St. Petersburg Disability Attorney
Disability Attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, are legal advocates dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of disability claims. If you are facing challenges with your disability claim, they can provide crucial assistance and expertise to facilitate the process.
With their knowledge of disability law and more than 45 years of experience in handling Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income cases, Anderson & Ackerman Law Group can help protect your rights. They understand the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary medical evidence, complete the required forms, and effectively present your case to the Social Security Administration.
Fighting for the benefits you Deserve
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How Can A St. Petersburg Disability Lawyer Help You With Your Disability Claim?
St Pete Disability Lawyer can help you with your disability claim in the following ways:
- Initial Consultation: Your disability lawyer will provide an initial consultation to evaluate your case. They will review your medical records, work history, and other relevant information to determine the strength of your claim and the likelihood of success.
- Application Assistance: Our legal professionals complete entire application process, ensuring that all necessary forms and information are completed accurately and all relevant medical documentation and supporting evidence is provided. Further, they will present your case in a clear and compelling manner and zealously advocate for your rights.
- Medical Evidence: Your disability attorney will work with you to gather and organize your medical records, test results, and expert opinions from medical professionals. This allows for them to ensure that all relevant evidence to support your disability claim is presented on your behalf.
- Developing the Legal Argument: Analyzing your case, identifying the legal arguments that best support your claim, and developing a strategy to present your case effectively are key aspects that a St. Petersburg Disability Lawyer will help you with. They will use their knowledge of disability law and regulations to build a strong argument on your behalf.
- Appeals and Hearings: If your initial disability claim is denied, they can assist you in filing an appeal and walk you through navigating the appeals process. They will help gather additional evidence, prepare you for hearings or interviews as needed, and represent you during administrative law judge hearings or before the Appeals Council.
- Expert Witnesses: In some cases, your disability attorney may work with medical or vocational experts who provide expert testimony or evaluations to support your claim. These medical experts typically offer their expert opinions on the severity of your condition, your ability to work, and the impact of your disability on your daily life.
- Benefits Awards: Your Social Security Disability Attorneys in St Petersburg Fl will help you until you get your benefits from the Social Security Administration after a favorable resolution of your claim. You will not be left alone to figure it out yourself. They will advocate for your rights, fair compensation and work to maximize your benefits.
- Court Representation: If your case reaches the federal district court level, your St Petersburg Disability attorney can represent you in court, cross-examine the vocational witness, get testimony to show your daily limitations, and present your case before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and if a federal court appeal, write persuasive arguments before a federal judge.
What Disabilities Does St Petersburg Disability Lawyers Handle?
Some common types of disabilities that St Pete Disability Lawyer typically handle include:
- Physical Disabilities: such as musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, mobility impairments, spinal cord injuries, amputations, reaching/handling limitations, and more.
- Mental Health Disabilities: including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychiatric disorders.
- Chronic Illnesses: like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS, or other autoimmune diseases.
- Neurological Disorders: involving epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurological impairments.
- Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: relating to down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, or other developmental disabilities.
- Sensory Impairments: including hearing impairments, visual impairments, or a combination of both, such as deafness or blindness, and speech issues.
- Cancer and Other Serious Medical Conditions: encompassing cases involving individuals with different types of cancer, organ failure, chronic respiratory disorders, heart conditions, or other serious medical conditions that limit their ability to work.
If you have a specific disability or medical condition, it is recommended to consult with an experienced disability attorney in St. Petersburg who can evaluate the specifics of your case and provide legal support and guidance tailored to your situation.
How To Apply For Your SSDI And SSI Benefits With The Help of Lawyers In St. Petersburg?
An experienced disability lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, will provide you with legal expertise and guide you through the complex disability injury claims process. To apply for disability benefits, you can follow these steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Understand the eligibility criteria for the disability benefits program you are applying for. In most cases including under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), you must have a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months. You should also have sufficient work credits for Social Security Disability Insurance or meet income and resource limits for Supplemental Security Income.
