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Social Security Disability and Work Comp Hearing Tip

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

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.

Should I Tell My Doctor that I am filing for Disability?

Dirk May Help, Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney, Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income ,

Many times a client will ask if they should tell their doctor that they have applied for Social Security Disability.

Some doctors do not understand the social security system.

They believe it is welfare.

They think that they will be brought into court to testify.

They think they will have to complete a bunch of forms.

None of this is true.

However, whether you tell your doctor that you are filing for disability is not the most important part of your medical treatment.

The most vital aspect of your doctor visits is to describe your problems and limitations in detail.

For instance, explain that your back pain occurs almost everyday and makes it hard to walk and stand more than 10 minutes at a time. After this you must sit in a recliner for 30 minutes.

If your doctor has problems putting information in your records, then write it out before your visit and give it to the doctor or nurse.

You should ask for copies of your records to make sure that what you are telling the doctor is reflected in the notes.

Social Security and the Judge will rely on these records in approving or denying your case.

If the records do not say anything about pain or problems with daily functioning, then your case will be very difficult to win.

Questions about your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Auto Injury Tips

Dirk May Help, Illinois, Settlements , , , , , ,

If you are injured in a Illinois motor vehicle collision, then make sure you take steps to get your bills paid as soon as possible.

The reason is that the at fault driver’s insurance company will not pay your bills till the end of the case.

This may be several years down the road.

Many medical providers will not wait that long for payment.

Here are some options for getting your bills paid short of paying them yourself out of pocket.

Check your insurance company’s medical payment coverage.

This will reimbursed to your company at the end of the case once it is resolved.

The at fault driver’s insurance company may have medical payment coverage that will also cover your medical treatment.

Submit your bills to your health insurance company for payment.

Your health insurance company will be reimbursed at the end of the case for the bills it paid on your behalf.

Medicare and Medicaid may pay for your treatment upfront, and then they will be repaid at the end of the case.

If you cannot get your bills paid through these avenues, then you will have to ask the provider rely on your recovery at the end of treatment.

Some medical providers will agree to this arrangement.

Questions about what to do after an auto injury? Feel free to contact personal injury lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Free Tax Filing Help in Bloomington, Illinois

Dirk May Help

Free tax filing is available in Bloomington, IL at Heartland Community College on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Workforce Development Building Room 3602. First come, first serve basis.

Bloomington Housing Authority at 104 E Wood St Bloomington, IL also providing tax filing assistance on Mondays 5:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturdays 9:00 AM to Noon.

Many other communities also provide tax filing assistance. Contact your local library to find out locations.

 

Work Comp and Social Security Disability Tip Number 5

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

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.