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Getting Real With Social Security Disability

Dirk May Help, Social Security Disability

Here are some fundamental truths about the Social Security Disability program and what it takes to win your case these days.

It is very difficult to win a disability case at this time.

This is because the program is running out of money. Depending on your perspective several years out the program will be in for a rough time without some changes. This has caused Congress and the Media to put a spotlight on some extreme activities of a few judges and lawyers who were doing some crazy stuff that resulted in excessive approvals of people who were not disabled according to the law. Political pressure to reduce the number people getting disability is high.

The bottom line is that the percentage of cases being approved has dropped into the 30 percent range for claimants in Central Illinois and into the high 40 percent range for other parts of the country.

I have seen people who have no business representing themselves go before a Judge without any kind of help.

This is crazy. Why take such a risk when the only way you have to pay your lawyer is if you win your case and there are back benefits paid out.
You are risking lifetime benefits because you do not want to pay attorneys fees that may range from $0 to $6,000?

Go to the doctor! You cannot win a case without going to the doctor.

Tell the doctor how your illnesses and conditions limit your standing, walking, lifting and walking.

Tell the doctor how your illnesses and conditions limit your ability to reach, handle and finger.

Tell the doctor how your illnesses and conditions affect your concentration and ability to show up for work each day.

These are vital functions that must be performed on almost every job.

Questions about the best way to present your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

Courtroom Behavior

Dirk May Help, Social Security Disability, Topics

Even legal cases are often not black and white.

There are rules and laws but human beings are the ones who interpret the laws and rules.

This is certainly true in Social Security Disability cases.

You need to keep this in mind when you enter the court room for a disability trial.

The Judge has certain inclinations and leanings.

You can either influence your case favorably or unfavorably through your behavior.

The importance of how you treat others starts before the hearing.

Doctors and nurses write notes in your records.

The Judge will read your medical records.

Treating your medical providers with politeness and care may help shape the records to reflect your limitations and restrictions in the light most favorable to you, and may make the doctor willing to become your advocate in your Social Security Disability case.

You should treat the Judge with politeness.

It never hurts to give the Judge a reason to like you and to look on your case in the most favorable light.

It does not help to argue with the Judge. You should answer the Judge’s questions openly and candidly.

This will keep the Judge from questioning your truthfulness about other matters in the record.

Explaining the apparent weaknesses in your case will help the Judge understand that you are human.

For instance, some days may be good days when you can do some chores or special activities but it may not happen very often.

You may be in pain and under stress at the time of the hearing, however, it will really help your case if you treat the Judge respectfully and with kindness.

Questions about the best way to win your disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

Am I the Bad Guy in Work Comp?

Dirk May Help, Workers Compensation

When there is a dispute in a Workers’ Compensation case the injured worker is often made to feel as if she is the problem.

The insurance company adjuster blames you failing to report the accident right away, or for hurting yourself outside of work, or he tells you that your doctor is not treating you properly.

The problem is not with you.

The insurance company is protecting their interests.

You have to make sure that you are doing what protects your interests.

This means that you have to challenge the adjuster.

You have to be prepared to go to trial.

This will force the insurance company to hire a lawyer, and hire a doctor to testify on their behalf.

If you do not do this the insurance company will ignore you and your case will be over.

The only way to show that your case is not weak and that you are not the bad guy is to have the arbitrator make a decision and force the Workers’ Compensation insurance company to pay you and pay for your medical bills.

Make sure that you have an experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney to help you out.

Questions about your Work Comp case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

Social Security Disability- Why Does It Take So Long?

Dirk May Help, Your questions

There is no question that Social Security Disability cases are taking longer.

In Central Illinois it used to take 3 months from application to first decision.

Now it is taking up to 6 months for a decision.

If you are denied, then you must appeal and it takes another 6 months.

It used to take 3 months for the second level decision.

This results in an additional 6 month delay.

If you are denied at the second level, then you must Request a Hearing.

The wait for the hearing used to be 8 months.

Now it is taking about 10 months.

The total additional delay is approximately 8 months.

Social Security claims the delay is because more people are filing for disability and there are not enough employees to handle the cases.

Something is wrong with the system if it takes 22 months to get a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

People end up homeless or living with friends or relatives when it takes this long.

The rules do allow you to work part time, however some Judges will use the part time work against you and ask why you cannot work full time if you are performing part time work.

Sometimes you can get an expedited hearing, but there is no guarantee.

The most important question is whether you can last the 22 months until you get before a Judge.

If you can work, then you should work as long as you can because Social Security Disability is not something want to be on unless you have to.

Questions about ways to improve your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

Workers’ Compensation- Should I Get a Lawyer?

Dirk May Help

Some people do not want to get a lawyer when they are injured.

They think it sends the wrong signal. Such as they are out for money. Or they believe they can get this out of the way without a bunch of red tape and lots of people being involved.

Many people who have had an excellent work history and have never had a work injury in the past are reluctant to file a claim and seek legal help.

The problem is that the Workers’ Compensation insurance company has many lawyers watching out for their interests and they certainly are not working for you.

It is not wrong to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer help you protect your rights to medical treatment, off work pay, and a fair settlement.

A lawyer will give you peace of mind and help smooth the process for you.

Illinois Work Comp lawyers only get paid when you get paid.

They are entitled to 20 percent of your recovery according to the law. There are no hourly fees or upfront charges.

Do not let the insurance company take advantage of your reluctance to seek legal help or your concern about what others will think of you.

Questions about your work injury claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.