Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Attorney Richard Griffin will be the featured personal injury lawyer on the new television show called "Lawyer Talk" on C.W. Atlanta (channel 69). The 30 minute legal talk show will air on 10/22/11 at 11:30am on channel 69. The host of the show is Adam Goldfein, who is also the host of Autoscoop and the Adam Goldfein radio show on WSB. Attorney Richard Griffin has recently been featured on many different television shows (Autoscoop, Trustdale, and Lawyer Talk) as an expert in personal injury, wrongful death, worker's compensation, and social security disability. This new show, "Legal Talk", appears to be a fresh approach to dealing with legal issues that affect people every day throughout Atlanta and the rest of the state of Georgia.

What topics will be covered by Attorney Richard Griffin during the upcoming "Lawyer Talk" show?
(1) Why is it important to hire a personal injury attorney?
(2) What damages can you recover in a personal injury claim?
(3) How can a personal injury attorney help their client get the medical treatment they need even if they do not have health insurance?
(4) Should you let the adjuster take your recorded statement about how the accident occurred and about your injuries?
(5) How can jury verdict research help get higher personal injury and wrongful death settlements?

What future practice areas will Attorney Richard Griffin of The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. address in upcoming "Lawyer Talk" shows?
(1) Personal Injury Claims (auto accidents, big truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bite cases, and negligent security claims).
(2) Wrongful Death Claims;
(3) Worker's Compensation Claims; and
(4) Social Security Disability Claims.

If you would like a free consultation from The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. regarding your personal injury, wrongful death, worker's compensation, or social security disability claim, then you can call 866-847-6545 or use the following link: [FREE CONSULTATION]

What does it mean to stack insurance policies?
Stacking auto insurance policies means that you can recover the policy limits from more than one policy rather being limited the policy limits of only one policy. Usually Georgia law requires that you exhaust the liability auto policy limits by negotiating a policy limits recovery before you can seek additional recoveries against umbrella policies or uninsured motorist or under-insured motorist policies.

Personal injury lawyer Richard Griffin warns that if the policy limits are not stacked correctly, then an unrepresented personal injury claimant could mistakenly release or waive their rights to recover against additional insurance policies that also cover their claim.

Why is stacking the auto insurance policies vital in large personal injury claims?
Large personal injury claims are often worth more than available liability policy limits of the negligent driver. This creates a huge problem and a sad reality when there is not even enough money to cover the past medical expenses, lost wages, . Personal injury lawyer Richard Griffin explains that personal injury attorneys can make a huge impact on the net recovery for his clients be doing the following:
(1) Identifying all insurance policy (negligent driver, owner of vehicle, and employers).
(2) Obtain the policy limits of all liability policies, umbrella policies, uninsured motorist policies, and under-insured motorist policies.
(3) Negotiate or litigate to get the highest personal injury recovery possible.
(4) Use of proper limited releases rather than a general release.
(5) Stacking of all policies to get the maximum settlement or verdict recovery.

Why is it risky to represent yourself and attempt to stack insurance policies yourself?
(1) Without an experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney it will be almost impossible to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement.
(2) If the adjuster negotiates unfairly, then a personal injury claimant does not have the ability to litigate the personal injury and wrongful death claim. Without the legitimate threat of litigation, the adjusters will attempt to save their employers (the insurance company) money at your expense.
(3) Personal injury claimants and wrongful death claimants will normally not be able to identify all insurance policies that cover a claim and verify the policy limits for each.
(4) Personal injury claimants and wrongful death claimants will not know what should and should not be in the limited release which could jeopardize their ability to obtain additional recoveries from the other insurance coverage that covers their claims.
(5) Personal injury claimants and wrongful death claimants do not have the experience of the seasoned personal injury lawyer to know the real value of their claims. They also do not have the resources needed to make certain the injuries, the treatment, the prognosis, the future treatment plans, and any permanent impairment is properly documented.
(6) Further, strong personal injury lawyers have the ability to conduct jury verdict research to better establish the actual value of each personal injury or wrongful death case based on the specific facts of each case. This is an expensive research that is normally not available to people who are not attorneys.

