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El Dorado Disability Lawyer

Disability Advocates

If you are injured or diagnosed with a condition that impairs your ability to work, one of the first places it will be suggested that you turn is Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most Americans have heard of it but many do not realize exactly what it is until we are faced with a need for it. If you need and El Dorado disability lawyer, Gold Country has helped guide thousands of individuals from across California through the process of applying for and receiving SSDI benefits. 

 

What is SSDI?

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It was established in 1956 by president Eisenhower. It is actually an amendment to the Social Security Act of 1935 which previously did not include insurance for those with disabilities. The program pays monthly stipends to those who qualify to help cover lost income. The amount given is determined on a case-by-case basis and is generally determined based on the amount of Social Security benefits accumulated before a person stops working. 

 

What is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income.  If you haven’t paid enough “quarters” into Social Security to qualify for regular SS benefits (including retirement!) then SSI provides a safety net for people who are disabled and cannot work AND have very low resources to support themselves.

How do I apply for SSDI?

The first step in getting Social Security Disability benefits actually should happen before even submitting your application: determining if you are eligible. There are many regulations put in place to help ensure that the program is not abused. This means that recipients must meet very specific benchmarks in order to be considered eligible. The two main requirements are that you have 1) worked long enough and recently enough in a job included under Social Security and 2) have a condition that meets their definition of a ‘disability’. An El Dorado disability lawyer can be especially useful in this step as the conditions to qualify fluctuate yearly and can be purposefully convoluted. Our lawyers have years of California-specific experience and will be able to ascertain if you have a good chance of approval.  YOU CAN APPLY ON LINE on the Social Security website.

 

Once you have resolved to move onto your application, there are a few options for submitting. While there are in-person and over-the-phone processes, the most common avenue for proposals is online. You will be asked to compile an extensive list of medical, financial, and personal documents to be looked over by a state official called a Disability Examiner who works under the Disability Determination Services. 

 

Due to the huge influx of requests, Examiners will be looking for very specific wording within the application in order to approve an individual. Gold Country Worker’s Comp Center knows exactly the information that California Disability Examiners will be searching for. We will make sure that you have everything in place and worded as cleanly as possible in order to make your application appealing, thorough, and straightforward. 

How do I apply for SSI?

To apply, you have to submit a written application.  You can do this by setting an appointment at the closest SS office, or on the phone with a SS representative.

Can I reapply if my claim has been denied for SSDI or SSI? 

Yes! This is called a Reconsideration Filling and is perfectly valid, but they do have a notoriously high denial rate. An El Dorado Disability Lawyer will greatly improve your chances of an accepted Reconsideration. This is because we are able to quickly pinpoint the mistakes in your documents that most likely lead to your refusal the first time around. Oftentimes, the medical documents provided do not clearly or adequately communicate the severity or nature of a person’s condition. This is especially true if your doctor is unaware of your intent to file for disability or if you are using outdated documents. The problem may also simply be a mistake on the part of your Examiner. No matter the reason, Gold Country can help you determine if you have a solid case for reconsideration and help restructure your application. 

 

Gold Country Workers Comp Center knows that disability benefits are the right of every qualifying American. We work tirelessly to provide each of our clients with the best chance of obtaining the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation and see if you could be receiving assistance. 

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El Dorado Disability Lawyer

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Advantages To Hiring A Workplace Lawyer Accident

Hiring a workplace accident lawyer can help you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to following an injury at work. An employee who is injured at work is entitled to worker’s comp benefits. 

This is the case whether a specific incident caused the injury or it was caused due to cumulative minor injuries to a body part that cumulatively, add up to an injury requiring time off of work or medical care. Typically, those body parts can include hands and back but there are many more incidents that workers’ comp benefits cover.

Working with a workers’ comp attorney can help ensure your workers’ comp claim is approved and you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to. This is highly recommended over choosing to do it by yourself. 

Workers who attempt to go through the claims process on their own generally end up having their claim denied due to issues like missed deadlines, lacking proper evidence, and many more difficult factors. 

By working with an experienced California workers’ compensation lawyer, you will help protect your claim from common challenges. They can also help take your claim to trial if it becomes necessary. 

If you are ready to schedule a free case consultation with a professional workers comp attorney, please contact Gold Country Workers Comp Center for help. Remember, early intervention always helps. 

Why Hire A Workplace Accident Lawyer?

The right workplace accident lawyer will have a deep understanding of the benefits you are entitled to. They also will have an idea of the amount of money you should receive based on the type of injury you sustained. 

The workers’ comp attorney can also help you learn about additional benefits that you may not be aware of. Factors they consider include: whether you suffered permanent disability, or even temporary disability be it total or partial, insuring you will be covered for the expense of past and future treatment costs, and many other factors. 

Additionally, workers comp lawyers have an understanding of how the insurance companies work. Typically, insurance companies will only offer injured workers the lowest amount of compensation possible. 

Your workers’ comp attorney will aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you are given the full amount that you are entitled to. Once a settlement is reached, it must be approved by a judge in a workers comp hearing. 

The workers’ comp attorney will represent you and defend your rights during the workers’ comp hearing. They will present all necessary evidence, call witnesses when necessary, and argue why your settlement should be a certain amount. 

Lastly, they can help you appeal your case in the event your claim is denied. They will work with you and keep you updated every step of the way. 

Contact A Workers’ Comp Attorney

Gold Country Workers Comp Center has the experience and expertise to help you with your workers’ comp claim. Our attorneys can help ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to. 

Please contact us today or call 530-362-7188 for a free case consultation and to learn how we can help you and your family. Remember, EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS!

