Disability Benefits Lawyer San Francisco, CA

Legal Assistance For Those Seeking Disability Benefits

An injury, illness, or other disability can strike at any time, and you have rights to be free from discrimination for your disability. You also have the right to claim any benefits that you are entitled to, though insurance providers will often fight to deny you these benefits, or significantly undervalue them. If you or a loved one has experienced unfair denials or roadblocks in the process of claiming disability benefits, contact our San Francisco, CA disability benefits lawyer today. At The Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen, we always give 100% to every case. When you choose our attorney, you choose experienced guidance and steadfast support. Call now to set up your free case evaluation.

Whether your disability be a physical injury, an illness, a mental disorder, or other form, if your condition prevents you from working, you are likely entitled to benefits while you are unemployable. Our lawyer’s job is to guide and assist you in understanding eligibility criteria, the process of application, and the appeals process.

Our San Francisco disability benefits attorney will first consult with you and form an understanding of your disability and the limitations that it provides to you and your ability to work. In understanding your specific case, our lawyer will better know how best to proceed.

Our lawyer will then begin gathering evidence and documentation of your disability. Medical records, employment records, and other official documents are all useful in painting a picture of your disability and how it impacts your ability to work in order to craft the best possible application.

If your claim is denied by the insurance company, our lawyer will help take you through the appeals process. We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to undervalue and deny claims, and we know how to fight back against their teams of lawyers and specialists. We will negotiate for you and the benefits that you deserve until you receive the best possible outcome.

How Our Disability Benefits Lawyer Can Help You

Getting to know your disability rights can be overwhelming, but our San Francisco, CA disability benefits lawyer is here to help. At The Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen, we provide insightful legal guidance so that individuals receive the disability benefits they are entitled to. With empathy and decades of experience, attorney Bennett M. Cohen stands with his clients at every step, offering the support and representation they need during challenging times.

When filing for disability benefits, insurance companies often work to make the process as difficult as possible for you. Our California disability benefits attorney is aware of the tactics that insurance providers often use and are equipped to fight against them.

Some common tactics include unreasonably delaying a decision or investigation, not conducting a thorough investigation, misinterpreting or misrepresenting policy language, ignoring or misrepresenting medical evidence, requesting unnecessary information, using biased medical specialists, denying a claim without explanation, offering unreasonably low settlements, and ignoring communication. If you have faced any of these tactics, or any other bad faith tactic that has been used to unfairly affect your claim, our lawyer can help you fight back and receive a just decision.

Experience With Disability Law

As specialists in disability law policies, our firm is dedicated to securing the benefits our clients deserve. Our San Francisco disability benefits lawyers possess the knowledge and experience to handle cases efficiently, advocating for the rights of those who are unable to work due to a disability.

Advocating For Your Rights

Our experienced lawyer will take the time to understand the specifics of your situation, so that your case receives the individual attention it deserves. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice so that our clients can make informed decisions about their disability claims. From initial applications to appeals, we represent our clients with tenacity, amplifying your voice and protecting your rights.

Simplifying The Claims Process

Dealing with insurance companies and government agencies can be intimidating and confusing. That’s where we come in. Our team simplifies the legal jargon and guides our clients through the claims process with ease and clarity. We work tirelessly to gather the necessary documentation, build a strong case for each client, and ease the burden so they can focus on their well-being.

Why We Are Different

At The Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen, what sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service. We know that no two cases are the same, which is why we tailor our legal strategies to the unique needs of each client. Our disability attorney prides himself on being accessible, proactive, and responsive to our clients’ needs.

Securing Your Future

A disability can change your life, but it doesn’t have to dictate your future. With our firm by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. We fight to secure the financial support our clients need to manage their disabilities, allowing them to look forward to a brighter, more stable future.

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Your Disability Benefits Claim

At our disability law firm, we understand the challenges involved with disability benefits and how our San Francisco disability benefits lawyer can help. To help you manage this process with confidence, here are common mistakes to avoid when applying for disability benefits in San Francisco.

• Neglecting To Seek Professional Guidance: One of the most prevalent mistakes is completing the disability application process without professional assistance. Consulting with our San Francisco disability benefits attorney verifies you have the knowledge needed to handle the complicated benefits system.

• Providing Insufficient Medical Evidence: Inadequate medical evidence is a leading cause of claim denials. Confirm that your medical records comprehensively document your condition, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and the impact on your daily life. Thorough documentation significantly strengthens your case, especially when it comes to long-term disability benefits.

• Missing Application Deadlines: Timeliness is vital in the application of disability benefits. Missing application deadlines can result in delays or denials. Be aware of key dates, and submit your application promptly to avoid unnecessary complications.

• Underestimating The Importance Of Vocational Evidence: Vocational evidence, such as work history and job skills, plays an influential role in disability claims. Provide a detailed account of your work history and the specific demands of your previous roles. This information helps evaluators understand the impact of your condition on your ability to work.

• Failing To Clearly Articulate Limitations: Clearly communicate the limitations your disability imposes on your daily life and work capabilities. Employment law and disability eligibility overlap, so be specific about how your condition affects your ability to perform routine tasks and engage in gainful employment. The more detailed your account, the better your chances of a successful claim.

• Disregarding The Importance Of Follow-Up Medical Treatment: Consistent medical treatment is not only essential for your health but also strengthens your disability claim. Demonstrating ongoing medical care establishes the severity and persistence of your condition, reinforcing the need for disability benefits.

