If you are looking for a Disability Lawyer in Raleigh, NC, The Bishop Law Firm can help you. We practice Social Security Disability Law and do not get paid unless you win your case. Attorney Kimberly D. Bishop is a NC Board Certified Social Security Disability Specialist.
The Social Security Disability process can be difficult if you try to do it alone. There are several levels that you may have too go through before you can receive benefits. Having an attorney on your side that knows the process can help.
Many people looking for a disability lawyer do not know what to expect. I can tell you what to expect from The Bishop Law Firm:
You will meet your attorney, not just talk with them over the phone. This meeting will occur as soon as possible after becoming a client.
We will return your phone call within 48 hours (if not sooner).
If you can not afford your medication, we will recommend places for you to try to get your medication at low-cost/free.
We will call your examiner at DDS and find out how your case is progressing at the initial and reconsideration levels.
We will tell you if SSA needs something from you.
We will appeal denials from Social Security.
We will order your medical records when appropriate.
We will send you forms to take to your doctor to get their opinion about your condition, when necessary.
We will prepare you for your hearing and be by your side the day of the hearing.
We do not know what other Social Security disability lawyers offer, but the above is what you should expect. If you are looking for a Disability Lawyer in Raleigh, NC don't settle for less.
Keys to Winning Your Social Security Disability Case
This post and video discuss the keys to winning your Social Security Disability case. If you want to have the best chance possible of winning your case read on!
#1: Go to the Doctor
The most important thing you can do is get medical treatment from your treating doctors. If someone is sick, they go to the doctor (common sense). The problem comes when you can not afford to go to the doctor and do not have health insurance. I advise clients to file for Medicaid, try to obtain free/low cost treatment in their community and try to contact the patient assistance programs at the pharmaceutical company who makes their medicine. For a video discussion look here.
#2: Complete the forms that SSA sends you as soon as possible
SSA will send you and your family countless forms to fill out. You may have already completed the form in the past so you may feel that they are asking you for duplicate information. My advice is to fill out any forms that they send you as soon as possible.
#3: Honesty is so important for your case
Be honest with your doctors, the Social Security Administration and your attorney. This builds your credibility as a claimant for Social Security disability. If you do drugs, drink, don't exercise, etc., be honest about it. If you are honest it is more difficult for SSA to find you not credible.
#4 Communicate with your attorney and the Social Security Administration
Tell your Social Security Disability Attorney and the Social Security Administration if you have moved, went to a new doctor or have a new illness. We don't know unless you tell us.
If you are sick and can not work, just know that the Bishop Law Firm is experienced with the NC Disability Process. We would be delighted to discuss your case with you. The keys to winning your Social Security Disability case are medical treatment, being responsive to the SSA's requests, honesty and communication!
Disabled children (this article just discusses children under the age of 18) are eligible to receive SSI if the Social Security Administration finds them disabled and they meet the financial requirements. Parents should apply for SSI at their local Social Security Office as soon as possible. After you apply, your child's case will be sent to DDS in Raleigh for them to review.
Children are evaluated under a different standard than adults. Children must: "have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including an emotional or learning problem) which: results in marked and severe functional limitations; and can be expected to result in death; or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months".
If your child is denied by DDS at the initial and reconsideration level, you will have to request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Your child will have to testify. This can be frightening for some children. In my experience, ALJs treat children very well (better than they treat some adults) and are gentle with their questioning. The questions usually involve school, friends and how their health problems stop them from doing certain things. Please reassure your child that the hearing is nothing to be frightened about.
The most important thing you can do for your child's case is make sure they receive regular medical treatment and take their medication. The Bishop Law Firm represents children and adults at all levels of the disability process. We would be delighted to discuss your child's SSI case with you!