What types of accidents can personal injury, worker's compensation, and wrongful death claims arise from?
(1) Auto Accidents;
(2) Truck Accidents;
(3) Motorcycle Accidents;
(4) Bicycle Accidents;
(5) Pedestrian Accidents;
(6) Premise Liability Accidents;
(7) Slip and Fall Accidents;
(8) Dog Bit Incidents;
(9) Negligent Security Incidents; and
(10) Any on the job injuries (mainly for worker's compensation claims).

How can I get a free consultation regarding my personal injury, worker's compensation, wrongful death, or social security disability claim?
(1) Free phone consultation: Call The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. at 866-847-6545.
(2) Free email and internet consultation: Use this link: [FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION]
(4) Free office consultation: We will schedule this for any potential client that has a personal injury, wrongful death, worker's compensation, or social security disability claim that we believe has merit.

Individuals who have documented medical conditions that impair their ability to work may be entitled to Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI). Attorney Richard Griffin, a social security attorney in the metro Atlanta area, receives calls every week from people who want to know if they are eligible for Social Security Disability. Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) allows disabled workers to receive their retirement social security disability benefits as long as they are disabled.

Nothing replaces the importance of hiring an experienced social security disability attorney, but a summary of what factors make it easier to receive SSDI are below:

(1) THE CLAIMANT MUST HAVE PAID INTO SOCIAL SECURITY TO BE ELIGIBLE: To be eligible for Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) the Claimant must have worked for 5 of the last 10 years (20 of the last 40 quarters). If you have not paid in to the Social Security through payroll taxes the required amount, then you would not be eligible. A social security lawyer can be very helpful in making sure that your claim is properly evaluated if you are denied Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI).

(2) DATE OF ONSET FOR THE DISABILITY: The Date of Onset for the disability is the date that the medical condition or impairment first disabled the Claimant from being able to work. Since the Claimant must have paid in to Social Security for at least 5 of the last 10 years, there are limits to how far back the Date of Onset can be. Establishing this date can be difficult and requires use of the medical records to establish and prove when disability first began. An experienced social security attorney can be very helpful in obtaining the medical documentation of diagnosed medical conditions and the impairment each condition creates. This can result in previous denials of Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) being reversed and benefits granted on appeal.

(3) YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY RECEIVING ANY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT: You cannot receive SSDI if you are already receiving social security retirement benefits.

(4) NOT CURRENTLY ABLE TO WORK: If the Claimant is currently working, then it is much harder to be granted Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI). In fact if you are currently working at a level that is considered to be a"substantial gainful activity (SGA)", then you are probably ineligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI). "Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)" is currently held to be $1000 per month in wages earned to be considered substantial gainful activity by the Social Security Administration.

(5) SELF EMPLOYED MAKES GETTING SSDI BENEFITS HARDER: You can be eligible for Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) even if you are self employed, but it is much harder. If you have a business that is earning income, then it is hard to convince the Social Security Administration that you are in fact no working and are not earning income.

(6) WELL DOCUMENTED MEDICAL CONDITION AND IMPAIRMENT: If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that limits your ability to work, then you have a much better chance of receiving Social Security Disability Income benefits (SSDI). If you are currently treating and have been treating for the entire time you are seeking back SSDI benefits for, then you have a much better chance of winning your SSDI benefits. If the doctor's have documented that you have a "severe impairment", then you have a better chance of winning your SSDI benefits. "Severe impairment or impairments" are impairment or impairments that "significantly limits the Claimant's physical or mental ability to do basic work skills. The impairment cannot be transitory (temporary), but be one that is expected to last for more than one year.

(7) PAST WORK HISTORY: If you have a past work history for the last 15 years of mainly heavy labor, then it is easier to win your Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI). If you have a work history for the last 15 years of mainly office work or other sedentary work, then it will be much harder to convince the Social Security Administration that you are "disabled" and unable to currently work.

(8) AGE: It is much harder for young people to receive Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI), then for older people. This is because there is a different standard for being "disabled" for Claimants 50 or older for Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI). If the Claimant is older than 50 years of age, then they can still be deemed to be disabled and eligible for Social Security Disaiblity Income Benefits (SSDI) even if they are able to do "sedentary work". If you are younger than 50, then you will normally not be held to be disabled if you are able to work sedentary or limited standing and sitting jobs.

