How Can a Baton Rouge Disability Lawyer Help You?
It’s crucial to proceed with caution when applying for Social Security disability benefits!
A single mistake in a doctor’s report or a missing form can mean the difference between receiving benefits or facing delays that could last months, even years.
You’ll be dealing with a complex government benefits system full of its own obstacles to navigate.
We GET IT DONE
Clients trust us to handle their case properly and effectively
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 441-3448Need assistance with your Social Security claim? Get support from a skilled disability lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA
Having a lawyer gives you a big advantage.
Having a lawyer knowledgeable in disability claims is invaluable.
Our Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer is your partner to guide you through this process.
You were eager to return to work as soon as possible after your illness or injury.
But as the weeks passed, that hope began to fade, and now your doctor has informed you that you may never be able to do your old job again.
You might struggle to walk, sleep through the night, or get through the day without intense pain!
And then your Social Security disability application is DENIED.
You paid for your Social Security benefits with every paycheck, and now can’t get them when you need them!
You’re frustrated by the system and scared of the future, and you don’t know where to turn.
Above all, you can’t believe you’re expected to deal with a mountain of paperwork while you’re struggling just to make it through the day.
We DO THE RIGHT THING
The correct choice – always – is to do the right thing.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 441-3448How Can a Disability Lawyer Increase the Chances of Getting a Social Security Disability Claim Approved?
Navigating the complexities of Social Security disability claims can be daunting. A disability lawyer plays a pivotal role in enhancing your chances of a successful claim outcome. Here’s how:
Expertise in Legal Procedures
- Understanding the System: Social Security disability lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s regulations and criteria, ensuring your application accurately aligns with the required guidelines.
- Comprehensive Documentation: They assist in gathering essential medical records and other relevant documents, crafting a compelling narrative that clearly details your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
Experience in Advocacy
- Representation at Hearings: Should your claim require a hearing, a disability representative can effectively advocate on your behalf, presenting your case in a manner that emphasizes your eligibility.
- Strategic Appeals: In cases where initial claims are denied, a disability attorney can devise strategic approaches to appeals, pinpointing potential oversights or errors in the initial review.
Personalized Guidance and Support
- Tailored Advice: Every disability claim is unique. A Social Security representative provides personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that your claim is as strong as possible.
- Ongoing Communication: They maintain continuous communication, keeping you informed about updates and preparing you for each step of the process.
Increased Approval Rates
- By leveraging their expertise and advocacy skills, Baton Rouge disability lawyers enhance your chances of claim approval. Their experience in dealing with similar cases means they understand common pitfalls and know how to avoid them.
By engaging an SSDI lawyer, you entrust your claim to a professional dedicated to maximizing its success, giving you peace of mind in a process often fraught with uncertainty.
We ARE TRANSPARENT
We don’t play games and we don’t hide the ball.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 441-3448What Defines a Condition as a Disability According to the SSA?
To qualify as a disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, a medical condition must meet certain criteria:
- Inability to Work: Your condition must prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means you cannot maintain a job or work enough to support yourself financially.
- Previous and Adjusted Work Limitation: You should be unable to do the work you previously were involved in and also unable to adapt to any other kind of work due to your medical impairment.
- Duration of Condition: The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least a year, or it must be a condition that is likely to result in death.
By fulfilling all of these criteria, your condition could be recognized as a disability by the SSA.
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Emotionally intelligent listeners with positive attitudes.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 441-3448Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits?
This is one of the questions we get from people the most often. They just want to know if they qualify for SSDI benefits.
After helping hundreds of people in East Baton Rouge Parish and across the country obtain disability benefits, we can get a good idea if you qualify by simply asking you a few simple questions.
Take our quick SSDI quiz, and we can tell you if we think you will qualify!
Questions the SSA Considers for SSDI Eligibility
When assessing eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) examines five critical questions:
- Are You Currently Working?
- The SSA sets a maximum limit on average monthly earnings to qualify for benefits. This limit is $1,350 for most applicants, and $2,260 for those who are blind. If your earnings exceed these amounts, you may not be eligible.
- Is Your Condition a Disability?
- To qualify, your condition must prevent you from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Additionally, your disability must:
- Hinder you from performing your previous work.
- Prevent adjustment to other types of work.
- Persist for at least one year or be expected to result in death.
- To qualify, your condition must prevent you from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Additionally, your disability must:
- Is Your Condition Listed or Equally Severe?
- The SSA has a catalog of impairments it considers disabling. If your condition isn’t on the list, you must demonstrate that it is as severe as a listed impairment.
- Can You Continue Your Previous Work?
- If you can still perform the tasks of the job you held before your disability, you might not qualify for SSDI.
- Can You Adjust to Other Work?
