Atlanta Social Security Attorneys
Social Security is often associated with retirement benefits, but in truth, Social Security is in place as a blanket protection for anyone who needs federal help due to an inability to earn income. When a worker becomes disabled it can have devastating effects on their life and family. The ability to apply for social security benefits can make a big difference in their lives.
However, acquiring these benefits is not always simple. At Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A., we understand the effects an unexpected tragedy can have on a family, and we have spent decades representing disabled beneficiaries not just in Atlanta, but across the state of Georgia.
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security disability is a federal insurance program meant to supplement income for people who become disabled to the point where they can no longer work. It can supplement long-term workers’ compensation insurance or any other sort of disability benefits from accident or injury. Social Security is available to all workers who have worked long enough to pay social security taxes and pays out based on the financial needs of the disabled person.
In a year, over 10.2 million people across the United States were collecting SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and the payments in just one month totaled more than $11.4 billion.
On average, the age of a beneficiary is around 54 years old, but in truth over 25% of all workers currently in their 20s will become disabled before they reach retirement age. Currently, over 56 million Americans are disabled, and over 50% of those are between 18 and 64 years of age.
Risks and Causes
The leading causes of social security applications are disorders related to connective tissue or the musculoskeletal system, exposure to poisoning, physical injuries, cardiovascular disorders, nervous system and sensory organ diseases, spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries or injury to the extremities, mental health disorders, work-related accidents, and cancer.
Many people experience factors in their daily lives that increase the risk of. These include obesity, engaging in high-risk activities, use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances, and unhealthy lifestyles.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible?
There are state and federal laws in place to protect disabled workers and ensure that they get the compensation they need. Under the federal Social Security Act, anyone who is unable to engage in gainful activity at a substantial level due to medical impairment which could result in death, or which will persist for at least a year, and which prevents engaging in any form of substantial employment, may collect social security benefits.
In the state of Georgia, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §34-9-200.1(g)(6) allows injured employees who are losing temporary benefits to have their injuries classified as “catastrophic” to restore these benefits. Any injury that would allow an employee to collect SSI or SSDI benefits can be classified in this manner.
What If I Was Denied?
It is common for a disability benefits claim to be denied at first. However, you shouldn’t give up. If this happens to you, you should contact a dedicated and experienced Georgia Social Security attorney like the lawyers at Stokes & Kopitsky, P.A. For over three decades we have worked to get our clients and their families the compensation they need.
Look over some of the cases we have successfully resolved, and read our customer testimonials. Then, give us a call at 404-892-0011 or connect with us online for a consultation today.
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