24/7 LIVE ANSWERING
276-623-0808
Living with a disability is incredibly challenging, and each day may feel like an uphill battle – but fortunately, you can get in touch with our Kingsport social security disability lawyer who can help you get the care and attention you need to live your best life.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand that you may be feeling completely overwhelmed. Learning to live with a disability takes time, and some people never get back their mobility or independence. But you should never lose hope. With the right legal team at your back, you can get your life back, and the closure you need to rebuild.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a serious accident? Are you struggling with a disability, and anxious about your future? Reach out to learn more about how social security should keep you afloat and how our firm can help.
If your disability was due to an accident or an injury, it means a very difficult road ahead. And of course, it means a very expensive journey for you and your loved ones. When you’re disabled because of an accident, you’ll have a massive pile of medical bills to pay off. Ideally, you can count on your insurance to cover some (or all) of the costs, but once you’re out of the hospital, you’re not out of the woods.
A disability means taking time to relearn how to live your life. No matter the degree of your disability, you’ll have to get used to a new life after your injury – and you can’t give up hope on what you have, and what you can gain. You may have to attend physical therapy, and you may have to acclimate yourself to a new routine. You may even need live-in assistance. But more importantly, you’ll have to learn how to live again. And it’ll be a long road back to normalcy.
It’s one of the most common questions people with disabilities have to ask themselves: How will I take care of myself and my loved ones? Some disabilities mean you won’t be able to go back to your old job, and some disabilities mean you’ll have to completely refocus your professional life. It can be especially stressful when you have dependents, and it can weigh on you and cause many sleepless nights.
Fortunately, you can get important and much-needed funds through social security. When you apply for disability, you finally get a break: the government provides you with a financial hand up so you can continue to care for yourself and your loved ones, and so you can pay for any necessary medical or adaptive equipment you may need after your accident.
Of course, getting money from the government is never easy. It takes a lot of work and paperwork to get your disability checks, and you can’t afford to be filing paperwork only to have it come back rejected. It’s more important than ever for you to get in touch with a social security lawyer to help you through the necessary documents and the entire application process so you know what to expect in your future.
A disability is an incredible challenge, and social security is your lifeline to a better future. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need to live the best life possible: Reach out to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, and see how our disability lawyer can help.
There are many medical conditions that Virginia residents may suffer from that could qualify them for Social Security disability benefits. One such medical condition is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe a group of lung diseases that are progressive in nature – meaning the condition will get worse over time. One of the main characteristics of the disease is increased loss of breath. If you or a loved one is suffering from COPD, contact our firm to find out if you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
According to the COPD Foundation, some of the pulmonary diseases that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis, emphysema, non-reversible (also referred to as refractory) asthma, and certain forms of bronchiectasis. Symptoms of COPD include frequent coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and increased breathlessness. The disease also puts stress on the heart and many COPD patients also end up developing pulmonary heart disease. There is no cure for COPD. Treatment may include medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy.
There are approximately 16 million people in this country that suffer from the disease, with more than 115,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The primary cause of COPD is smoking. However, there are also environmental factors that can cause the disease as well, including long-term exposure to harmful dust, chemicals, or fumes. There are also some genetic factors that may cause a person who has not been exposed to smoking or harmful pollutants to develop the disease.
A Social Security disability lawyer in Kingsport knows that as the disease progresses, a person’s quality of life may be greatly affected. Certain accommodations may need to be made in order for the person to continue to work. However, over time, the disease could progress to the point where the patient is unable to work and could qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
In order to qualify for Social Security disability, a person must be suffering from a medical condition that prohibits them from earning more than $1,350 per month (for the year 2022) and this condition must be expected to last (or already has) or a minimum of one year. Typically, advanced COPD patients meet those criteria.
If you have been injured or struggling with COPD or any other illness that has left you unable to work, you may be entitled to Social Security disability insurance. The process for applying for benefits can be long and complicated, and you may even be denied and have to file for an appeal. Contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Social Security disability lawyer today.
