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If
any doctor has indicated, or if you have reason to believe, that
you will be unable to work for a year or more, you should contact
Goodchild & Duffy immediately to request an appointment to come
in and discuss whether we will agree to represent you in a claim
for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability
Income (SSDI) benefits. Social Security Disability payments and
possibly Supplemental Security payments may be available to you.
Most
of the time, the federal government will deny your claim at the
first and second levels of review. You will then be provided with
the opportunity to have a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
It is at that level that we are most often successful in obtaining
benefits for you. Please note: unless Goodchild & Duffy agrees
to represent you in a claim for Social Security Disability or Supplemental
Security Income, you must make immediate arrangements for other
representation in this regard.
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There
are several time periods which must expire before filing an application
regarding injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1990. In addition,
the courts are extremely backed up. The most recent information
we have is that there are approximately 10,000 new claims filed
per month at the Van Nuys Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, and
the situation at other Boards is similar. The consequence is a very
heavy work load with a shortage of judges and referees. Only in
the most extreme circumstances can an earlier conference or hearing
date be obtained.
As
a result, the legal system is less than adequate in providing a
quick resolution of workers’ compensation claims. We, however,
do everything in our power to bring about a fast resolution of your
claim; at the same time ensuring the results will be as high as
possible. The one thing that you can do to prevent further delays
in your case is to make sure you ATTEND ANY AND ALL DOCTORS’
APPOINTMENTS set for you by this office or by the workers' compensation
insurance carrier.
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We
hope this information will be helpful to you.
Please
contact us for a free consultation:
LAW
OFFICES OF GOODCHILD & DUFFY
16133 VENTURA BLVD., #1250
ENCINO, CA 91436
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