If you’re looking for a PA Social Security Disability attorney to assist with your Social Security Disability claim, you should get in touch with us at Osterhout Berger Disability Law. Our law firm genuinely cares about your needs.
We can assist you with both SSI and SSDI claims. We have years of experience in this practice area, helping people secure successful claims and win appeals for social security disability claims & long-term disability. We take pride in representing our clients from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and every day we provide legal services to people just like you.
Applying for SSD Benefits
When you start your claim through the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are several essential steps that you should comply with to increase your chance of a favorable outcome. There are three ways to file a claim.
Our knowledgeable attorneys will assist you with every step to ensure your claim has the greatest chance at success. With that said, you can start the process online or head to your local social security office to get things started.
Alternatively, you can visit us at an Osterhout Berger Disability Law office, and one of our Social Security Disability Attorneys can help you with the process.
It’s not a legal requirement that you hire an attorney to make a claim (or appeal), but so many claims are turned down, you must get things right to increase your chances of success. We’re experienced at helping people like you claim the social security disability benefits they’re entitled to. Hiring a social security disability lawyer like Osterhout Berger can increase your chances of success.
When you begin your claim, you’ll be asked for some crucial information; this will include a general overview of your medical problems, including any conditions you’ve been diagnosed with. Starting the process can seem overwhelming, but we can help you with every part of the process.
You’ll be asked for a summary of your medical care, including a list of your healthcare professionals and the hospitals or clinics that you typically see them at. You’ll need to provide medical releases to the SSA to allow them to contact your medical team if necessary.
In addition to this, you could be asked to explain precisely how the condition affects your daily life, including your ability to work.
You may be asked to attend a medical exam, the purpose of this is to find out more about your condition and how it affects you. The SSA may ask for this after obtaining your existing medical records. A doctor nominated by the SSA will examine you.
Appealing a Denial
The majority of claims are initially denied; it is thought that the number of claims denied is around 65%. We’re experienced in social security disability cases. Having one of our expert social security disability lawyer’s on hand can significantly increase your chances of having a successful claim.
There’s always a chance that even with expert representation, you’ll find that you have to go through the appeals process. This happens in two stages: The Appeals Council and The Federal Court.
Initially, you have to go through the Appeals Council. The council is the only one that’s associated with the SSA. If the Appeals Council denies you, you can take your case to the Federal Court.
Appealing a denial differs considerably from making a claim; when you make a claim, the onus is on you to testify about your condition and how it affects your daily life and work. But during the appeals process, the onus is on you to prove that the ALJ made a mistake rather than whether or not you’re disabled.
It could seem that these things are the same, but they’re different. When you make your appeal, you won’t be testifying about your medical condition, and you won’t be given a chance to talk about how your condition has worsened. You won’t be able to talk about your condition; the exception is if a piece of information has come up since your claim hearing.
You’ll have 65 days from when your claim was initially refused to make your appeal. Additionally, if you’re unsuccessful with the Appeals Council, you can take your appeal further to the Federal Court. For this, you’ll also have another 65 days to appeal a denial.
Undergoing a Federal Court appeal can be stressful, though these appeals are taken very seriously. At Osterhout Berger Disability Law, we’re experienced at helping our clients secure what they’re entitled to, no matter the stage they come to us at.
What We Do To Win Your Case
Making a claim or appealing a judgment involves several stages, and there are several reasons why you should retain counsel along the process. It’s complex, and you want someone who can demystify and simplify the procedure. That is why we take the time to communicate with you and walk you through the entire process. We will keep you informed of the status of your claim by email, SMS, phone calls, and letters.
Additionally, we will collaborate with you on the development of your case. Obtaining all medical information is critical to improving your chances of having a favorable outcome when we initiate the claim. We will work with you to ensure that you understand precisely what information we want and how to obtain these medical documents.
Furthermore, we recognize that the prospect of appearing before a court for a hearing can be nerve-wracking. We’ll prepare you for this hearing by going through all of the possible questions the judge will ask, so you’ll be prepared with a response
We will represent you on the day of the hearing. This can be a significant benefit since we can handle all of the technical components of presenting your case, which can be rather complicated if you’ve never done it before.
Finally, if your claim is denied, we will initiate the appeal procedure. We’ll expedite the filing of your appeal in order to meet all applicable deadlines.
What You’ll Need To Do
There are key things you can do to help the process run smoothly. First, you should remain accessible and keep your contact information current to ensure we can get in touch with any queries, updates, or other important contacts.
You must also take any prescribed medications, go to your appointments, take any necessary tests and fulfill any therapy that you’ve been prescribed. It’s advisable to comply with your prescribed health plan fully. When you don’t comply, you message that your condition may not be as severe as it appears. You could also be harming your health.
How We Can Help
There are several ways in which the team at Osterhout Berger Disability Law can help you receive the benefit you deserve. We help individuals who need to…
- Apply for Social Security Benefits and want to ensure everything is done right the first time
- Appeal a denial of Social Security Disability Benefits
If you are facing one of these situations, please do not hesitate in reaching out. Our team of experienced attorneys are here to help, and your consultation is free.
