Social Security Disability Attorneys in Stuart

A serious injury or condition that prevents you from working can feel like a death sentence. Without any way to earn a living, it’s likely that your daily expenses, medical bills, and other costs are snowballing into an avalanche of debt. However, the government has created a safety net for those who find themselves in this exact situation. Our Social Security disability attorneys in Stuart can help you bring a claim for benefits.

Unfortunately, gaining access to these funds is no simple task. Applying for benefits can be an arduous process as every application is subject to rigorous review. Often, all it takes are a few small errors or a hard-nosed claims examiner to sink your claim.

At Donaldson & Weston, our legal team is dedicated to helping victims recover fair compensation. We have an in-depth understanding of the application process and can assist you with gathering evidence, filing your application, and handling any appeals if necessary. If you would like to speak to one of our lawyers, call 772-266-5555 to schedule a free consultation. 

Our Social Security Disability Attorneys in Stuart Can Help If Your Claim Was Denied

Disability benefits can be a financial lifeline in this difficult chapter of your life. Understandably, you may be worried about your claim getting denied. If your claim has already been denied, our attorneys can help.

The Social Security Administration (SSA), the government body in charge of overseeing such claims, has strict rules designating who can and who cannot receive these benefits. Below are a few common reasons Social Security disability claims are denied: 

• You Did Not Provide Sufficient Medical Proof: When applying for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating the severity of your injuries. As such, a complete set of medical records can be an invaluable asset. However, if your primary healthcare provider has not been diligent about logging how your condition or injury prevents you from working, there is a high likelihood that your claim will be denied. To mitigate potential disputes, you should clearly communicate your limitations during doctor’s visits so that your primary care physician is aware of how your condition has impacted your life. Your Social Security disability lawyer may also consult with medical and vocational experts to help determine how your disability might affect your income-earning capacity in the future. 

• You Did Not Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: During your recovery, your healthcare provider may order you take specific medications, complete certain exercises, and rest to avoid exacerbating your injuries. It’s important to follow through on their instructions as the Social Security Administration will want to see proof that you are doing as much as possible to assist your recovery. Fail to do so, and the SSA may assert that had you followed your doctor’s orders, you may have recovered sooner or avoided aggravating your condition. 

• You Earn Too Much Money: If you are still working and earning a living when you file for Social Security disability benefits, it’s unlikely the SSA will approve your claim. Typically, individuals engaging in “substantial gainful activity”―making $1,220 or more per month―are ineligible for these benefits. Keep in mind that this does not apply to any earnings generated by investments.

Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Disability, as defined under Social Security, is different to other similar programs. For example, if you have a short-term or partial disability, you may be eligible for benefits when filing for workers’ compensation. However, Social Security pays out only for a total disability. To comply with these guidelines, you must meet the following criteria:

• You are unable to do work you were able to before you sustained your injury or condition;
• Your disability is projected to last for a year or more or will result in death; and
• It’s concluded that your disability will inhibit your ability to adapt to other jobs.

Discuss Your Claim with a Social Security Disability Lawyer

Filing for SSDI benefits or workers’ compensation can be an incredibly frustrating undertaking. While you could navigate this legal minefield on your own, a Social Security disability lawyer in Stuart can handle the logistics so you can get back to focusing on getting your life on track.

At Donaldson & Weston, our lawyers have decades of combined experience helping clients obtain fair compensation for lost wages and other damages in Social Security disability, workers’ compensation, and personal injury cases. Contact us today at 772-266-5555 to discuss your situation with a member of our legal team.