(9) EDUCATION: The more educated the Claimant is the harder it is to get Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) because your skill level is higher making office work and other sedentary work more likely. If you are less education and have mainly worked heavy labor (physically demanding jobs) in the past, then sedentary work is much less likely to be possible.

WHY HIRE A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY?
It is very unlikely that you will be granted your Social Security Disability Income Benefits without the representation of a good social security disability attorney. Attorney Richard Griffin encourages people who are disabled from work for physical or mental conditions to apply for social security benefits themselves. Sometimes but not often people are granted social security benefits when they first apply. However, if you have been denied your social security benefits, then Attorney Richard Griffin strongly encourages claimants to seek the representation of an experienced and successful social security disability lawyer. Our firm, The Griffin Law Firm, P.C., has had great success winning social security disability benefits for our clients even when they have already been denied by the Social Security Administration.

Continue reading "What Factors Make A Social Security Disability Cases Easier To Win?" »

Life is a constant struggle for individuals who are totally disabled by an injury or medical condition. Often winning Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is essential in having the income needed to cover your living expenses when you are disabled from work. Because the stakes are so high, it is highly recommended that you seek the representation of an experienced social security attorney if you have a social security disability claim (SSDI).

What is the 5 step process the Social Security Administration uses in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI)?
The Social Security Administration follows the following five step evaluation when determining if you are capable of working or if you are disabled from work:
(1) Is the individual capable of earning "sustainable income" (earnings of at least $1,000 per month)?
(2) Does the individual have a "severe medical impairment" that will last for 12 months or longer or result in death?
(3) Does the individual have a medical condition that meets one of the medical conditions or impairments that is on the Social Security "Listings"?
(4) Does the individual's impairment or residual functioning capacity prevent he or she from being capable of performing his or her past relevant work (work within the last 15 years)?
(5) Does the individual's impairment or residual functioning capacity prevent he or she from performing any work in the national economy?

How can I increase my chances of winning my Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability claims are routinely denied at the first review of the application. It is during the appeals process where the disabled individuals who take the initiative to hire an experienced social security lawyer that the denied claim often is reversed and social security disability benefits are granted. Why? The Social Security Judge has a limited time to review your social security file. Even though the Social Security Administration may send you out for medical evaluations, these reviews often are very limited and may not produce the medical evidence you need to establish a compensable Social Security Disability Claim. Good social security attorneys can help you obtain the medical evidence and vocational expert evidence you need to prove the elements needed for a winning social security claim.

How can I get a free consultation regarding my Social Security Disability Claim?
You can call The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. at 866-847-6545 and our social security disability law firm will evaluate your social security, worker's compensation, personal injury, or wrongful death claim for free. You can also submit your legal questions or the facts of your claim to us at the following link: FREE CASE EVALUATION

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Relevant law for the evaluation of disability is provided below:

Evaluation of Disability
§404.1520 Evaluation of disability in general.

(a) General—(1) Purpose of this section. This section explains the five-step sequential evaluation process we use to decide whether you are disabled, as defined in §404.1505.

(2) Applicability of these rules. These rules apply to you if you file an application for a period of disability or disability insurance benefits (or both) or for child's insurance benefits based on disability. They also apply if you file an application for widow's or widower's benefits based on disability for months after December 1990. (See §404.1505(a).)

(3) Evidence considered. We will consider all evidence in your case record when we make a determination or decision whether you are disabled.

(4) The five-step sequential evaluation process. The sequential evaluation process is a series of five "steps" that we follow in a set order. If we can find that you are disabled or not disabled at a step, we make our determination or decision and we do not go on to the next step. If we cannot find that you are disabled or not disabled at a step, we go on to the next step. Before we go from step three to step four, we assess your residual functional capacity. (See paragraph (e) of this section.) We use this residual functional capacity assessment at both step four and step five when we evaluate your claim at these steps. These are the five steps we follow:

(i) At the first step, we consider your work activity, if any. If you are doing substantial gainful activity, we will find that you are not disabled. (See paragraph (b) of this section.)

(ii) At the second step, we consider the medical severity of your impairment(s). If you do not have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment that meets the duration requirement in §404.1509, or a combination of impairments that is severe and meets the duration requirement, we will find that you are not disabled. (See paragraph (c) of this section.)

