WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET HURT AT WORK
Author • February 7, 2017
If you are injured while on the job, it is important to follow some specific steps so you can pursue the compensation you deserve. You need to be aware of the procedures and timeline that need to be followed to receive benefits. Here are the two most important things that you need to do:
Notify Employer
The first thing you need to do is notify your employer of the injury. You can report it to your supervisor in a meeting, but an official report will also need to be filed. You only have 90 days to complete this notification, so you should do it promptly. When you report your injury, you need to make record of when, where and how the accident happened. You should also keep a copy of the report for yourself.
Make a Claim
If you are seeking benefits from workers’ compensation, a claim must be made within two years of the injury. If time has passed, but you have been working while in pain, you are still eligible to receive benefits so long as you are still within the two years of the injury.
Work-related injuries can be overwhelming when you fear that they could affect your job and income. Contact Gordon & Pont PC to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney
today.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS • If it’s complicated applying for Social Security benefits, or if a disability claim has been rejected, you can enlist an attorney for help. • Be sure to identify lawyers with special knowledge and expertise in Social Security claims and know their way around the system. • Make sure the lawyer you choose has a solid reputation, track record, and ethical grounding. • Many of these lawyers will take a retroactive fee based on Social Security benefits received from a successful case—limited to 25% of your past-due benefits up to a maximum of $9,200. Pre-Qualify Yourself Before even looking for a lawyer, know the basics of Social Security. Most cases that may need the help of a lawyer involve disability claims. Social Security disability is for people who have a medical condition that fits Social Security’s definition of a disability. And to qualify, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. In other words, if you never paid into Social Security, you’re not going to get anything out. If you have not worked enough or recently enough to “insured” for social security disability benefits, you may still qualify for SSI if you meet both the medical and non-medical (meaning financial) requirements. If you do qualify, you can get monthly benefits checks only if you are unable to work for at least one year because of a disability. What a Lawyer Can and Can’t Do A lawyer can speed up your application or appeal because can help you avoid mistakes and can submit needed documents faster. However, the SSA is woefully understaffed which means everything is taking longer than it should. While a lawyer can’t guarantee that you’ll win, your chances of success improve greatly. Because we are paid only once we win, experienced lawyers are skilled in identifying strong cases. How to Find the Right Lawyer You can find Social Security disability lawyers in a variety of ways. The internet has plenty of lawyer referral sites. Legal aid clinics and referral services operated by state bar associations are also sources for the names of people to interview. Be careful. Just because you find an attorney by searching one of these sources doesn’t guarantee they’ll be good, ethical lawyers. A better way to put together a list of lawyers to interview is probably through word of mouth, in person, or through social media, from people who have had good experiences with a Social Security disability lawyer and by reading reviews from former clients. Red Flags Make sure you speak to and hire a real lawyer and not an “advocate” or the like. Be cautious of “case managers” and insist on speaking with your lawyer. Although disability lawyers are busy, you want to hire one who has a staff of people who will answer any questions you have accurately and promptly. How Much Will It Cost? Cases will cost you nothing upfront. Lawyers take their fees from any retroactive benefits you’re awarded from Social Security. The fee is limited to 25% of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $9,200. The attorney will have you sign a document that allows Social Security to pay the law firm directly. If you get nothing, you owe the lawyer nothing. Because the lawyer will likely have to request medical, school, work, and psychological records that come with a cost, they might pass on that fee to you. This should be a couple of hundred dollars at most. Setting up a patient portal with our doctor or hospital is an excellent way to avoid that cost. Since it costs you nothing unless and until you win, consider talking to somebody if you file a claim and get turned down initially. The Bottom Line You should get an attorney’s help if you’re having trouble applying for Social Security benefits or if a disability claim has been rejected. Identify lawyers with special knowledge and expertise in Social Security claims and who know their way around the system. Make sure your lawyer has a solid reputation, track record, and ethical grounding.
Get expert tips from a Social Security benefits attorney in Detroit, MI, to maximize your benefits. Contact Gordon & Pont PC today at (248) 395-4100!
Learn why hiring a disability attorney over a non-attorney advocate can benefit your Social Security Disability claim. Discover key differences in qualifications, legal expertise, ethical protections, and more.
Gordon & Pont is a highly reputable Social Security Disability law firm in Detroit, offering expert legal assistance for claims, appeals, and hearings. With years of experience, they provide personalized, compassionate representation to help clients secure the benefits they deserve. Learn about the SSA’s Sequential Evaluation Process for SSDI and SSI benefits. Understand the five steps, including work capacity, severity of medical conditions, and past work limitations. Get expert help from Gordon & Pont to navigate the process and improve your chances of success. Call for a consultation!
The timeline for Social Security Disability benefits can vary, but understanding the process—from initial application to appeal—can help you avoid delays. Learn how to speed up your claim and why hiring an experienced lawyer like Gordon & Pont is essential for a faster resolution. Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
Learn about the SSA’s Sequential Evaluation Process for SSDI and SSI benefits. Understand the five steps, including work capacity, severity of medical conditions, and past work limitations. Get expert help from Gordon & Pont to navigate the process and improve your chances of success. Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
Learn how Social Security work credits are earned and how many are needed to qualify for SSDI benefits. Discover the requirements, including the Date Last Insured (DLI), and get expert help from Gordon & Pont for your SSDI case. Contact us today for guidance! Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.
Denied SSDI or SSI benefits? Understand the Social Security Appeals process, including reconsideration requests, ALJ hearings, and further appeals. Get expert legal help from Gordon & Pont to improve your chances of success. Contact us today for a consultation! Call 248-395-4100 today and speak to an attorney about your case.