Applying for disability benefits can be a complicated process, and often includes a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to determine whether your application is approved or denied. Here are three reasons why it is important to have an attorney represent you at a hearing.
Lawyers know the ins and outs of the legal system and how to best represent their client to get optimal results—they are your advocate and have your best interests at heart.
Lawyers are trained professionals who understand the intricate rules of the court system, including the procedures to properly handle all aspects of your Social Security Disability case. They’ve overseen hundreds of such cases and can help advise you on the directives that you should take.
At Regas & Haag Ltd., we handle all aspects of your Social Security Disability case—including contacting your doctors to obtain medical records and reports, filing all appeals on your behalf, preparing you for an eventual hearing in front of an ALJ, and appealing through the federal courts.
The vast majority of applications for disability benefits end up going to a hearing in front of an ALJ. This hearing is the most important step in determining whether someone is eventually approved for benefits. The assistance of a seasoned attorney who is well-versed in disability law can be the difference between your case being approved or denied.
We have over 40 combined years of representing clients at hearings that determine whether or not they are approved for disability benefits. To learn more about having an attorney represent you at your hearing, visit our website or talk to our professionals by calling 800-520-2200.
When a worker suffers from a serious injury while on the job, the lasting damage can greatly impact the individual’s life. Whether the incident has made it difficult or impossible to work for a short time, or for the rest of their lives, the employer must be held responsible for the incident and its impact on the employee’s future.
When you are injured because of your job or if you have developed a work-related illness, there are laws that can help you to get the compensation you deserve for the loss you have suffered. However, it’s important to understand the Ohio workers’ compensation laws to ensure you are compensated fairly.
The workers’ compensation system in Ohio will provide funds for individuals who have suffered injuries or for any health issues caused due to the work required. These funds are specifically meant to cover medical expenses and lost wages as a result of the harmful work incident in an effort to provide peace of mind and fair compensation for the injured employee. However, it’s important to note that claimants only have one year to put forth their claim for review.
As an injured worker in Ohio, you have rights. You deserve to be treated fairly and to receive the appropriate care and compensation which you are entitled to. You have the right to access high-quality BWC-certified healthcare of your choosing, have your approved medical expenses paid for, and to receive timely payments for these services.
Now that you understand the laws, it’s also important to understand how they can benefit you if you need them. If your claim is approved by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, you may be entitled to any one of the following:
Submitting a claim can be difficult, depending on the circumstances of your injury or illness. After all, in order to receive compensation, you must verifiably establish that
Hiring a professional attorney can help you ensure you are able to prove the requirements above and can receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your Social Security Disability or Workers’ Compensation benefits, call the office of Regas & Haag, Ltd. immediately at 330-649-9102 or toll-free at 1-800-520-2200.
As our state re-opens, many are faced with a difficult decision—whether or not to return to work. Unfortunately, general fear or concern over coronavirus does not hold legal merit to refuse to return to work. However, those who are high-risk individuals (as determined by the CDC), or who have other health disorders, are protected by specific laws and regulations.
Whether you’re looking for additional accommodations in returning to work, or keeping unemployment benefits after refusing to return, you’ll want to consider these things:
The CDC is continually updating its list of high-risk medical conditions concerning COVID-19. For individuals with these conditions, it’s suggested they take precautions to limit social interactions. When returning to work, CDC recommends additional accommodations such as telecommuting, increased PPE, or changes in schedule to limit interactions with staff/customers.
If you are considered high-risk and want to work, it’s important to remember your employer cannot force you to stay home. They must work with you to provide reasonable safety accommodations.
Discuss with your employer what procedures have been put in place to ensure proper protection and social distancing. Ask:
If you require additional accommodations to feel safe, you must engage in the interactive process with your employer to determine what adjustments are needed.
If your request does not cause undue hardship to your employer, they must comply. Reasonable accommodations may include; additional or modified protective gear; plexiglass, or other barriers between yourself and others; telecommuting; and more.
Not all medical conditions are visible or are on the CDC high-risk list. We recognize mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, can impact someone’s ability to feel safe returning to work. While general concern or fear over the virus is not enough to allow an individual to refuse to return to work, there are steps you can take. Talk to your doctor and obtain a medical note regarding the risks you face returning to work due to your mental or physical illness.
If you choose not to return to work, and you cannot provide legal justification, you could lose any unemployment benefits you’re collecting. At Regas & Haag, we defend vulnerable individuals in Social Security & Disability Law and Worker’s Compensation cases. If you believe you have a legal claim in regards to returning to work post-COVID-19. Please reach out to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your rights.