When it comes to combating the nation’s opioid epidemic, politicians of all stripes say they are fully committed.
Source: Amid opioid epidemic, rules for drug companies are loosened – LA Times
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Addiction to pain medications may be an important problem for people who are disabled or who have suffered a work injury. They must deal with chronic pain and avoid addiction. Research into non-addictive methods of reducing pain is very important.
A couple of examples of what it looks like to get the legal help you need when you are injured.
Social Security sent out two sets of questions with a total of over 15 pages to a lady who experiences severe ongoing pain each day.
I sat down with her and went through each question and made sure that she understood why the question was being asked and how it applied to her daily life and her past work life.
When we were finished I faxed in the forms directly to the SSA office handling her claim so the forms would go directly into her file as soon as possible and not be lost.
Another client was unable to get a ride to his hearing. I took him to the hearing and we were able to go over his testimony once again on the ride to the Judge’s office and discuss what the Judge was looking for and what questions she would ask.
This is what legal help that is important to you looks like and it is crucial because it meets your needs and helps you do the best you can to win your case.
Questions about how we can help you? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability and injury attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.
Credibility means that you are believable and the Judge or Jury leans toward your version of events.
Credibility is important in work injury cases, personal injury cases and Social Security Disability cases.
The most important factors that enhance your credibility include how medical providers view you, how your documents support your claim, and how your testimony supports your claim.
Medical records provide a snapshot of what you told nurses and doctors at or near the time of your accident. This is viewed as important because you did not have time to reflect and possibly exaggerate your pain or the cause of your accident. Make sure that you go to the doctor right away and explain all your injuries, how the accident happened, and what limitations you are experiencing.
Documents such as police reports and accident reports corroborate your testimony regarding the cause of accident and how you were injured. Inconsistent testimony with these documents will harm your case.
Your testimony should be consistent with medical records and accident reports. Your testimony should be believable.
Exaggeration will damage your case.
Arguments with opposing lawyers, the Judge or Arbitrator will make you look bad and make it easier to deny or reduce the value of your case.
Questions about how to help your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.
More than a million Americans — including 40,000 Ohioans — are caught in the federal government’s biggest traffic jam: the line of people appealing denied Social Security disability claims.
Source: Injured workers wait years on Social Security disability benefits | www.springfieldnewssun.com
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This article gives a good overview of some the reasons why it takes so long for a hearing before a Social Security Disability Judge. You should get an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer from the beginning to help you through the maze of regulations and procedures.
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.