Social Security Disability and Work Comp Hearing Tip

One overlooked aspect of testifying in your disability or Workers’ Compensation case is being likeable.

Many cases are close cases. Meaning that in the Judge’s eyes a small piece of evidence can sway the Judge to deny or approve your case.

It often comes down to how you testify in court before the Judge.

The legal term is whether the witness is credible or believable.

The best way to influence a Judge favorably is to be polite and answer truthfully and in a way the paints the picture of your condition and limitations.

A witness who argues with a Judge, who is evasive, or gives confusing and long winded answers does not help himself.

Judge’s usually do not give witnesses like these the benefit of the doubt.

However, witnesses who treat a Judge with respect, who answer in a straight forward manner and explain what happens to them in a reasonable manner will find that Judge’s will overlook some weaknesses in their case.

It is only human nature that a Judge will find it easier to side with a polite witness who testifies with a ring of truth.

Above all, do not give the Judge a reason to find against you. Instead, make it difficult for the Judge to rule against you.

Questions about your Social Security Disability or Workers’ Compensation case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Work Comp and Social Security Disability Tip Number 5

What is found in your medical records will make or break your Social Security Disability case or Illinois Workers’ Compensation case.

The Judge will give great weight to what the doctor or nurse writes in your records.

If you tell the Judge that the doctor got it wrong,  you will lose because the Judge almost always believes what the doctor puts in your medical records.

It is the job of the doctor or nurse to write an accurate description of what they observe and what the patient tells them.

The Judge believes that what you tell the doctor near the time of the injury is closer to the truth than what you testify to at trial.

Make sure that you explain clearly to the medical provider how your accident happened and what parts of your body you injured.

You should also explain how it hurts you, how often it hurts, how long it hurts and how it limits you.

For instance, if you need to elevate your leg for 15 minutes every 2 hours because your knee swells make sure that you tell the doctor.

One idea is that you should write down the key information before your doctor appointment, and give a copy to your doctor and nurse so it is fresh in their mind and they will not misunderstand you.

Questions about your disability or work comp case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Steps to successfully apply for Social Security disability

Roughly one-third of applications for Social Security disability benefits are ultimately approved. How to make sure yours is among them.

Source: Steps to successfully apply for Social Security disability

Click above to read.

Contact me and I will help you file your application online. It takes less than one hour to file the application and start the process. The review of your application may take up to 6 months so it makes sense to file now.

Call Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Courtroom Tips For Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation

Going to court will make most people very nervous.

Being prepared will help you be more confident and composed.

There may still be some nerves, but it will help to know what to expect.

Most Social Security hearings and Workers’ Compensation Hearings will last from 45 to 60 minutes.

The Judge will most likely ask how long you can sit at one time due to your injury or disability.

If you respond with an answer of 20 to 30 minutes and then sit through the entire hearing, the Judge will question your testimony.

Make sure that you stand if you are feeling discomfort. You do not have to ask for permission to stand in the hearing. The only thing that you must make sure of is that you speak loudly and clearly.

Testifying at a hearing is not an endurance contest.

If you testify that you have to elevate your legs throughout the day due to pain or swelling, and you need to elevate your leg during the hearing then make sure you tell the Judge you need to take a break to elevate your leg.

Some Judges are very aware of the witness and how they act or respond during the hearing.

Make sure that you are just as aware of the Judge and that she is watching you.

Make sure that you talk with an experienced lawyer to guide you through your case whether it involves a settlement or hearing.

Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp and Social Security Disability lawyer Dirk May to discuss your case at 309-827-4371.

 

Test your Social Security knowledge – HeraldCourier.com: Community News

National Trivia Day reminds us that knowledge about Social Security empowers you and prepares you for retirement.

Source: Test your Social Security knowledge – HeraldCourier.com: Community News

Take this quiz and test your Social Security Disability knowledge. SSDI is not a welfare program. You pay your taxes to support this program and entitled to benefits if you can no longer work.