Illinois

More Social Security Disability Tips

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

I go to a lot of Social Security Disability hearings representing people mainly in Illinois and this gives me a chance to see other people who are also there for a hearing. It always surprises me to see so many people who go in without a lawyer.

These people have no idea what is going to happen in the hearing and they are trusting that the Administrative Law Judge and vocational expert will look out for their best interests.

The Judge must tell the claimant at the beginning of the hearing that they are entitled to a lawyer to represent them, and if they proceed without a lawyer then the Judge will issue a binding decision.

You always have the right to appeal from the Judge’s decision, however the evidence you present at the hearing will limit your arguments on appeal.

I have seen some of the decisions Judge’s make when a person does not have a lawyer. Most Judge’s try to be fair, but they cannot see all the things that are in your favor and they are not as invested in your case as you are.

You also need to know what questions will be asked in the hearing and how to answer them properly in light of the Social Security rules.

You need to know what you have to prove to win your case.

It makes sense to have an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer help you because they can prepare you to do everything possible to present a strong case.

The lawyer will only get paid if you win and get paid back benefits. This means both you and the lawyer want to win.

Questions about how to help your disability case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

Work Comp Doctors and What They Mean

Dirk May Help, Illinois, Illinois Work Comp Attorney, Illinois Work Comp Lawyer, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission, Your questions

Illinois law allows the Workers’ Compensation insurance company to send the injured worker to a doctor of its own choice.

This doctor cannot provide you with any treatment.

The only purpose of this doctor is to examine you and the doctor’s opinion may be used against you in your case.

You will have to travel to see the doctor for an exam that will last approximately 10 minutes to one hour.

The doctor will write a report that describes your injuries, whether your condition is related to your work injury, what treatment is necessary, and your restrictions.

The insurance company may use this report to deny the injured worker medical treatment, stop payments, or deny the case all together.

If this happens, then you will need to have your doctor testify in your favor.

The Arbitrator will chose between the doctors’ opinions in deciding whether or not you win your case.

It is important to know that you must go to the insurance company doctor or you will be denied all benefits.

What is in the injured worker’s favor is that your treating doctor spends much more time with you and over the course of time sees how the injury affects you, and if the doctor is your surgeon sees the pathology of your condition in a way that the insurance company doctor cannot.

If you are ordered to see a Work Comp doctor make sure that you talk with an experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney immediately.

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

When Should I Get A Work Comp Attorney?

Dirk May Help, Illinois, Illinois Work Comp Attorney, Illinois Work Comp Lawyer, Insurance, Law, Settlements, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission

It is always a good idea to get your attorney involved in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation process as soon as possible.

This protects you from damaging your case and makes sure that you maximize your settlement.

If you wait too long, then a lawyer may not be able to help you.

For instance, an experienced Work Comp lawyer can help you deal with the insurance company from the beginning and prevent mistakes that you may not be able to recover from.

Using a lawyer signals to the insurance company that you are serious and that they will not be able to take advantage of you.

You will definitely need a lawyer if the insurance company is low balling you or denying your claim. Your lawyer will be able to get you into court and prepare your for the hearing before the arbitrator. The lawyer will explain the questions you be asked and the evidence you will need.

The ideal situation is to go to an experienced Illinois Work Comp lawyer and get immediate assistance with filing your application, getting the medical records and bills and medical testimony, and preparing you for the hearing questions. This gives you the best shot at winning and getting the best settlement possible.

There are no attorney fees unless you win, and they are paid at the time you receive your money so this makes it much easier to get a lawyer to help you.

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

When Does It Make Sense to Settle Your Work Comp Case?

Dirk May Help, Illinois, Illinois Work Comp Attorney, Illinois Work Comp Lawyer, Law, Settlements, Workers Compensation

The most important aspect of your Illinois Workers’ Compensation Case is knowing when to settle your case.

Like the old song goes “you gotta know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em”.

Or as it was said in an Indiana Jones movie “choose wisely”.

I have seen people make bad choices because they were either greedy or they thought someone owed them something, or because they felt like they were being treated unfairly.

There is another old saying “hogs get slaughtered; pigs get fed”.

Another thing to remember: the law is not perfect. It is not made to resolve every injury perfectly. There were a number of trade offs made in passing the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The result is an imperfect law with imperfect remedies for imperfect people.

I once had a law school professor who emphasized with a passion that the law is not fair.

If you are looking for fairness you will not find it in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.

You must make the best settlement possible considering the law and the facts in your case.

Do not make a risky bet a perceived high dollar outcome and let a good settlement in hand get away.

Going to trial in a high risk case to get lots of money is foolish and usually results in bitter disappointment when you receive a minimal value or zero verdict.

You should consult with an experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney to discuss your case. Feel free to contact attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

When Should You Get a Lawyer for Your Disability Case?

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

You can hire a lawyer to help you in getting Social Security Disability at any stage of your case.

However, the earlier you get a lawyer the more help they can be in shaping your case toward a winning result.

For instance, I like to meet with a client right away and help them file the application for Social Security Disability online.

Then we can make sure all the relevant medical records, medications, treatments and work history are reported to Social Security.

Once an application is filed with Social Security, you will receive a series of questionnaires.

A lawyer can help you explain in response to the questions the major problems you have and how they limit your daily activities. It is also crucial to describe the relevant aspects of your past work.

Social Security will send you to see some of their doctors. You need to understand why they are doing this and what they are looking for.

You and your lawyer will also need to work together to file timely appeals to any denials you receive.

When you are scheduled for a disability hearing you need to prepare your case and be ready for the questions the Judge will ask you and the vocational expert.

You also need to understand what you have to prove to win your case.

The good thing about using a lawyer in a Social Security Disability case is that the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case.

The lawyer is limited to a fee of 25% of the back benefits with a cap of $6,000. Since benefits during your lifetime may amount to over several hundred of thousands of dollars this is a small price to pay to win your case.

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