Lafayette Social Security Attorney
Each year more than three million Americans are faced with disabling conditions that prevent them from working and earning an income. This inability to work, combined with mounting disability-related medical bills, can wreak financial havoc on a disabled individual and their family.
While Social Security Disability benefits are intended to help Lafayette, Louisiana residents who find themselves in situations such as these, the fact is that only about 30 percent of disability applications are actually approved by the Social Security Administration during the initial stage of the claim process. The remaining 70 percent of applicants must undergo an exhaustive and complicated disability appeal process. If these applicants are smart, they will hire a Lafayette Social Security Disability attorney to help them through this ordeal and successfully overturn the SSA's decision to deny them the benefits they so desperately need.
The economy of Lafayette is strong and vibrant. The city benefits from a diverse economic base with healthcare, tourism, and oil-related businesses playing major roles in the city's growth. The restaurant industry and car sales sector also contribute to the economic well-being of the city. Agriculture and aquaculture also contribute to the economy of Lafayette and the surrounding areas. The gross metropolitan product of Lafayette is estimated to be about $12 billion.
Applying for Lafayette Social Security Disability Benefits
There are more than 260,000 residents living in Lafayette. In the State of Louisiana, approximately 5.3 percent of the residents receive Social Security Disability benefits. These recipients receive an average monthly benefit amount of $1,050.30. While this monthly disability benefit can definitely offset some of the financial burdens caused by a long-term or permanent disability, the truth is that it can take a Lafayette resident well over a year to obtain the benefits they need.
The reason for the extensive wait times for benefits is that the majority of disability claims are denied during the initial stage of the application process (which in itself takes approximately three to four months to complete). Once denied, an applicant must file a Request for Reconsideration, which is the first stage of a disability appeal. This stage can, again, take three to four months to complete and the majority (more than 80 percent) of applicants are denied again at this time. The hearing stage is the next stage of the appeal process and once a request for a hearing is filed, Lafayette Social Security Disability applicants must wait an average of 8 months before appearing before an administrative law judge.
Hiring a Lafayette Disability Attorney
To speed up the disability application process, or even avoid the appeal process altogether, you may wish to hire a qualified Lafayette Social Security Disability attorney to represent your claim. A Lafayette Social Security Disability lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to prove your disability to the Social Security Administration. He or she will work with you to complete the application paperwork and help you to submit your claim for disability benefits in the best light possible.
If your initial disability claim is still denied, your Lafayette Social Security attorney can help you file an appeal to overturn the SSA's decision to deny your disability benefits. You will only have 60 days from the date that you receive your denial notice to appeal the SSA's decision.
Once you meet with your Lafayette Social Security Disability attorney, he or she will review your disability case to determine what additional evidence may be needed to prove your disability to the Social Security Administration. If necessary, your attorney might also gather additional statements from your treating physicians and may begin to retain expert witnesses to testify on your behalf at your disability hearing.
In addition to getting your evidence in order, your Lafayette Social Security Disability attorney can help you prepare for your hearing on a personal level. It is important to understand that the hearing stage of the appeal process is when you have the best chance of overturning the SSA's decision to deny your benefits. Nearly two-thirds of these hearings are decided in the favor of the disability applicant. It is crucial that you do everything possible to tip the scales in your favor. Your Lafayette Social Security Disability lawyer can help you do this. Statistics show that disability applicants who are represented at this hearing are more likely to be awarded disability benefits than applicants who choose to represent themselves.
If you would like to receive a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case, or to learn more about hiring a Lafayette Social Security attorney to represent you in your Social Security Disability claim, fill out the free consultation form available on this site.
A Lafayette Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Lafayette Parish, Saint Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Iberia Parish, Vermillion Parish, and Acadia Parish: Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Amaudville, Scott, Rayne, Crowley, St. Martinville, Broussard, Youngsville, New Iberia, Abbeville, Church Point, Opeloussas, Port Barre, Villa Platte, Eunice, and Baton Rouge.
