Disability Lawyers in Florida
Fighting to Secure the Disability Benefits That Our Clients Deserve
Suffering a serious injury or debilitating medical condition can change a person’s life forever. Unfortunately, this applies to more than just their ability to partake in the things they enjoy. In some instances, being unable to work results in financial challenges that are not easily overcome. However, there may be options available if you find yourself in such a situation. With the help of a disability lawyer in Florida, it’s possible to secure benefits that will help you maintain your economic security.
At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, we’ve seen what can happen when injured and impaired individuals have to seek benefits on their own. Many at our law firm witnessed our parents struggle to navigate the Social Security system in order to secure benefits. While this process may be complicated and stressful, it’s important to remember that disability law is often on the side of injured Americans. If you need help accessing the benefits you deserve, our law firm is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
When you choose to work with a Florida disability attorney, it’s important to find one who handles cases similar to your own. Experience is everything in this area of law, so make sure you find a knowledgeable attorney with your best interest in mind. At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, our team of legal professionals can assist in all the following cases.
Is Social Security Disability Insurance Your Only Option?
If you’ve paid Social Security taxes throughout your life, certain benefits are available to you. While many people have to wait until retirement to access these, this is not the case for those who suffer serious injuries or medical conditions. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to those unable to work for at least one year. However, not everyone will qualify for this — and even if you do, better alternatives may be available.
A denied disability claim is often the first time many people discover that SSDI benefits aren’t the only option. In many cases, disabled individuals can access benefits via their pension plans, long-term disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans disability programs, and potentially even their parents’ earned income record. Those who are injured or lose loved ones could also pursue personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Of course, the rules for each of these can vary significantly. This is why it’s ideal to speak with a disability lawyer in Florida before doing anything. At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, we’ll review your case and help you understand all your options. Contact us today.
SSDI Benefits vs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you’re seeking benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it’s important to know that SSDI isn’t your only option. You may also be able to access Supplemental Security Income. Both these programs can be invaluable for disabled people, but each has its own set of rules. Whether you file an SSDI or SSI claim will depend on the circumstances of your situation.
For instance, SSDI benefits are available for individuals who worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. They must have a qualifying disability that would prevent them from working at a certain level (e.g., Substantial Gainful Activity). The eligibility of an individual depends on their work history, earnings record, and disability status.
On the other hand, SSI benefits provide support for individuals who are disabled, elderly, or blind with limited income. It’s a needs-based program, and applicants must meet income requirements in addition to having an extreme limitation. With these two programs targeting different people, it’s often the case that someone with an injury or medical condition will qualify for at least one form of Social Security benefits.
Why Do You Need an Attorney for Disability Benefits?
Whether you’re fighting a denied Social Security Disability claim or trying to secure long-term or pension disability benefits, having an experienced attorney on your side can prove invaluable. Did you know that around 10% of SSDI benefits claims are considered fraudulent — and that one recent year saw nearly $200 million in Social Security Disability fraud? Unfortunately, this means that the SSA and other disability benefits providers must be hypervigilant during the claim process.
This is why having a disability attorney in Florida is so important. The majority of SSDI claims are rejected during the initial application. A Social Security disability lawyer can review your denial and help you understand the appeals process — even representing you during reconsideration, Administrative Law Judge hearings, the Appeals Council, and in federal district court if necessary. And if you’re trying to receive benefits from other sources (e.g., workers’ comp, pension), a legal professional can help.
At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, we understand that what you’re going through is challenging and stressful. We’re here to take the burden off your shoulders.
There’s no shortage of disability attorneys in Florida. So, how do you choose the right one? At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, there are several reasons we believe we’re the right law firm for you.
What if Your Disability Denial Appeal Is Rejected?
The process of appealing a denied benefits claim can vary between different people. Fortunately, there’s typically always the option to file appeals following a denial. For SSDI benefits, you can request reconsideration and then follow up with varying other appeal options. For LTD, pension, veterans, and other disability programs, there are similar procedures for seeking a better outcome. Your disability lawyer in Florida can handle the process, or you’ll need to figure out the proper procedures on your own.
However, simply filing an appeal does not necessarily mean you’ll qualify. Even if you suffer a serious injury or have health issues, it’s very possible that you may not be eligible under the program you’re applying for. If you’re unable to receive Social Security benefits or other disability support, keep in mind that there are often many other options available. A disability claim attorney in Florida can help you review your options and choose the path most likely to result in approval.
We’re on your side at The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact a Florida Disability Lawyer for Assistance
Some people who suffer serious injuries have no option other than filing personal injury claims. Otherwise, they’ll end up facing economic uncertainty on their own. However, many people are entitled to disability benefits if they’re unable to work — sometimes even for short periods of time. Those who suffer severe injuries or medical conditions may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits, workers’ compensation, and various other forms of benefits. In these instances, litigation is often not necessary. An experienced attorney can assist you through the legal process.
At The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey, our law firm is committed to securing favorable outcomes for each of our clients. In some instances, this means simplifying the application process so an initial claim is successful. In other situations, this could mean handling the appeals process from start to finish. No matter where you call home in our great state, our disability lawyers in Florida are here to help. There are even some cases where we can represent clients no matter where they are in America. You’ve worked to earn your disability benefits, and we’re here to make sure you receive them.
Contact us at (727) 477-3263 to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to assist.
The best way to get personalized answers to your questions is to contact a disability lawyer in Florida. However, the following frequently asked questions will provide general answers that can guide how you move forward:
What if I make a mistake on my Social Security Disability application?
Many people hire Social Security disability lawyers to avoid mistakes during the application process. However, all hope is not lost if your claim is rejected due to a mistake. Simple errors are often easily remedied, and if something more serious is interfering with your claim, a skilled attorney can help you through the appeals process.
What constitutes medical evidence for disability claims?
Whether you’re seeking Florida Social Security Disability benefits or some other form of compensation, you’re going to have to provide evidence of your impairment. This can take many forms. Medical records, physician statements, diagnostic tests, and other documents that prove your inability to work may prove your case.
Can I receive Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) concurrently?
Yes, many people receive SSDI and SSI benefits concurrently. However, keep in mind that SSI is based on a person’s economic needs. That means the benefits can be reduced by a certain amount based on your SSDI benefits level.
Who is eligible for long-term disability benefits?
Social Security Disability is a form of long-term benefits. However, people who mention LTD benefits are usually referring to those secured through employer plans. Therefore, only individuals with LTD plans or insurance will qualify for benefits through their job. Even if you don’t have these benefits, you may qualify for SSDI and other programs.
What if I’m going through a personal injury case?
If you suffered a severe injury or illness due to another party’s negligence or wrongful acts, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fortunately, this will not interfere with your ability to secure disability benefits unless you’re applying for a needs-based program (e.g., SSI benefits).
What are presumptive disability benefits?
Some injuries and conditions are so severe that the SSA, Department of Veterans Affairs, and other agencies will assume your disability application will be approved. If you meet eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for presumptive benefits that will provide financial support while your application is processed.
Can I sue my employer for an injury?
In most cases, injured workers cannot sue their employer for any harm they suffered on the job. Workers’ compensation is meant to minimize the potential for litigation. While this means you typically can’t sue, it also means that you can secure disability benefits even if your injury was caused by your own actions.
What if my loved one died from an injury or illness?
Most benefits programs — including those run by the Social Security Administration, long-term disability plans, and other administrators — offer survivor’s benefits when a spouse loses their loved one. A disability lawyer in Florida can help you understand what you may be entitled to and guide you through the process.