(iii) At the third step, we also consider the medical severity of your impairment(s). If you have an impairment(s) that meets or equals one of our listings in appendix 1 of this subpart and meets the duration requirement, we will find that you are disabled. (See paragraph (d) of this section.)

(iv) At the fourth step, we consider our assessment of your residual functional capacity and your past relevant work. If you can still do your past relevant work, we will find that you are not disabled. (See paragraph (f) of this section and §404.1560(b).)

(v) At the fifth and last step, we consider our assessment of your residual functional capacity and your age, education, and work experience to see if you can make an adjustment to other work. If you can make an adjustment to other work, we will find that you are not disabled. If you cannot make an adjustment to other work, we will find that you are disabled. (See paragraph (g) of this section and §404.1560(c).)

(5) When you are already receiving disability benefits. If you are already receiving disability benefits, we will use a different sequential evaluation process to decide whether you continue to be disabled. We explain this process in §404.1594(f).

(b) If you are working. If you are working and the work you are doing is substantial gainful activity, we will find that you are not disabled regardless of your medical condition or your age, education, and work experience.

(c) You must have a severe impairment. If you do not have any impairment or combination of impairments which significantly limits your physical or mental ability to do basic work activities, we will find that you do not have a severe impairment and are, therefore, not disabled. We will not consider your age, education, and work experience. However, it is possible for you to have a period of disability for a time in the past even though you do not now have a severe impairment.

(d) When your impairment(s) meets or equals a listed impairment in appendix 1. If you have an impairment(s) which meets the duration requirement and is listed in appendix 1 or is equal to a listed impairment(s), we will find you disabled without considering your age, education, and work experience.

(e) When your impairment(s) does not meet or equal a listed impairment. If your impairment(s) does not meet or equal a listed impairment, we will assess and make a finding about your residual functional capacity based on all the relevant medical and other evidence in your case record, as explained in §404.1545. (See paragraph (g)(2) of this section and §404.1562 for an exception to this rule.) We use our residual functional capacity assessment at the fourth step of the sequential evaluation process to determine if you can do your past relevant work (paragraph (f) of this section) and at the fifth step of the sequential evaluation process (if the evaluation proceeds to this step) to determine if you can adjust to other work (paragraph (g) of this section).

(f) Your impairment(s) must prevent you from doing your past relevant work. If we cannot make a determination or decision at the first three steps of the sequential evaluation process, we will compare our residual functional capacity assessment, which we made under paragraph (e) of this section, with the physical and mental demands of your past relevant work. (See §404.1560(b).) If you can still do this kind of work, we will find that you are not disabled.

(g) Your impairment(s) must prevent you from making an adjustment to any other work. (1) If we find that you cannot do your past relevant work because you have a severe impairment(s) (or you do not have any past relevant work), we will consider the same residual functional capacity assessment we made under paragraph (e) of this section, together with your vocational factors (your age, education, and work experience) to determine if you can make an adjustment to other work. (See §404.1560(c).) If you can make an adjustment to other work, we will find you not disabled. If you cannot, we will find you disabled.

(2) We use different rules if you meet one of the two special medical-vocational profiles described in §404.1562. If you meet one of those profiles, we will find that you cannot make an adjustment to other work, and that you are disabled.

[50 FR 8727, Mar. 5, 1985; 50 FR 19164, May 7, 1985, as amended at 56 FR 36960, Aug. 1, 1991; 65 FR 80308, Dec. 21, 2000; 68 FR 51161, Aug. 26, 2003]

Attorney Richard Griffin and his firm (Griffin Law Firm) specialize in social security disability claims. Since this area of the law involves different benefits each with their own requirements for eligibility, having the representation of a good social security lawyer makes all the difference in whether you will be granted the social security benefits that you need.

What are Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI)?
Social Security benefits called SSI are summarized below:
(1) SSI Benefits: These are the benefits that are provided by the Social Security Administration as a federal welfare program for low income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. [42 U.S.C. Section 1381-1383d (Title XVI)]
(2) Disabled From Work: It is required that you are disabled from work as defined by the Social Security Administration. The standards used to establish being disabled for SSI are virtually the same as those used for SSDI.
(3) Restricted Assets and Income: Individuals cannot have income or assets exceeding $2000 and $3000 for a couple living together. [20 C.F.R. Section 416.1205]
(4) Waiting Period: There is no waiting period for SSI benefits.
(5) Back benefits: You are only able to recover back SSI benefits back to the date the application was filed.
(6) Maximum Benefit: Currently the maximum SSI benefit is $637.00.
(7) Medicaid: SSI claimants receive Medicaid throughout the period of disability. This differs from Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) since SSDI comes with Medicare coverage rather than Medicaid.