- The SSA evaluates whether you can adapt to other employment, taking into account your age, education, work experience, and skills. If the answer is yes, you’re less likely to receive benefits.
These questions collectively help the SSA determine your eligibility for SSDI, ensuring that benefits go to those truly in need.
How We Can Help Your Social Security Disability Claim?
I’m Loyd Bourgeois, a disability attorney in Louisiana.
Every day, our team hears from good, hard-working people—just like you—who are struggling to get by because they can no longer work. Social Security has denied or delayed their claims. Many have been unfairly denied the benefits and compensation they deserve, and some are at risk of losing their homes because they can no longer afford the mortgage or rent.
Our Services Include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications
- SSDI denials and appeals
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denials and appeals
Call our LJBLegal team today, so we can start investigating your claim and strategize how to best argue for your disability benefits!
The Process for Filing a Claim
1. Get Your Free Consultation
Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not!
2. Case Evaluation and Attorney Reach Out
Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of arguing your case!
3. Building Your Case
Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve.
You don’t have to worry about driving or getting a ride to our office or finding a place to park. Whether you are in Shenandoah or Old Jefferson, we know how difficult that can be. We are equipped to handle your claim over the phone and online. Our goal is to take the burden off of your shoulders and make this as painless a process as possible.
Our team understands the immense financial strain that disability places on injured workers. You’ll encounter unique and difficult challenges along the way.
As a Baton Rouge disability lawyer with experience fighting for the rights and benefits of the disabled, I can guide you through this tough time, ensuring the necessary steps are taken to secure relief as quickly as possible.
Our Louisiana disability team has successfully helped workers like you obtain Social Security disability benefits and back pay.
How to Get Legal Representation After a Social Security Denial in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Zachary, or Central and South Louisiana
Navigating the Social Security system can be daunting, especially if you’ve been denied benefits. If you reside in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Zachary, Westminster, Inniswold, or the greater BR areas, here’s a streamlined process to secure representation and improve your chances of a successful appeal:
Take Immediate Action
If your social security disability claim has been denied, consider quickly reaching out to a seasoned SSI lawyer. Engaging a professional with expertise in social security cases can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complex appeal process, providing you with the best legal strategies.
Evaluate Your Situation
- Review the Denial Letter: Start by carefully reading your denial notice to understand the specific reasons your application was rejected. This information is crucial when seeking legal help.
- Gather Documentation: Compile all relevant documents, including medical records, employment history, and any previous correspondence with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Seek Professional Guidance
- Initial Consultation: Contact a reputable law firm with experience in Social Security cases. Many firms offer free consultations where they assess the merits of your case and explain the potential legal strategies.
- Case Review: During the consultation, present all your documentation. The attorney will review your denial letter and advise on the best course of action to strengthen your appeal.
Prepare Your Appeal
- Legal Strategy Development: Once you agree to work together, your lawyer will develop a detailed plan to counter the SSA’s reasons for denial, highlighting your eligibility for benefits.
- Filing the Appeal: Your attorney will help prepare and file the necessary appeal paperwork, ensuring it meets all legal standards and deadlines.
Follow Through and Support
- Ongoing Communication: Stay in touch with your legal representative throughout the process for updates and to provide any additional information required.
- Hearing Preparation: If your case advances to a hearing, your lawyer will assist you in preparing your testimony and any other needed evidence to support your claim.
Seeking legal aid can make a significant difference in navigating a social security denial. By engaging a qualified attorney, you position yourself for the best possible outcome. Remember, taking prompt action is critical, as there are time limits for filing an appeal.
What Happens After You Reach Out About Your SSDI Case?
Once you contact an attorney regarding your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) case, several critical steps will follow to ensure the best possible outcome.
Initial Evaluation
The first step involves a thorough evaluation of your situation. Your representative’s team will review all relevant details, including your functional limitations, medical treatment, and employment history. This process ensures that your case meets the necessary criteria for SSDI.
Evidence Gathering
After the initial evaluation, the legal team will begin collecting essential evidence. This includes:
- Medical documentation
- Employment history
- Detailed information about your ability to perform daily activities
Building Your Case
With all necessary evidence in hand, the representative will construct a strong case on your behalf. This involves:
- Organizing Evidence: All documents and records are meticulously organized.
- Crafting Arguments: Well-founded arguments that align with SSI guidelines are developed.
- Preparing for Hearings: If a hearing is required, preparation begins immediately to ensure you are well-represented.
Pursuing Compensation
The final step is to actively pursue the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will:
- Submit your application or appeal with all supporting documents to the Social Security Administration.
- Follow up rigorously on the status.
- Represent you in any necessary hearings or appeals to safeguard your interests.
By following these steps, your legal team works diligently to secure the SSDI benefits you are entitled to.
What Can You Do to Help Your Disability Claim?
