appeal. We aim to overturn the denial and secure the benefits you deserve.
Representation in Disability Hearings
If your case proceeds to a hearing, you'll need experienced legal representation. Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing clients in SSD hearings. We prepare you for what to expect, formulate a strategy for your hearing, and represent you before the judge. Our approach is to clearly articulate the impact of your disability on your ability to work and to advocate for the benefits you need.
Ongoing Support and Counsel
Our support doesn't end with filing your claim or even after a hearing. We provide ongoing counsel throughout the entire SSD process. This includes keeping you informed of the progress of your claim, preparing you for each step, and being available to address any concerns you might have.
We understand that the SSD process can be lengthy and sometimes frustrating, and we are committed to being your allies throughout.
After an Accident or Illness: Your Next Steps
Find yourself in the challenging position of dealing with an accident that has resulted in a disability. You can still take certain steps to not only aid in your recovery but also to strengthen your Social Security Disability claim.
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we understand the importance of these steps and are here to guide you through each one.
Follow Your Treatment Plans
Adhering to the treatment plans prescribed by your healthcare providers includes taking prescribed medications, attending all medical appointments, and following through with recommended therapies.
Not only does this demonstrate your commitment to your recovery, but it also provides a documented track record of your efforts and the impact of the injury on your life. This documentation is helpful when it comes to validating your SSD claim.
Keep All Medical Receipts and Documentation
You should always keep a detailed record of all your medical expenses and treatments. This includes saving receipts, medical bills, prescription records, and other related expenses. These documents serve as tangible proof of the financial impact the disability has had on your life. They are key elements in establishing the extent of your medical needs and the associated costs, which is crucial information for your SSD claim.
Maintain a Detailed Journal of Your Injury and Its Impact
We advise our clients to maintain a daily journal detailing their injury and its ongoing effects. This journal should include notes on pain levels, mobility issues, emotional and mental health, and how the injury affects daily activities and quality of life.
This personal account provides a comprehensive view of the injury's impact beyond what medical records can convey. It can be a powerful tool for communicating the full extent of your suffering and challenges to the SSA.
Securing a Copy of Any Relevant Accident Reports
Suppose your disability stems from an incident such as a car accident, workplace injury, or any other event involving a filed report. In that case, we will ensure you secure a copy of this report.
These reports provide an official account of the incident, which can help establish the cause and nature of your injury. They serve as an important piece of evidence in your SSD claim, helping to establish the link between the incident and your disability.
Bringing All This Information to Us
Once you have gathered this information, bring it to us at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Our team will use these details to build the strongest case for your SSD benefits. The information you collect plays a huge role in the strength and credibility of your claim. With our experience and dedication, we will tirelessly work to effectively present your case, advocating for the benefits you deserve.
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we pride ourselves on being the kind of firm we want our families to turn to in times of need.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a disability can take, and our goal is to alleviate some of that burden by guiding you through the SSD claims process with compassion and experience.
If you face challenges with your SSD claim, please contact us. You can visit our online contact page for more assistance.
Remember, we also collaborate with local counsel outside of Florida to provide comprehensive legal support, no matter where you are. Let our experienced Florida personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group secure the SSD benefits you deserve, allowing you to prioritize your recovery and well-being. Call us now at (727) 451-6900.