Staten Island Workers' Comp and SSDI Law Blog

A significant number of Social Security disability claims are denied when first considered. There are a wide variety of reasons why a claim may be denied, including that the disability isn't considered severe enough, the medical evidence presented was deemed insufficient, the injury or illness in question did not seem to limit the claimant's ability to perform the same or similar work, and the claimant failed to adhere to medical treatment aimed at relieving the medical condition. A claim denial, though, for any reason can throw an individual into treacherous financial territory.

The good news is that a denied claim can be appealed. The first step in the appellate process is known as reconsideration. When requesting reconsideration, a claimant should include any new or newly obtained evidence that directly rebuts the reason for the initial denial. This may include additional medical records, but it is important to note that a mere letter from one's doctor isn't enough. Instead, the records submitted should show scientific facts to support the claim, including diagnoses, laboratory findings, medical treatment provided, and the patient's response to said treatment.

Many Americans, including some of those right here in New York, suffer serious injuries in car accidents, workplace mishaps, slip-and-fall incidences, and in many other ways. While many of these victims are able to reclaim their health and return to their normal lives, others are left with debilitating injuries that upend their day-to-day lives. Oftentimes these injuries interfere with an individual's ability to work. When this is the case, an individual can face significant financial hardship and destitution, which is why they need to consider seeking out the Social Security disability benefits to which they may be entitled.

One type of serious injury that may qualify an individual for SSD benefits are those related to the spinal cord. According to the Social Security Administration's guidelines, an individual who has some sort of spinal cord disorder may be able to qualify for benefits if certain requirements are met. For example, an individual who can show complete paralysis can qualify for SSD benefits, provided that he or she has the proper work history.

Before filing for workers’ compensation benefits in Staten Island, you probably thought that the hardest thing you would have to deal with is the wait. No one warned you about the possibility of your claim being denied. As you get ready to file an appeal on your workers’ compensation claim, you might find yourself wondering how you can prepare for the hearing. The hearing gives you another chance to present your case and get a more favorable decision. In addition to having everything you need to support your claim, consider the following pointers:

Watch what you wear

It goes without saying that an injury in the workplace can impose physical and financial imitations on an individual. However, few recognize that being injured on the job and all of the ramifications any resulting injuries can have may result in the imposition of emotional harm, too. Injured workers can find themselves overwhelmed with financial issues that have been unexpectedly thrust upon them, which can leave them scrambling to make ends meet. This is true even when workers' compensation benefits are recovered because these benefits usually don't cover the full extent of one's losses.

However, the workers' compensation program does provide another benefit that can prove useful. Those who are successful on a workers' compensation claim and thereby awarded benefits can have a social worker appointed to help them at no cost. These workers can help identify areas where benefit recipients need assistance and step in to further that individual's best interests. Therefore, a social worker can help a benefit recipient negotiate with creditors and landlords when payments are late or incomplete, which could help alleviate some of the financial stressors faced by these individuals.