2 Tips On How To Apply For Social Security Disability For Yourself and Your Child

Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin

Applying for Social Security disability or SSI disability benefits is very simple.

Following are some tips that you can follow in order to make sure the process is painless:

First, you should call the closest social security office

Simply call the Social Security Office closest to you, and inform the people you talk to that you need to file a social security disability or SSI claim.  After that, an appointment should be arranged in order to conduct an interview with you in person—or on the phone, whichever is the most convenient for you.  The representative assigned to your case will supply you with answers to every one of your questions you have in regards to your social security disability benefits.  This person will also handle the paperwork needed to send your claim to the DDS (Disability Determination Services) where the medical decision on your case will be completed.  Your rep will also guide you in settling upon the type of disability program you are likely to be entitled to, and be able to draw continuing and past due benefits. Ultimately, your benefits may be drawn from either social security disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI.)

When it comes to claim determinations…

Determinations in regards to your programs eligibility are based on your work history, or lack of in the case of children.  In some instances though, a person will have a simultaneous social security disability claim and will thus be able to obtain benefits in both programs. Typically this happens when a person’s work history makes them eligible for SSD.

If your son or daughter is under 18 and mentally or physically disabled, she or he may qualify for social security disability known as “Supplemental Security Income” benefits.  However, if she or he works, the income must not be high.  Keep in mind that some portions of an application for social security benefits for your son or daughter can be done online.  Also, prior to his or her interview, you should have all your child’s necessary documents ready.

In all, if you are prepared, applying for social security disability for yourself, and/or your child will be very easy.

However, if you are in need of a good Philadelphia Social Security Disability Lawyer, contact our law offices immediately!

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Injury Claims

Posted on April 18, 2012 by admin

When involved in a personal injury case there are a number of important steps to be taken in order to ensure the best outcome possible. Working with a lawyer on your case will provide you with the best chances of winning the case and reaching an ideal settlement. These tips will help you when filing a claim for your injury.

Collect evidence: In any legal case, evidence is one of the most important factors. Having evidence helps you show the cause of the accident as well as any damage caused as a result of the accident. Be sure to take photos of anything that is relevant to your claim, these will help you to show the conditions present during the incident and prevent any holes in your claim. Make sure to document the location and damage caused. Other evidence may include relevant documents or materials involved in the accident.

Write everything down: Detail exactly how the accident happened, actions taken afterwards, and any damage caused. This will ensure that all details are remembered, it keeps your records consistent and helps you to keep all information together. Relevant information includes bills, visits to a healthcare provider, lost wages of other effects, and conversations with others involved or with doctors and lawyers. Information from witnesses is also important; anyone who observed the accident might be helpful in your case, be sure to get their names and information so you will be able to contact them if needed.

Inform the second party: Always inform the second party before you file a suit against them. There is no specific time limit for this, but keep in mind that taking action quickly will be more beneficial to your case.

File the claim in a timely manner: The claim must be filed in a timely manner because of the statute of limitations, which limits the amount of time you have to take action after an event has occurred. If your claim is a claim against the government depending on the claim, you usually have 30 days to a year.

Obtain a police report: If a law enforcement officer was involved with the incident, there will be a police report, and it is important to contact the officer right after the event to request a copy of the report. This will provide you with leverage because it contains facts such as circumstances, time and place, parties involved, perhaps a preliminary assessment of fault, or witness statements including their view on what happened or contact information – any information available can help improve your case.

It is important to seek legal assistance when involved in an injury case. Lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable within their fields and will know the best actions to take. They are aware of all necessary steps and can help you with any details you may have missed or any material you are unaware of.  Seeking legal assistance will help to improve your case and aid you in reaching the best settlement.

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Social Security Disability

Posted on March 16, 2012 by admin

Social Security Disability provides assistance to those with disabilities who meet the required criteria. The program provides benefits to the disabled as well as their family members when the disabled is considered “insured” meaning they have worked long enough and paid sufficient Social Security taxes.

The disability can be either physical or mental; it only needs to be severe enough to prevent you from working, and the applicant should apply as soon as the injury occurs in order to ensure the maximum amount of benefits. The benefits can only be received once the injured party has been disabled for a period of 5 months, so benefits will not be received until the 6th month of disability. The benefits continue as long as the injury remains unimproved and the receiver continues to be unable to work. Upon retirement, benefits will be converted to retirement benefits.  In order to keep your benefits, be sure to stick to medication and other treatments and attend all scheduled doctors appointments.

There are law firms and lawyers that specialize in disability cases and can provide beneficial support. Hiring an attorney when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can help save you time and make the process simpler. If it is your first time applying, or you simply want a legal professional to look over your application, a lawyer can provide advice that will help you with your case. If it is not your first case and you have previously been denied, a lawyer can provide legal representation or work with the Social Security Administration on your case. Lawyers can also help you to reopen old cases, which could provide you with back benefits. You must be able to supply evidence that demonstrates your inability to work and lawyers can help you collect all the necessary documentation.

Sometimes a lawyer may also be able to pinpoint a minor adjustment to your application that could make the difference to your case, and your chances of getting approval are greater with a lawyer who is experienced with and understands the process.

Hiring a lawyer when applying for or appealing Social Security Disability is not required, but it is recommended – and with most offices there is no fee unless you win, meaning the lawyer is just as interested in winning the case as you are and will work hard to win your case!

