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By Carey Thompson
Founding Attorney

Texans suffering a work-ending injury or disability face many concerns, with fears about meeting even basic living expenses high among them. Fortunately, government programs and private insurance can offer much-needed financial relief to permanently injured or disabled Texas residents. If you are injured or disabled and can no longer work, reach out to a Texas disability attorney today for help.

What does a disability attorney do? An experienced Texas disability attorney will guide you regarding your financial assistance options, help navigate government bureaucracy and private insurance carriers, and represent your benefits claim from application to final award.

A Disability Attorney Can Provide Financial Assistance Options for Disabled Workers

Before filing any action for benefits, it’s essential you meet with a qualified disability attorney.

After a comprehensive review of your case, an experienced lawyer specializing in disability benefits will present the best options available to you for financial assistance.

These options may include both private insurance and government programs:

  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Texas Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Veterans Disability Benefits

Private Insurance and Government Programs

Depending on your unique situation, you may be eligible for private insurance benefits or government assistance.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

If your private insurance policy covers long-term disability, you may be entitled to benefits under your plan.

Additionally, many employers offer long-term disability coverage as part of the group plans available to employees. Claims submitted under this coverage fall under the protection of the federal ERISA law.

While coverage may be available under these plans, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to delay or deny claims through unfair practices. It is essential that you retain a Texas disability lawyer well-versed in insurance claims, bad-faith tactics of big insurance companies, and ERISA guidelines.

Texas SSDI Benefits

Navigating Texas SSDI can be challenging under the best circumstances. If you are emotionally stressed or in physical pain due to your injury or disability, you will undoubtedly benefit from the help of a knowledgeable disability lawyer.

On your behalf, your attorney will present a thorough and complete benefits application. If your claim is denied, they will act as your representative during the appeals process, filing your appeal and representing you at all related hearings.

It is important to note that approximately 65% of SSDI benefits applications are initially denied. Working with a disability attorney at the start of the application process offers the best chance of your application being approved or winning on appeal.

Veteran’s Disability Benefits

Veterans unable to work due to injury or disability may also find relief under Veterans’ Affairs programs. As with SSDI benefits, Veterans’ benefits are governed by a complex set of rules and regulations. It is strongly encouraged that you seek the assistance of a disability attorney experienced in VA disability claims.

Understanding the VA benefits eligibility requirements is critical to properly completing the application and avoiding common mistakes that often result in denied claims.

How Will a Disability Attorney Help You?

Many disability applicants attempt to navigate the claims process on their own. They often wind up frustrated with the complexity of the process or the denial of their claim.

Though it’s never too late to seek counsel from an experienced attorney, the best time to engage a Texas disability attorney is at the beginning of the claims process. At that point, your attorney will:

  • Review your case, including your medical records and work history
  • Gather medical evidence to support your claim
  • Prepare and submit your claim for initial review

If your claim is rejected, your attorney will already be familiar with the facts and evidence of your claim and will be able to effectively formulate and argue an appeal.

In that case, your attorney will

  • Address deficiencies as noted in the decision letter
  • Gather additional evidence and supporting details if needed
  • Resubmit your claim
  • Represent you at related hearings

For more information about the disability claims process or to speak with a highly qualified Texas disability attorney regarding your case, contact our office today.

About the Author
Carey Thompson has been practicing Social Security Disability Law Since 2008 after he graduated from Texas Wesleyan School of Law, now known as Texas A&M school of Law in Fort Worth, TX.  While at Texas Wesleyan he served on Law Review.  Prior to going to Law School, Mr. Thompson was a High School Band Director for four years using his degree in Music Education from Michigan State University.  Prior to Attending Michigan State, he attended Aledo Schools from Kindergarten to graduate.  Mr.Thompson feels strongly about serving the people of Tarrant County.