Here are ten facts you need to know about SSD from our Kingsport social security disability lawyer; learn more then contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for help.
Social Security Disability (SSD) is a federal program in the United States designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
To qualify for SSD benefits, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must have a severe medical condition that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The condition must last or be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Additionally, applicants must have earned enough work credits through Social Security contributions. A doctor and a lawyer can help you determine your eligibility based on your current situation.
SSA follows a five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility for SSD benefits. It assesses an applicant’s work status, severity of the disability, whether the disability is listed in the SSA’s “Listing of Impairments,” ability to perform past work, and capability to adjust to other forms of employment.
Certain severe medical conditions qualify for “Compassionate Allowances,” a fast-track process for SSD approval. These conditions are automatically approved, expediting the application and decision process. If you believe this might apply to you, contact us for help.
After being approved for SSD benefits, there is a mandatory five-month waiting period before receiving the first payment. This waiting period helps distinguish short-term disabilities from long-term ones.
SSD recipients undergo periodic medical reviews to determine whether they still meet the disability requirements. If the recipient’s medical condition improves significantly, their benefits may be discontinued. If you are facing an issue with losing your benefits, contact a lawyer for help. They will be able to argue your case for you.
While Social Security Disability (SSD) provides benefits to individuals who have paid into the system through work credits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history.
SSD beneficiaries can attempt to return to work through the Ticket to Work program. During a trial work period, recipients can earn income without losing their benefits. If they exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit, their benefits may be affected. It is important to have legal advice before trying this as you do not want to lose your benefits.
Under certain circumstances, spouses and dependent children of SSD recipients may be eligible for auxiliary benefits. These benefits can provide additional financial support to the family.
If an initial SSD application is denied, applicants have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process includes several stages, such as reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and review by the Appeals Council.
Social Security Disability is a crucial safety net for individuals who find themselves unable to work due to a severe medical condition. Understanding the program’s eligibility criteria, application process, and potential benefits is essential for those seeking assistance. If you or someone you know is facing a disability, it’s important to explore the options available and seek professional guidance to navigate the SSD system successfully. Remember, the Social Security Administration is there to support individuals with disabilities and provide them with the help they need to live their lives with dignity and financial security. Contact our Kingsport social security disability attorney at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for help today.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) serves as a crucial safety net for individuals unable to work due to disabilities. The statistics surrounding SSDI offer insights into its impact and prevalence across the United States.
As of 2023, approximately 10.4 million individuals received SSDI benefits, highlighting the significant role it plays in supporting disabled Americans.
The process of applying for SSDI can be rigorous. In recent years, the approval rate for initial SSDI applications has hovered around 35%, indicating the challenges applicants face in meeting eligibility criteria. This statistic underscores the complexity of proving disability and the importance of thorough documentation in the application process.
Demographically, certain groups are disproportionately represented among SSDI recipients. For instance, individuals aged 50 to 64 constitute a significant portion, reflecting the prevalence of age-related disabilities in this cohort. Moreover, a higher prevalence of disability is observed among minority populations, emphasizing disparities in health outcomes and access to resources.
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be daunting and is often met with initial denials. A lawyer can significantly increase your chances of success by making sure your application is accurately completed, gathering necessary medical evidence, and representing you at hearings. They understand the intricacies of the system and can navigate it more effectively than someone without legal training.
Ideally, you should contact a lawyer as soon as you decide to apply for disability benefits. Early involvement can help avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can lead to denials. However, if you have already applied and been denied, it is not too late. A lawyer can help you appeal the decision and represent you in front of an administrative law judge.
Your lawyer will need comprehensive information about your medical condition, work history, and how your disability affects your ability to work. This includes medical records, doctor’s notes, and any other relevant documentation. The more detailed and thorough the information you provide, the better your lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf.
