Disabled individuals might not be able to work full time or even part time. Physical and mental disabilities make it difficult to earn a sustainable income. People who suffer from such conditions could qualify for disability insurance that is sponsored by the federal and state governments. Each disability case is unique and is thoroughly reviewed by the appropriate social security departments. To increase the chance of getting approved for benefits, applicants should ideally hire a lawyer who specializes in disability law.
When people get injured on the job, they might qualify for benefits that are derived from workers’ compensation insurance. However, some disabled workers might also think that they are eligible to receive compensation from social security. A qualified lawyer can clearly explain all of the laws and regulations that distinguish workers’ compensation from other disability benefits. Employees who have sustained job-related injuries most likely will receive compensation from an employer’s insurance program. Workers’ compensation usually provides relatively short-term benefits. Individuals who have become permanently disabled will have to forfeit such payments in order to qualify for long-term benefits from social security funds.
When applying for programs such as social security disability insurance, individuals need to provide extensive proof of the extent of the disabilities. Medical records must be signed by primary care physicians and other specialists such as physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons. There must be clear evidence that links a physical condition of the applicant with the inability to work anywhere. Similarly, mental disabilities of applicants must be verified by psychiatrists and psychologists. Such professionals can officially diagnose individuals with mental problems like bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder.
If for some reason an application for social security disability benefits is rejected, there is the option of appealing the decision. A lawyer can come up with a new strategy to try and convince the social security department to reconsider a client’s case based on new evidence that’s presented. For example, a disability attorney might be able to prove that a wheelchair bound client is unable to work sedentary jobs behind a computer desk. Sometimes, social security departments think that certain disabled applicants are still able to work in some jobs that require little physical effort. Conditions such as cramps, seizures and other physical instability surely prevent disabled people from functioning normally.