Seminole Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Lawyer

We successfully resolve Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation claims,

People in Seminole have simple, basic values, like hard work and commitment to the community. A sudden and unexpected disability work injury, or a creeping and disabling disease, undercuts these values. These victims cannot work and cannot meaningfully contribute to their communities. Fortunately, important financial benefits are available that help these victims get back on the right track.

The diligent Seminole workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability lawyer at the Rooth Law Firm shares these values. We work hard to obtain the benefits that these victims need and deserve. Quite simply, working hard means planning our work and working our plan. This simple and straightforward approach usually produces results that exceed our clients’ expectations. Furthermore, for us, handling disability and injury claims is our contribution to our community. We live, work, and play here too, so we have a stake in the outcome of every case.

Social Security Disability

These benefits are usually available if the applicant has a sufficient number of work credits and has a disabling physical, mental, or other condition. The work credits requirement changes annually and does not apply to everyone. Your Seminole Social Security Disability lawyer can direct you as to how to determine your work credits eligibility. According to the Social Security Administration, an applicant is disabled if:

• A medical condition precludes SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity, which is usually working enough to lift the applicant and any dependents above the poverty line),
• Because of this medical condition, the applicant cannot work at his/her old job, and cannot otherwise engage in SGA (the “old dogs can’t learn new tricks” requirement), and
• The applicant has a severe disability that is fatal or, according to a doctor, will last at least one year.

The medical condition is usually the lynchpin to an SSD claim. Some conditions are presumptively disabling. These conditions are listed in the Social Security Blue Book. This list changes frequently.

If the applicant does not have a listed condition, a Seminole disability lawyer can still obtain benefits. The case is simply more complex.

These benefits usually include monthly cash, which averages about $2,000, and Medicare membership. A waiting period usually applies. The cash benefits are usually retroactive to the date of disability, not to the date of filing.

A disability is mostly, but not entirely, a medical issue. Some conditions are disabling for some people, but not for others. Additionally, there is a difference between being theoretically able to work and being able to work. If a hiring manager has a choice between a disabled and able-bodied applicant who both have the same qualifications, the able-bodied applicant usually gets hired.

Workers’ Compensation

Temporarily and permanently disabled victims are usually eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In fact, most job injury victims are temporarily disabled. Benefits are available if:

• The injury or illness was work-related,
• The applicant was not under the influence of a substance at the time of injury, and
• The employer had a valid workers’ compensation insurance policy.

Workers’ compensation benefits usually include lost wage replacement and medical bill payment. The AWW (average weekly wage), the basis of a wage replacement calculation, includes cash and non-cash wages. Medical bills are compensable if they are reasonably necessary.

If the employer did not have a valid policy, or the illness or injury involved reckless or intentional conduct, a civil lawsuit may be an option. Successful civil claimants are entitled to additional compensation, mostly money for emotional distress and other noneconomic losses.

Reach Out to a Pinellas County Workers Compensation & Social Security Disability Lawyer Today

Victims need and deserve compensation for their injuries. For a free consultation with a Board Certified workers’ compensation lawyer in Seminole, contact the Rooth Law Firm. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.