What are Social Security Disability Income Benefits (Title II or SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Income Benefits (SSDI) are summarized below:
(1) Payment Requirement: Workers must have earned or paid in to Social Security through wages earned for at least 20 quarters out of the last 40 (i.e. worked 5 of the last 10 years) to be eligible for SSDI. A worker earns credit for working a quarter if he or she reports at least $460 for the quarter.
2- SSDI Benefits: Eligible workers receive their retirement benefits early if they are disabled prior to age 65.
3- Back Benefits: Workers can earn back benefits from five months following the date of disability onset (onset date).
4- Medicare: Workers who are eligible for SSDI are also eligible for Medicare 29 months following the onset of disability. This differs from SSI because SSI comes with Medicaid.

Who is most likely to receive Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)?
The main factors for Social Security Disability Income Benefits are:
(1) Age: You can be eligible for SSDI at any age, but if you are older than 50, then the Social Security Administration has a lower requirement for being deemed disable and eligible for SSDI benefits.
(2) Education: Individuals with less education have a better chance of being deemed disabled and eligible for SSDI benefits because it is harder to return to sedentary work with fewer office skills.
(3) Work History: Individuals with a work history of heavy labor or physically demanding labor only have a better chance of being deemed disabled and being eligible for SSDI benefits. This is because the ALJ Social Security Judges will evaluate whether you are capable of doing any of your past jobs as part of their evaluation. Then they will evaluate if there is any other job in the U.S. economy that you could do. If you have a job history of office jobs or other sedentary jobs, then it is often harder to receive SSDI benefits.
(4) Medical Condition: Your disability must be the result of a medical condition that limits your ability to work. Under 20 CFR 404, subpart P, Appendix 1, there are medical conditions that are known as the "Listings". If your medical condition matches one of these listing conditions, then your chances of receiving SSD are much greater.

What are the medical conditions on the "Listings" found in 20 CFR 404, subpart P, Appendix 1?
(1) Growth Impairment (100.00): July 2, 2012.
(2) Musculoskeletal System (1.00 and 101.00): February 18, 2013.
(3) Special Senses and Speech (2.00 and 102.00): August 3, 2015.
(4) Respiratory System (3.00 and 103.00): July 2, 2012.
(5) Cardiovascular System (4.00 and 104.00): February 18, 2013.
(6) Digestive System (5.00 and 105.00): October 19, 2012.
(7) Genitourinary Impairments (6.00 and 106.00): September 6, 2013.
(8) Hematological Disorders (7.00 and 107.00): July 2, 2012.
(9) Skin Disorders (8.00 and 108.00): July 9, 2012.
(10) Endocrine System (9.00 and 109.00): July 2, 2012.
(11) Impairments That Affect Multiple Body Systems (10.00 and 110.00): October 31,
2013.
(12) Neurological (11.00 and 111.00): July 2, 2012.
(13) Mental Disorders (12.00 and 112.00): July 2, 2012.
(14) Malignant Neoplastic Diseases (13.00 and 113.00): November 5, 2017.
(15) Immune System Disorders (14.00 and 114.00): June 16, 2016.

Why should I hire a social security attorney if I am denied my social security disability benefits?
It is very difficult to get awarded social security disability benefits under SSDI without being represented by an experienced social security lawyer. Why? Because being it is assumed by the Social Security Administration that you are not disabled unless you can prove otherwise. Just stating to the Social Security judge that you are unable to work is not enough. You must have medical evidence supported by doctors, and an understanding of the social security laws, or it is very unlikely that you will be granted your social security disability benefits (SSDI).

