Can a Government Shutdown Affect Your SSDI Benefits? If you’re relying on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the idea of a government shutdown can be scary. And there’s a lot of uncertainty around a government shutdown and disability benefits. You might wonder, “Will I still get my checks? Will my application get stuck?” The good news is that your SSDI payments should be among the least affected parts of a shutdown. But there can be complications – especially if you’re applying, appealing, or dealing with administrative matters. So let’s break it down. Why SSDI Checks Usually Continue During a Shutdown SSDI is funded through mandatory spending, not through the annual budget bills that fund most federal programs. Because of that,
Wrongful Death Caused by Fire: Who’s Liable? When a fire turns deadly, the heartbreak can be overwhelming – especially if it could have been prevented. Wrongful death from fire can take everything and makes it difficult to find closure or heal. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fire and you believe someone’s negligence played a role, you may have a wrongful death claim. This kind of lawsuit helps families get justice when a death is caused by someone else’s failure to act responsibly. Over decades, our firm has represented countless wrongful death clients, and won. Here’s what you need to know about this specific type of case. When Is a Fire Considered Wrongful Death? Not every fatal fire
What Is Willful Deprivation, and How Does It Happen in Nursing Homes? Willful deprivation in a nursing home happens when residents are deliberately denied basic needs. It can result in pain, illness, and even death. And sadly, it happens far more often than you might think. As a Memphis nursing home abuse lawyer, I want to help you understand what willful deprivation is, how to recognize it, and what legal options are available if it happens to someone you care about. What Does “Willful Deprivation” Mean? Willful deprivation happens when a caregiver intentionally denies a resident the things they need for their health and well-being. This can include: Food or water Medication or medical treatment Personal hygiene care Use of
The Best Time for Chapter 7 If you’re drowning in debt, getting constant calls from creditors, or falling behind on your bills, you may be asking yourself when is the best time to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Would it be wise to file right now? Or should you wait? As a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, I’ve worked with hundreds of people in your shoes. And I can tell you this: timing matters. Filing too soon or waiting too long can impact your eligibility, your ability to protect your property, and how much relief you actually get. So let’s break down how to know when it’s the best time to file. What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a
Can You Get SSDI for Endometriosis or PMDD? Living with endometriosis or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can feel overwhelming. And if your symptoms have made it impossible to keep steady work, you may be asking if you can get SSDI for endometriosis or PMDD. These conditions are often dismissed or misunderstood, even though they can cause severe pain, fatigue, depression, and difficulty functioning day to day. And the disability system works in a very rigid way, which means commonly misunderstood illnesses come with special challenges. So the answer is yes, it’s possible. But just like everything else on your health journey, it’s not easy. Why Endometriosis and PMDD Are Hard to Prove for SSDI The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t
The Impact of Medical Malpractice on Your Health Insurance If you’ve been hurt because of medical malpractice, you may have found it impacted your finances. Medical malpractice and health insurance can sometimes impact each other and make things even more complicated. As a Memphis medical malpractice lawyer, I’ve seen how an injury caused by a doctor’s mistake doesn’t just affect your health. We make it our job to help you recover what you need, both physically and financially. And here’s what you need to know about medical malpractice and health insurance. How Medical Malpractice Affects Your Medical Bills After a botched procedure or harmful mistake, you’ll likely need additional treatment to correct the damage. This can include: More doctor visits
Your Rights When a Repossession Agent Comes to Your Home If you’re behind on your car payments, you might worry that a repossession agent could show up at your house. Repossession at home is extremely common, but there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself. As a Memphis bankruptcy lawyer, I’ve worked with many clients who felt powerless in these moments. But with repossession, you still have rights. So let’s talk about what repo agents can and can’t do when they come to your house. Can They Come to Your Home? Repossession agents are allowed to come to your home to recover a vehicle, as long as they don’t break the law or “breach the peace.” This means they
How to Handle Workers’ Compensation Claims for Injuries During Job Training Getting hurt on the job is stressful enough – but what if your injury happens during training? Many workers think they can’t get workers’ comp during job training. They assume it only applies once they’re fully on the job, but that’s not usually true. In our home state of Tennessee, for example, injuries that occur during job training are generally covered. That’s true whether you’re a new hire, an intern, or learning a new position. As a Memphis workers’ compensation lawyer with over 40 years of experience, I’ve helped countless employees navigate these situations to get the medical care and wage replacement they deserve. Here’s what you need to
How Can a Hair Relaxer Cause Cancer? For decades, millions of women – including right here in Memphis – have used chemical hair relaxers to achieve smooth, straight, manageable hair. Now mounting research shows these products may come with serious health risks, including uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. But how do hair relaxers cause cancer? The answer lies in toxic chemicals, hormone disruption, and long-term exposure. Let’s break down the science behind the lawsuits and what you need to know if you’ve used these products. The Science That Sparked the Lawsuits In 2022, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a groundbreaking study that changed everything. The study followed more than 33,000 women over 11 years and found
Can the SSA Change Their Mind About Giving Me Disability? Can disability get cancelled by the Social Security Administration (SSA)? And how can you prevent it? Learn more about how the SSA works and how to protect your SSDI benefits. The Limitations of Your Disability Benefits Getting approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can feel like a huge relief after months, or even years, of waiting. But many people wonder if their disability can get cancelled down the road. The short answer is yes, the SSA can review your case and change their decision – but it doesn’t happen without a process. When the SSA Can Reevaluate Your Case Once you’re approved for SSDI, your case isn’t necessarily