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5 Helpful Tips for Landlords

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin

Being a Landlord can be an enjoyable way to make money, but it can also easily become a complicated legal hassle. Here are some easy tips for Landlords to follow that will help strengthen your relationship with tenants, prevent disputes, and help you to be well prepared for any issues that do arise.

Always Screen Your Tenants: In order to avoid problems and to be more confident in the reliability of the tenants you choose, it is important to check their history and credibility. It is important to always call references, look into their background, check credit history, and get ID to be sure they are providing you with the correct information. If you fail to do this you could miss some important information that would have influenced your decision to rent to the tenant. Use their rental application to screen them well and be sure to include any questions that will be relevant to your decision such as information on their rental history. Lastly, be creative. Use Facebook or Google as tools to learn about an applicant. You can learn a lot about them from these sources and a few minutes on the Internet could save you a lot of hassle in the future.

Always have proof: Having everything in writing and being specific about the details on the lease are both very important. It your agreement is in writing and signed there is no disputing it. The lease should include any topics or issues that may come up throughout the time of the lease such as dictating responsibilities, the term of the agreement, the amount of rent and dates it is due as well as the process for handling late payment or bounced checks. Having the specifics in writing will provide you with proof that tenants agreed to the terms and provide you with a way to settle any disputes that may arise. If you send a notice it is important to have proof that it was sent so if the tenant later claims they did not receive the notice, you can prove it was sent. A good way to do this is to use certified mail so you have a copy for yourself as well.

  Keep up with maintenance and repairs: It is important to fix any necessary repairs that come up during the lease and to be timely and precise about any repairs. This is important for a number of reasons, it will help you to keep good tenants around as well as keep your property up to date and ready for the next tenant with minimal maintenance. This will also prevent injuries and possible legal issues in the future. If your tenant requests a repair that you neglect and is later injured because of your neglect, this could result in difficult legal issues. It is important to remember that you are the owner of the property and responsible for its upkeep.

Provide notice before entering: Many tenants are specific about their right to privacy. 
You may own the property but they are paying you for the rights to reside in it – making it “their home.” When you notify your tenants that you plan to enter the apartment try to provide at least 24 hours of notice and to arrange your visit around their schedule. Many tenants do not feel comfortable with the Landlord entering the apartment while they are out so be sure to check with them before just dropping in.

Obtain insurance: 
It is important to purchase property insurance in order to minimize your liability. A good insurance plan could save you a lot of time and money in the future. It can protect you from lawsuits as well as accidents such as fires or burglary. There are many different packages and you can speak with an insurance agent to find the one that is best for you.

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What You Should Do If You Are Involved In A Car Accident

Posted on January 18, 2012 by admin

No matter what time of year it is, thousands of people are involved in some sort of traffic accident.  If you end up being one of these unfortunate people, will you know what to do after you have been involved in the accident?  It should be known that being educated on what you should after you are involved in an accident can prevent further injuries and reduce costs.

Therefore, if you are involved in a traffic accident, try to remain calm, but also consider these three following post-accident tips:

Always Safety First

Those involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should immediately move their vehicles out of oncoming traffic and to the side of the road. In fact, if you leave your car in the middle of the road or in a busy intersection you can accumulate additional injuries. If your vehicle is incapable of being moved, you and your passengers should remain in your vehicle with your seatbelts fastened until help arrives. Always make sure to turn on your hazard lights.

Swap Information

Immediately after an accident you and whoever else involved should swap the following information: name, address, phone number, all of your insurance information, as well as your driver license and license plate number. Also, try to write a description of each car always including the year, make, model, and color.  Record the precise location of the accident and how it occurred. Finally, remember to be polite, but don’t inform anyone that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.

Know What Your Insurance Covers

Know what your insurance does and does not cover because, for example, you may never know when you’ll need a replacement car—you could be unlucky and your insurance won’t cover it.  Inevitably, the entire insurance process will be much easier if you know the details of your coverage.

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6 Things To Remember If You Are Charged With A Crime

Posted on December 5, 2011 by admin

When you are charged with a crime (especially if it is misdemeanor or felony) you have certain rights. The two most important rights you have are the right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer present at all times.

You should always be conscious of these rights and remember them. They apply not only after you have been charged with a crime, but also even if you are suspected of having committed a crime. Therefore, if you are being arrested or interrogated, always invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney—never try to answer questions from the police on your own.

The most important things to remember when you have been charged or think you will be charged with a crime are:

  1. Be conscious of your rights.
  2. Be polite and courteous to the police and court—they MUST respect your right to remain silent if you choose to exercise it.
  3. Make arrangements for bail as soon as possible. You may use the services of a bondsman or you may post bail with your own money, real estate, or even that of a friend. Registered bondsmen may charge for posting bail. However, if you use your own money, real estate, or that of a friend when you have complied with all appearances and the trial is completed, your money will be returned and the real estate will no longer be subject to you appearing in court.
  4. Do not give up the right to a preliminary hearing unless your lawyer advises you to.
  5. Listen to and trust in your lawyer. If you are told not to discuss your case with anyone, follow the advice.
  6. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you may be asked to take a breath, blood, or urine test. You have the right to refuse these tests, but if you do you will lose your driver’s license for one year. The police officer should tell you that you do not have a right to have a lawyer present or to discuss the request for a test with a lawyer prior to the time that you must answer the request.
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