If you or someone you know has a medical condition that disables you from working, then you should call The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. at 866-847-6545 for a free consultation or use the below link:

FREE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY EVALUATION:

A recent article sounded the alarm that Social Security disability is on verge of insolvency. It is more important than ever that Social Security disability claimants provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with accurate information concerning their claim. As Commissioner Astrue stated in the interview, the SSA has put additional money and effort into reducing the backlog of applicants waiting for decisions in their cases. The Griffin Law Firm has seen first-hand this backlog-reducing effort by the SSA. Previously, once the SSA denied the request for reconsideration, the only chance for a favorable decision was to appear before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). More recently, we are being contacted by SSA to provide additional information that results in a decision without a hearing before a SSA Administrative Law Judge, thus reducing the time that it takes for our clients to obtain their monthly checks and Medicare benefits. The additional information that SSA is now requesting is frequently in the form of specific medical findings or opinions. Our attorneys at the Griffin Law Firm have the ability to act quickly and decisively in obtaining these specific findings and opinions and providing them to the SSA.

As this article indicates, Congress has recently provided some additional funding, but this funding is allocated for investigation of claimants who are actively working while receiving benefits and is not allocated to provide the backlog-reducing efforts, though this is sorely needed with all of the new applications that are being filed. As the recent budget crisis showed, Congress and the President were unwilling to go past the brink and let the system fail so it is likely that Social Security disability will continue to be funded for years to come.

As government funds get tighter and tighter in this bad economy, it is more important than ever that you present you case in the best possible light when applying for social security disability. The best way to accomplish this is to hire experienced social security disability attorneys. Successful social security disability lawyers identify the weaknesses or gaps in your case and make sure that doctors narratives and vocational rehabilitation reports are obtained to strengthen your case so you receive the social security disability benefits that you are entitled to receive.

Continue reading "Social Security Disability On Verge Of Insolvency" »

Medical Records sometimes only tell part of the story in Social Security Disability claims. Successful Social Security Attorneys must evaluate the medical records to see if there are any gaps or issues not fully elaborated on for the Social Security Judge.

The Griffin Law Firm, P.C., a successful social security law firm, recently obtained a favorable decision for a social security client from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, Atlanta North location.  The Social Security claimant had a lobectomy of the lung due to cancer.  The oncologist's records contained a description of the procedure and some additional testing.  However, the oncologist's records did not go far enough in relating the cancer and lobectomy to our client's inability to perform past relevant work nor work available in substantial numbers within the national economy presently.
 
Due to the efforts of these experienced social security lawyers, a medical narrative was obtained from the oncologist that convinced the ALJ to render a fully favorable decision. The narrative must do more than just provide a diagnosis, treatment summary, and prognosis. It needs to explore past and future work restrictions to properly document the disability required to successfully obtain social security disability benefits. 
 
Most ALJs will hold the hearing and after hearing testimony from the claimant and vocational expert will take the file back to their office and issue a decision in about 60-90 days.  Due to the efforts of The Griffin Law Firm, P.C., the ALJ in this case issued a fully favorable decision from the bench on the date of the hearing.  What this means for this client is that they will get  a past due benefit check and continuing checks in about 30 - 45 days rather than the 90 to 120 days that we normally see.
 
Sometimes, the medical records only tell part of the story and it is the missing part that can be critical to your case.  If you have a Social Security Disability claim pending before the Social Security Administration, make sure that your medical providers are stating clearly what your physical work restrictions are.

Continue reading "A Winning Strategy of Successful Social Security Attorneys" »

Social Security Attorney Richard Griffin has successful handled a large number of Social Security Disability Claims. From this experience at The Griffin Law Firm, P.C., Attorney Richard Griffin has noticed that there are 7 common reasons why Social Security Disability Claims are often denied at the first stage of the application process. These 7 common reasons why Social Security Claims are denied can be found below:

1. CLAIMANT IS STILL WORKING: If you are still working even part-time at the time when you are applying for social security disability, then the Social Security Administration will usually conclude that you are not disabled from work.

2. CLAIMANT DOES NOT HAVE A SEVERE IMPAIRMENT: Often Claimants feel that they simply cannot work any more. However, unless your opinion is supported by a documented, diagnosed, and treated medical conditions, then it is unlikely that social security disability benefits will be awarded. Further, your disabling medical condition must be causing you a "severe impairment". Severe impairments usually are medical conditions that have a negative impact on your ability to work and your ability to conduct your daily activities.