• Overlooking Mental Health Records: If your disability claim involves mental health conditions, make sure that relevant records are included in your application. Mental health is a valid aspect of disability claims, and thorough documentation is essential.

• Providing Inconsistent Information: Consistency in the information you provide is paramount. Discrepancies between your application, medical records, and statements can raise red flags. Review all information for accuracy and confirm alignment across all components of your claim.

• Disregarding Work Attempts & Income Reporting: Inaccurate reporting of work attempts and income can jeopardize your claim. Clearly document any work attempts and accurately report your income. Failure to do so may lead to misunderstandings about your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.

• Overlooking The Importance Of Legal Representation: Securing legal representation is not only for appeals; it can significantly benefit your initial claim.

San Francisco Disability Benefits Infographic

San Fransisco Disability Statistics

According to statistics from Atticus, only 37 percent of disability claims filed in California are approved on the initial application. Just under 50 percent are approved on appeal. If you are considering filing for disability or have been denied, call our office to find out how our disability lawyers can help.

Disability Benefits FAQs

If you need help applying for disability benefits, consider meeting with our San Francisco, CA disability benefits lawyer. It’s helpful to have someone knowledgeable and experienced on your side. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions we get from our clients:

Why Do I Need A Disability Benefits Lawyer?

Completing the disability benefits application process can be challenging, and having our lawyer by your side makes sure that you have a knowledgeable advocate who understands the intricacies of disability law. Our knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer like ours can help gather necessary evidence, maneuver through bureaucratic hurdles, and represent you in cases of claim denials and appeals.

What Types Of Disability Benefits Do These Lawyers Handle?

Disability benefits lawyers handle a range of benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Our social security disability benefits lawyer assists clients in proving their eligibility for these benefits based on their medical conditions and inability to work.

How Can An Attorney Help With The Application Process?

Our disability benefits attorney can assist in gathering medical evidence, filling out complicated forms, and making sure that your application meets the necessary criteria. We play a pivotal role in presenting a strong case to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to increase the likelihood of approval.

What Should I Look For In A Lawyer?

When choosing a disability benefits lawyer, consider their experience in disability law, success rate with similar cases, and client reviews. Look for a lawyer like ours—one who communicates effectively, understands your unique situation, and is committed to helping you seek your best result.

How Does The Payment Structure Work?

Many disability benefits lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive payment if your case is successful. This fee is typically a percentage of the benefits awarded to you. This arrangement helps make legal representation accessible to individuals who may be facing financial challenges due to their disabilities.

What Should I Do If My Disability Benefits Application Is Denied?

If your initial application is denied, our lawyer can help you appeal the decision. We will work to strengthen your case, gather additional evidence, and represent you in administrative hearings to increase your chances of a successful appeal.

Can I Hire An Attorney After My Initial Application Is Denied?

Yes, you can hire legal representation at any stage of the application process, including after a denial. Having our attorney during the appeals process can significantly improve your chances of overturning the denial and securing the benefits you deserve.

San Francisco Disability Benefits Lawyer

At The Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen, our San Francisco, CA disability benefits lawyer frequently encounters legal terms and jargon that can be confusing for our clients. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone applying for disability benefits, whether through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Here we will define and explain at least five essential legal terms that are commonly used in disability benefits cases.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal benefits program that provides monthly payments to individuals who have become disabled and are unable to work, as long as they have a sufficient work history and have paid into the Social Security system. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines whether a person’s medical condition prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and whether their disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based federal assistance program that provides financial aid to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a person to have a prior work history. Instead, it is designed for individuals who meet specific income and asset limitations. Because SSI eligibility is based on means-testing, any changes in income or living situation can affect benefits.

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

RFC is an assessment used by the SSA to determine what level of work, if any, a person can still perform despite their disability. The SSA evaluates physical and mental limitations when assessing an applicant’s RFC. This assessment considers factors such as strength, mobility, cognitive abilities, and mental health conditions. Our disability benefits lawyers make sure that the RFC assessment accurately reflects the client’s limitations by submitting strong medical evidence, including doctor’s reports, diagnostic tests, and witness statements. If an RFC determination is too high, we work to challenge the findings by presenting additional medical evidence or expert testimony.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

An ALJ is a judge who presides over Social Security disability hearings when a claim has been denied at the initial and reconsideration levels. If a client’s disability claim is denied, lawyers guide them through the appeals process, which includes a hearing before an ALJ. These hearings provide an opportunity to present additional medical evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine vocational experts (VE). Since the ALJ has the authority to approve or deny the claim, our San Francisco disability benefits attorney makes sure that our clients are well-prepared to answer questions about their disability, work history, and daily limitations.

Vocational Expert (VE)

A VE is an expert who testifies at disability hearings about whether a claimant can perform any type of work based on their medical condition, age, education, and work experience.The SSA relies on vocational experts to assess whether a claimant can adjust to other types of work, even if they can no longer perform their past job. During hearings, our lawyers will challenge unfavorable VE testimony by questioning their assumptions, presenting counter arguments, and providing medical evidence that supports our client’s inability to work.

The Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen, San Francisco Disability Benefits Lawyer

1438 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Get In Touch Today

If you are preparing to file an application for disability benefits or appeal a denied or undervalued claim, legal representation is imperative for success. Hire representation that you trust to treat your case with the attention and care that it deserves. Don’t leave your case to chance. Contact the Law Office of Bennett M. Cohen today to schedule a free consultation where we can learn about your case and start working to protect you and your rights.