- Gather Required Information: Collect the necessary information and documentation for your application. This will include your Social Security number, birth information, medical records, employment history, and income details. Your attorney will compile medical evidence supporting your disability claims, such as doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment records.
- Choose the Application Method: You have multiple options for applying:
Apply Online: Visit the Social Security Administration’s website (www.ssa.gov) and complete the online application for disability benefits.
Apply via Phone: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule a phone interview and complete the application with a representative.
Apply In-Person: Schedule an appointment at your local Social Security In St Petersburg Florida office to complete the application in person.
- Complete the Application: Provide accurate and detailed information on the application form. Ensure that you include all relevant medical and employment details.
- Follow Up and Cooperate: Stay in touch with the Social Security Administration throughout the application process. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or medical examinations. Cooperate fully to facilitate a smooth review of your application, and if you need any accommodations, don’t hesitate to communicate your needs.
- Await a Decision: After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. The review process can take several months. You will receive a decision letter informing you of the outcome of your application. We maintain communication with the SSA employees reviewing your file and ensure they have your records and deadlines are met.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Consider hiring a disability attorney at key points in your claim process, such as during the application, monthly claim handling, if your claim is denied and needs an appeal, or if it progresses to the hearing stage. A disability lawyer, providing Social Security advocacy services, can provide valuable assistance monitoring your claim, keeping SSA updated on your medical treatment and conditions, making the best arguments for your case to SSA or the Administrative law judge, and ensure your rights are fought for. At Anderson & Ackerman Disabilty we work hard to ensure your case is presented effectively and we work hard to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
After filing your application, SSA and its doctors will review your information, including medical records, to determine your eligibility for disability benefits. They may request additional documents during this process. If approved, you’ll begin receiving disability benefits . In case of a denial, you have the right to appeal, and it’s advisable to consider seeking assistance from an injury lawyer to navigate the SSI appeals process successfully.
Yes, individuals can work during the SSI/SSDI application process but under specific circumstances. As always, if you can work full time then you should and you won’t need these benefits. It is important to document if you needed accommodations or if you had to stop working because of your impairments. Information gathered from work activity can help strengthen the SSI/SSDI claims application by documenting any functional limitations experienced. It is important to consult with an experienced disability lawyer about your specific situation to see if working will harm your claim.
The duration of the disability claims process can vary widely depending on several factors. Generally, it takes several months for the SSA office to review your application, gather necessary information, and make a decision. However, the exact time depends on the inclusion of how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision.
If your claim is approved, you can expect to start receiving benefits shortly thereafter. However, if your claim is denied and you decide to appeal, the benefits appeals process can extend the timeline significantly, often taking several months. Advocacy team of disability advocates can provide legal assistance with the appeals process.
A disability attorney, serving as your legal counsel, assists by reviewing why your claim was denied, gathering evidence, and building a strong case. They handle legal procedures, ensure all necessary documents are submitted, and speak up for your rights during hearings. With their expertise, they work to make your case stronger, increasing the chances of a successful appeal. In essence, a law firm disability lawyer is your ally, striving to overturn the initial denial and secure the disability benefits you deserve.
You have the right to appeal SSA’s decision to deny your claim for benefits. An appeal is a request to have a prior decision reversed or reviewed. At Anderson & Ackerman Disability, we handle appeals at every single level, including hearing representation and the Appeals Council. If necessary, you may pursue further options such as filing a lawsuit in federal court. At Anderson & Ackerman Disability, we have experience filing federal court appeals in courts across the nation.
Disability Benefits Denied?
If you don’t know where to start, or your initial application is denied, or it’s time to go to a hearing, we can help. Seeking assistance from Disability Lawyers In St Petersburg who are experienced in handling disability appeals can be beneficial in navigating the appeals process effectively. Schedule a free legal consultation or call 727-323-8886 to learn about the appeals process from experienced attorneys.