3. CLAIMANT HAS NOT WORKED ENOUGH: If the claimant has not worked enough or has not paid into social security through payroll taxes, then you may not have sufficient quarters to qualify for Social Security Disability.

4. CLAIMANT IS TOO YOUNG: The Social Security Administration considers everyone under the age of fifty to be in the “young category”. In the young category you must not only show a severe impairment, but you must also prove you cannot do any kind of light duty work. Older claimants for Social Security Disability Benefits have a lower burden of proof of merely showing a severe impairment that prevents you from doing the work you normally did.

5. CLAIMANT IS RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: If the claimant is receiving unemployment compensation benefits, then you are very unlikely to also be granted Social Security Disability Benefits. This is because Unemployment Benefits are granted when you are "ready, willing, and able to work" and when you are actively looking for work. This is inconsistent with someone who is disabled from work which is required for Social Security Disability Benefits.

6. CLAIMANT'S DISABILITY WILL NOT LAST 12 MONTHS OR MORE: If you are disabled from work, but your disabling condition will not keep you out of work for at least 12 months, then you will not qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.

7. CLAIMANT'S IMPAIRMENT IS NOT DOCUMENTED BY MEDICAL RECORDS: If you are disabled from work but your impairment is not documented with medical records, then your Social Security Disability will usually be denied. Usually there must be medical proof (doctor's opinion) that you are disabled. The Social Security Administration may even send you to one of their doctors for an examination, but without past medical treatment establishing your medical condition and impairment you are unlikely to win your claim.

The process of applying for Social Security Disability can be long and confusing. Proving your impairment or disability is often difficult unless you are represented by an experienced Social Security Disability attorneys. Social Security Disability lawyers can make sure your denial is appealed timely and can present your case to the Social Security judge in the best possible light. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you contact an experienced Social Security Lawyer for a free consultation.

Continue reading "Most Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied" »

When you are looking for a lawyer for your personal injury, worker's compensation, wrongful death, or social security disability claim you need someone you can trust. You need a law firm that will work hard for you, that will keep you informed, that are honest, and that will get you great results. You need a law firm that will treat you like family while fighting to make sure you recover all that you deserve.

I have good news for you! The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. is the law firm that you are looking for and need. Our firm can get the full settlement that you are entitled to while providing the customer service deserve. We can prove that our client's love our representation by the client testimonials that they provide. I have listed some of our client's testimonials below:

(1) "The Griffin Law Firm was honest, hard working, and treated me like a trusted friend. We had our day in court and justice was done. I was very pleased with the outcome."
-Leon King, former client 08/21/08

(5) The way they handled every detail in the case and never once did I have to do any foot work myself. All details were taken care of by the Firm."
* Would you recommend The Griffin Law Firm to a friend who needed an attorney?
"Yes". C. Dunlap, 08/31/07

The Griffin Law Firm, P.C. has Atlanta personal injury lawyers, Atlanta worker's compensation lawyers, Atlanta social security disability lawyers, and Atlanta wrongful death lawyers.

For even more Client Testimonials visit our website at www.griffinlawfirmpc.com.

We also encourage you to utilize our legal videos that can be found at our Media Center on our website.

Call us today at 866-847-6545 or visit our website at www.injuryatlanta.com to have your legal questions answered and to have a free settlement evaluation. We are honest, reliable, hard working, and the law firm that will treat you like you are family.

My name is Attorney Richard S. Griffin http://www.griffinlawfirmpc.com/lawyer-attorney-1282309.html. My Atlanta personal injury law firm, The Griffin Law Firm, P.C, specialize in handling personal injury, wrongful death, worker’s compensationhttp://www.griffinlawfirmpc.com/lawyer-attorney-1282786.html, and social security disability claimshttp://www.griffinlawfirmpc.com/lawyer-attorney-1282782.html. My firm has successfully handled thousands of injury claims and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Every case is different, but our commitment remains the same to make sure you have the best possible legal representation. Please visit our website at www.griffinlawfirmpc.com.

In this blog I will evaluate legal issues of interest to me. I am also always willing to provide a free legal consultation about potential injury claims that you may have. I can be reached at 404-303-8400 or at www.griffinlawfirmpc.com or email to richard@griffinlawfirmpc.com.
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