Social Security Disability Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
If you have suffered an injury or contracted an illness resulting in unemployment for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Because obtaining benefits is a slow process, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney early on. At our office, [William R. Long, Attorney at Law, attorney William R. Long focuses his practice on serving the needs of the injured and disabled and fighting for their financial benefits. If you have been hurt or have become seriously ill, please contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.
If Your Initial Claim Is Rejected, Don’t Give Up
Completing the application for SSD does not guarantee that you will receive benefits. In fact, it is likely that you will have to fight for them. Once you have applied for benefits, if you receive a letter of denial, you must take immediate action since you have only 60 days to appeal the initial rejection. In addition to applying for benefits, you should request your earnings statement from the Social Security Administration to ensure that your earnings are correctly documented. This is important in determining your insured status for disability benefits as well as in calculating your benefit payment amount. At attorney William R. Long’s office, we can guide you through the application and appeals process.
We Can Help You Through Each Step Of The Appeal Process
Our first step in appealing your denied application for benefits is to request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). Scheduling this hearing can take nine to 12 months. The hearing itself can last 30 minutes to two hours. To prepare for the hearing, I will contact your treating physician to make sure he or she has fully detailed your medical diagnosis and treatment. I will also obtain his or her analysis of your physical or mental impairments and recommendations for future treatment. Prior to the hearing, we will ensure that all medical records that are relevant to your health condition and impact your employment capabilities are part of the record. If necessary, we may file an appeal with the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia, and/or the federal district court. Once you receive a favorable decision, the Social Security Administration will send a notice indicating current benefits and past benefits payable based on the application filed and beginning disability date. You may wish to return to work full time or part time after being approved for Social Security Disability benefits. Consult with an experienced SSD lawyer before returning to your previous job or taking a new job while receiving SSD benefits.
Contact Us
For a free initial consultation with an experienced SSD lawyer, please call us at 318-562-1440 or complete our short online contact form.