Supplemental Security Income

Courtroom Tips For Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation

Dirk May Help, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, 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.

 

Social Security News: The Depressing State Of Hearing Backlogs At Social Security

Dirk May In the news, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income , ,

Source: Social Security News: The Depressing State Of Hearing Backlogs At Social Security

Click above to read.

Shows the terrible backlog for getting a social security disability hearing. This is the time from request to hearing to the hearing date. From application date to hearing is over 2 years. People die while they are waiting for a hearing.

Making the Best Impression at Your Trial

Dirk May Help, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Workers Compensation , , ,

The impression you make on the Social Security Judge or the Workers’ Compensation Arbitrator can make a big difference in your case.

The Judge will be determining whether you are telling the truth.

Much of this depends on first impressions, how believable is your story, and how it coincides with your medical records.

If you are mean, disrespectful, or nonresponsive to the Judge, then you can be expect to be denied.

Judges are human and they have much power over you and your case.

So make sure that you are polite, respectful and listen carefully to the questions and answer appropriately.

Your story must make sense.

For instance, if you tell the Judge you cannot work but spend much of the day volunteering or engaging in physically draining activities do not expect to the Judge to believe you are disabled.

If you are caught on surveillance video engaged in dancing, lifting heavy loads or working on a roof do not expect the Arbitrator to look favorably on your case.

Your medical records must also support your testimony.

This means you must go to the doctor as needed and explain your problems and limitations.

Questions about making your case strong as possible? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

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

Dirk May In the news, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Your questions , , ,

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.

Why Is My Disability or Workers’ Compensation Case Taking So Long?

Dirk May Help, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Workers Compensation , , , ,

Why does it take so long for most cases to reach completion?

Is it the lawyer who is so slow?

Why can’t I just get an  answer within a month or two and get on with my life?

First of all, a government agency runs the Social Security System. It usually takes approximately 6 months at each level and 12 months to get a hearing. This means that it can take over 2 years to get a hearing and then another month or two to receive a written decision from the Judge.

The reason for this is that there are thousands of cases filed all over the country each month. There are not enough workers to process the cases.

There are also thousands of cases at each hearing center. There are only a handful of judges at each hearing site. This slows down the process.

The Social Security Administration schedules all the hearings. Your lawyer cannot call up and schedule a hearing for you. This is different than many cases where the lawyer has some control over scheduling of trials and hearings. Your lawyer is at the mercy of  Social Security in scheduling your hearing.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation cases can only move forward when your medical treatment is completed. This often slows down your case if you are not healing properly or quickly, or need multiple surgeries.

Another thing that bogs down your Work Comp case is that it takes a long time to get your doctor’s deposition. A deposition is testimony of your doctor to support your case before a court reporter. Doctor’s are busy and her schedule and the schedules of your attorney and the insurance attorney must be arranged for the deposition.

Finally, the case must be set for trial. This takes several months to fit into the schedule of the Arbitrator ( the Judge for your Work Comp case).

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