260-238-8498 
INVOLVED IN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY DISPUTE?
Disability can strike anyone. According to the Social Security Administration, at least 1 in 4 people aged 20 will suffer a disability at some point before they reach retirement age. In the unfortunate event that happens, Social Security disability insurance can help pay benefits to those suffering from total disability. However, many applicants need an Indiana Social Security disability attorney to help them secure benefits.
QUALIFYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
Generally, you need to meet the following to qualify for benefits:
- You must have worked enough jobs that pay into the Social Security system. You need 40 credits, which is roughly 10 years for most people.
- You must be totally disabled. SSA does not pay benefits for temporary or partial disability.
- You must not be able to do the work you did before.
- You must not be able to adjust to different work. In effect, you are totally disabled and prevented from working.
- Your disability must last at least one year or result in your death.
These are tough standards to meet. Not every debilitating injury will qualify, and there are many conditions that could qualify depending on the quality of evidence you present. One reason for working with an experienced Social Security disability attorney in Fort Wayne is that you will know exactly what information you need to submit to make a strong case.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Most people apply for disability insurance at their local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office. You will need to provide information about your impairment, the treatment you have received, and other information. Your field office will check whether you have enough work history to qualify and then will forward your medical information to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) for evaluation.
DDS will look at your own medical sources first but, if they need more information, can request that you attend a consultative examination (CE) with a physician or therapist. After gathering all medical information, DDS makes an initial determination about whether you qualify for disability benefits. Applicants should realize that it can take 1-4 months to receive a determination. If you are approved, you should receive information about your benefits. If you are denied, you will receive a notice explaining why.
HOW A FORT WAYNE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY CAN HELP
- Not responding to each reason given for the denial.
- Not providing high-quality medical evidence that shows the full extent of your disability.
- Presenting evidence in a confusing manner.
- Missing important deadlines.
As one of the leading Social Security disability law firms in Fort Wayne, we have experience analyzing the denial letter and gathering evidence to rebut the conclusions made by DDS.
We also are experienced at presenting evidence before an administrative law judge (ALJ), who will make the ultimate determination about whether you are sufficiently disabled. ALJs have much higher approval rates than the initial examiners. According to one set of statistics, ALJs in Indiana approved around 47% of all appeals, which is several times higher than the rate of approval for initial applicants. Although no attorney can guarantee a result, a skilled Social Security disability attorney can maximize your chances of success by presenting your case in the proper manner.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN THE LIVES OF OUR CLIENTS.
$700K
SETTLEMENT
Spinal Cord Injury
$674K
SETTLEMENT
Back Injury
$600K
SETTLEMENT
Neck, Back, & Lung Injury
$350K
SETTLEMENT
Back/Hip Injury
$347K
SETTLEMENT
Knee/Leg Injury
$346K
SETTLEMENT
Back Injury
Gloria King
Thanks to everyone in the office. Great team. Was always answering any of my questions! Definitely helped me.
Willie Smith
I appreciated Chad's timeliness in responding to my inquiries and concerns throughout the settlement process. He did a good job!
Adam Whittle
What a great experience dealing with Chad and the rest at Delvonthal law, he won my case and I would highly recommend everyone to talk with the people at Delvonthal.
Jason Miller
The Delventhal law office worked vigorously on my behalf. Great communication and professionalism, a true down to earth fighter for the people. Thank you Chad Delventhal.
Michael Puff
Very pleased with the outcome of my case, and with the professionalism of Chad and his staff.
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DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN
Although they do not have sufficient work history, children can still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits. Up until age 18, a child can receive disability benefits if they meet the following criteria:
- The child’s activities are very severely limited by mental or physical conditions
- These conditions are expected to last at least one year or result in death
Unlike SSA disability benefits, SSI benefits are also means tested, meaning that the family cannot have too many resources or income. However, the application process is not very different from the process used by adults when applying for SSA disability benefits. Applicants will present medical information to their field office, and the child might need to be examined or tested, which the state should pay for. Hiring a knowledgeable disability attorney is as important in SSI cases as in any other disability case.
Affording an Attorney
At Delventhal Law Office, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case. At that point, we take a percentage of your unpaid benefits as compensation for our services.
This type of contingency agreement works well for both our firm and our clients. Because we do not charge any fees upfront, our clients gain access to an experienced advocate who they otherwise could not afford. Clients also benefit because we have an incentive to maximize the amount of benefits you can receive.
We win because we have an incentive to turn away people with weak cases, which are unlikely to qualify for benefits. If you meet with us, you can be sure we see some merit in your case—even if we cannot guarantee that you will prevail.
SPEAK WITH A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY IN FORT WAYNE
Disability benefits are a vital lifeline for people unable to work. If you have been denied benefits, we want to hear from you. At Delventhal Law Office, our team has helped many people get the benefits they deserve under the law. Instead of accepting your initial denial, please contact us right away to begin the appeal process. We will protect your rights and make a compelling case to the judge that you meet the government’s definition of being disabled.
To start the process today, please call (260) 238-8608 for your free consultation, or submit your information to our contact form.
AREAS WE PRACTICE
At the Delventhal Law office, our Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights and interests of accident victims. If you or a family member was injured because of the carelessness or recklessness of another party, we can help. Our Indiana personal injury lawyers handle a wide array of legal cases, including:
Car Accidents
Our top-rated Fort Wayne car accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the legal rights and financial interests of injured victims.
Bicycle Accidents
Besides collisions between vehicles, crashes involving cyclists and vehicles are some of the most common types.
Truck Accidents
Treating truck accident-related injuries can leave injured parties struggling with mounting medical bills and undue hardship.
Workers' Compensation
When you suffer a serious injury on the job, you have to deal with your employer and your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company.
Wrongful Death
Collecting damages can never replace the loss of a loved one, but it can go a long way towards helping a family pay off medical debt and focus on grieving.
Motorcycle Accidents
The trouble with motorcycle riders is that they don’t necessarily have a reputation for defensive driving.
Birth Injuries
We represent mothers and children when they are injured by medical malpractice.
Burn Injury
When a person sustains debilitating burn injuries, it can be difficult and sometimes even impossible to return to life before the accident.
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