If you’re preparing to apply for Social Security disability or appeal a claim denial, I’ve written a book 9 Mistakes that Can Disable Your Social Security Disability Claim. This is a helpful and informative guide that will guide you through some of the common mistakes and errors that lead to unfavorable Social Security Disability decisions. Don’t make a costly mistake that could cause you to lose the benefits that you need to survive! I’d love to send you a copy.
In addition to this valuable resource, consider seeking professional legal assistance to strengthen your case. Engaging with a lawyer experienced in Social Security disability claims can significantly increase your chances of success. With their expertise, they’ll navigate the complexities of the appeal process for you, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurately prepared and submitted on time.
Here’s a comprehensive plan to enhance your appeal efforts:
- Educate Yourself: Start by reading 9 Mistakes that Can Disable Your Social Security Disability Claim to understand common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Consult a Professional: Contact a seasoned Social Security lawyer to provide personalized guidance. Their insights, especially if they have a background as a former social security judge, can be invaluable in tailoring your approach to meet the stringent requirements set by the administration.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Work closely with your lawyer to gather relevant medical records, testimonials, and other evidence that substantiate your claim. This meticulous preparation is crucial to present a compelling case.
By combining self-education with expert legal advice, you can bolster your application or appeal, maximizing your potential for a favorable outcome. Don’t leave your future to chance—take these proactive steps to secure the benefits you deserve
How Do You Find a Good Social Security Disability Lawyer in Baton Rouge?
Here are some questions you might consider asking a law firm before hiring them:
- If I am not happy with your firm the first 30 days after I hire you, can I discharge you as my attorney, take my case, and owe you nothing? The answer should be yes.
- Will your office be communicating with the Social Security Administration on my case? Yes, we will.
- Can you copy me on everything you do for my case? Yes.
- Have you ever been disciplined by the State Bar of Louisiana? No.
- Are you covered by a legal malpractice insurance policy? Yes.
- How much experience does your firm have in representing Social Security Disability clients? Take a look at our reviews on Facebook, Google, or Avvo.
- So, what do we have to prove to win my benefits? The representative should be able to describe this concisely to you!
The Compassion You Deserve. The Competence You Need.
We understand how a medical disability, condition, or injury can impact you physically, mentally, and socially.
Questions take longer to process, phone interviews feel confusing and repetitive, and all you want is to rest. To make things worse, it can feel like no one believes you.
You don’t have to face the stress and overwhelm of your disability claim alone.
Let the team at LJBLegal take the anxiety out of the application and appeal process.
Over the years, we’ve developed proven tools and strategies to maximize your chances of securing the benefits you’ve worked for and deserve.
We’ll guide you through the maze of disability doctors, endless paperwork, and complex legal language, making the process SIMPLE and CLEAR for you.
This way, you can focus on yourself, and we’ll handle getting you the benefits you’ve earned.
Your LJBLegal team provides:
- Access. Some Social Security disability lawyers never meet their clients until the morning of the disability hearing. When Louisiana Disability Law takes your case, you will speak to your attorney at the beginning, middle, and end of the process, including a pre-hearing, in-person meeting (in most cases). Try getting that with the big national or local disability representatives who advertise on television!
- Answers and counsel. Our clients know they are more than just a case. Our team goes beyond the paperwork and legal issues to get to the heart of your concerns. We love getting to know each of our clients on a personal level, and we understand that your current situation does not define you! If necessary, we are happy to meet with clients in their own homes.
- Knowledge. Our team has extensive legal experience and has worked with many medical impairments and injuries. This knowledge and experience results in us being able to anticipate common objections in your case. It gives us a unique understanding of what Social Security will be looking for in order to dispute your claim. And, it helps us formulate the most effective strategies for success.
Our Baton Rouge disability law firm helps a wide variety of injured workers across Louisiana get the disability payments they deserve!
You may be wondering how you will ever pay a lawyer.
How Much Does a Baton Rouge Disability Lawyer Cost?
In Social Security disability cases, I only get paid when I win benefits for my clients.
I only get paid if you get paid. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket costs to you.
We only get paid a portion of your back benefits if we win. In many cases, $7.200 is the maximum fee for a Social Security disability representative or attorney (if we win at the first hearing).
Call 985-240-9773 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Are you in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Zachary, or Port Allen? If you’ve been denied social security benefits, or if you’re applying and want to improve your chances of approval, it’s crucial to have experienced representation on your side. Our team is experienced in these areas and is ready to guide you through the process.
Why Choose Us?
- Local Expertise: We understand the specific needs and challenges faced by residents in greater Baton Rouge.
- Tailored Support: Whether you’re facing a denial or starting an application, we offer personalized advice to strengthen your case.
- Proven Success: Our experienced team has a track record of helping clients successfully navigate the social security system.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Reach out today and take the first step toward securing the benefits you deserve.