Most Social Security Disability Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the past-due benefits you are awarded, and the amount is capped by federal law. This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
While hiring a lawyer does not guarantee success, statistics show that applicants represented by legal counsel are more likely to be approved for benefits than those who apply on their own. Lawyers bring a level of expertise and familiarity with the process that can be critical in presenting a compelling case.
The application process involves several steps, including completing forms, gathering medical evidence, and possibly attending hearings. Your lawyer will guide you through each step, ensuring that deadlines are met and paperwork is correctly filed. They will also prepare you for any hearings, helping you understand what to expect and how to present your case effectively.
Yes, if your initial application is denied, our Kingsport Social Security Disability attorney can assist with the appeals process. This involves requesting a reconsideration, and if necessary, representing you in front of an administrative law judge. Having legal representation during the appeals process can be especially beneficial, as it involves complex legal arguments and thorough preparation.
The timeline for a Social Security disability claim can vary significantly. Initial decisions typically take three to five months, but if an appeal is necessary, the process can extend to a year or more. Your lawyer will help manage expectations and keep you informed of any developments in your case.
If you are unable to afford the medical tests and documentation needed for your application, your lawyer may be able to help you find resources or suggest alternative ways to obtain the necessary evidence. Some attorneys have connections with medical providers who can assist in these situations.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we work diligently to assist individuals seeking justice after accidents and injuries. With over 25 years of legal experience, we understand the challenges faced by those in need of a Kingsport personal injury lawyer, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes. Below is a glossary of key terms you may encounter during your legal journey.
Social Security Disability (SSD) provides financial support for individuals unable to work due to a severe medical condition. SSD eligibility requires proving that your disability will last at least 12 months or result in death. For some clients, SSD benefits serve as a vital lifeline, enabling them to cover basic living expenses and medical care after a debilitating injury. We’ve seen firsthand how access to these funds can bring stability to families during uncertain times.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is a threshold set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether an individual can engage in meaningful employment despite their disability. If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, you may not qualify for SSD benefits. For clients whose ability to work is significantly impacted, understanding this benchmark is essential when pursuing disability claims. A clear understanding of SGA can help in strategizing for fair compensation or benefits.
The Compassionate Allowances program accelerates the approval process for individuals with certain severe conditions. This fast-track option can ease the burden on families coping with sudden medical challenges. For example, we’ve helped clients secure benefits more quickly for conditions listed under this program, allowing them to focus on recovery rather than prolonged bureaucratic processes.
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hears appeals for those whose Social Security Disability claims have been denied. Appearing before an ALJ can be a pivotal step in your case, as the judge reviews evidence and hears arguments to make a final decision. We prepare thoroughly for these hearings, ensuring every relevant fact is presented to strengthen your case. Our experience in federal courts and our commitment to each client have helped us secure favorable outcomes in these proceedings.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program offering financial assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of their work history. For families facing financial hardship, SSI can be a vital resource. While distinct from SSD, SSI is equally critical for many of our clients, particularly those with lifelong or congenital conditions. We guide clients through the application process, emphasizing the documentation needed to demonstrate eligibility.
Over the years, The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt has represented clients in personal injury cases ranging from auto accidents to complex whistleblowing claims. Some notable recoveries include a $1,000,000 settlement for a catastrophic car accident and a $6,850,000 verdict in a Medicaid fraud case brought by whistleblowers. However, we must remind every client that no two cases are identical, and outcomes depend on a variety of unique factors.
We believe every case deserves personal attention and thorough preparation. As an Order of the Coif graduate from Duke Law School, Mark T. Hurt has argued cases at every level, including the United States Supreme Court. Our goal is to advocate for justice on behalf of those who have been wronged, providing the guidance and representation needed to pursue fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured and need assistance, contact us today. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you achieve the resolution you deserve.
If you are struggling with a disability and need assistance with your Social Security disability claim, reach out to our experienced Kingsport attorney today. We’re ready to help you secure the benefits you need. Contact us now for a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the support you need.
“We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.“