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Workplace Lawyer Accident

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Reasons To Hire A Work Accident Attorney

Workers Compensation Roseville

Have you wondered whether you should hire a work accident attorney but are unsure? The time following a work-related injury can be an extremely stressful period for you and your family. 

Mounting medical bills, lost wages, and more can make a difficult situation impossible to bear. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to make the period following a work-related injury easier.

Unfortunately, trying to pursue your workers’ comp claim alone can be a challenge. This is why it is always recommended that you seek professional assistance. 

A workers’ comp attorney is highly experienced and can ensure you secure the benefits you are entitled to. They do this through a variety of ways. 

Continue reading to learn why you should hire a work accident lawyer following an accident at work. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced California workers’ comp attorney, please contact Gold Country Workers Comp Center.  They are based in Nevada County serving Grass Valley, Auburn and the greater Sacramento region.

What A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Provides

An experienced workers’ comp attorney can assist you with selecting the right doctor, negotiating with the insurance company, and represent you at hearings before a judge at the Workers Compensation Appeals Board. 

Typically, workers’ comp claims are settled before ever going to trial. In the event that your case goes to trial, an attorney that is familiar with workers comp court is essential. 

Representing yourself is never recommended because of the numerous intricacies involved with the proceedings that could leave you vulnerable. 

Fortunately, hiring an experienced work accident attorney costs you nothing unless your case is successful. A California workers’ comp attorney can also help you secure benefits you didn’t know you were entitled to. 

Most workers comp lawyers typically work for a 15% fee of your final benefits. The value of an attorney’s years of knowledge and experience often pays for itself and eliminates the confusion and stress of trying to handle your case yourself. If your claim is denied, a work injury attorney can still help.

A local work accident attorney will be familiar with your regional Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and their judges. The Appeals Board is the court where your workers’ comp claim will be heard. 

Hire An Experienced Work Accident Attorney

Following a work-related injury, you should hire an experienced work accident attorney to help you through every step of the process. You should never wait to get legal help following a work-related injury as the sooner you gain their help, the better. 

Gold Country Workers Comp Center has almost five decades of combined legal experience handling workers’ comp claims. We have helped countless people resolve their issues with a positive resolution. 

Please contact Gold Country today for a free initial consultation. Remember, EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS!

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Benefits For Workers Comp California

Workers' Compensation Center in Roseville

California workers’ comp is meant to help employees and their families following injuries, illness, or death that occurs on the job. If you have suffered an injury or have developed an illness at work you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. 

In the state of California, workers comp includes six basic benefits. These include permanent disability benefits, medical care, medical mileage, temporary disability, vocational rehabilitation, and in some very unfortunate circumstances, death benefits. 

Below are the steps you should take following a work-related injury or illness. If you have any other questions or would like to learn more, please contact Gold Country Workers Comp Center today. 

Steps To Take For California Workers Comp Benefits

The first step following an injury at work is to report the injury.  Be sure the injury is reported on paper to the manager or owner.  Then immediately get the medical attention you need.  If your injury requires immediate medical attention at the Emergency Dept. of a nearby hospital or at Urgent Care, you should notify your employer of the details as soon as possible following medical attention. 

Once your employer is notified, they should give you a claims form to fill out. This form must be completed within thirty days of receiving it. If your employer is not notified within thirty days, you may lose your benefits under the program.  DO NOT HOLD THE CLAIM FORM.  IF YOU ARE TERMINATED BEFORE IT IS SUBMITTED, THE EMPLOYER COULD AVOID ALL LIABILITY FOR THE INJURY.

In most cases, temporary disability pays approximately 66% of wages earned prior to the injury. The maximum receivable amount is capped at $1,252 per week.

Temporary disability payments usually begin following a doctor’s confirmation that you cannot work for more than three days. A check should be sent every two weeks until you actually return to work at the same pre-injury wage, or until your doctors determine your condition has stabilized and is not likely to change much.  If you return to work but make less per week than pre-injury, partial temporary disability is payable at 2/3 of your lost (lesser) wage.

The maximum period these payments are limited to is 104 weeks. In special cases like severe burns, high velocity eye injury or some types of lung disease, the payments may continue for up to 240 weeks. 

Permanent Disability Payments

Workers’ comp cases that lead to permanent disability benefits can be more challenging. They are determined by the date of injury, wages previously earned, and the disability rating.  The rating process is very complicated and requires a good understanding of the 600 page AMA Guides to Impairments, 5th Ed.  This Guide is used by doctors to determine how many rating points you receive.  The more points, the more money.  As the point count increases, so does the money, but exponentially. 

Permanent disability payments are weekly and can range depending on a variety of factors. Typically, weekly partial permanent disability benefits will be the same as your temporary disability rate HOWEVER, the maximum is now $290/week.

Seek California Workers’ Comp Assistance

The workers’ compensation process can be challenging to navigate. Although you can go it alone, it is highly advised that you seek assistance from an experienced California workers comp attorney. 

A workers’ comp lawyer can assist you through the complicated process of acquiring the benefits you are entitled to. They can be especially useful if there is a possible settlement or if your claim has been denied. 

Gold Country Workers Comp Center is a Northern California-based firm that specializes in workers’ compensation and disability. Our attorneys are well-versed in the process and can give you the legal assistance needed to secure the benefits you deserve. 

Please contact us today at 560-362-7188 to get started on your California workers’ comp claim or to schedule a free case consultation. Remember, EARLY INTERVENTION WORKS!

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Workers’ Comp California

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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