Experienced Disability Lawyer Memphis, TN Trusts

If you’re applying for SSDI, you need a disability lawyer Memphis TN knows and trusts with their applications. The disability process can be difficult to navigate. It covers a wide range of information, and knowing how to fulfill the requirements and go through each step can seem overwhelming. At Darrell Castle & Associates, we help you through the whole disability process, from the application to the appeal. You can rest assured you have an attorney on your side who will fight for you and the benefits you need. By getting the support of a lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights, you can go through the process stress-free and with confidence. 

Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing your claim, you want an attorney with experience, tenacity, and results you can trust. When you are searching for a dependable lawyer who can assist you with your disability claim, there are a few qualities that you should look for. You want to hire a lawyer who has enough targeted experience handling various disability cases and have achieved great results for their clients. You want to find a lawyer who uses an aggressive approach, attacking the weaknesses of the other party’s argument and fiercely protecting their clients’ rights. You want to know your law firm will stand up for you and treat you with honesty and respect. For decades, we’ve offered our clients excellent service and dedicated legal help.

What Is the ADA?

A surprising number of people aren’t fully aware of their rights under the ADA when they contact a disability lawyer Memphis TN has to offer. It is even less common for people to have basic knowledge of the ADA. This is understandable, as the ADA is highly detailed. At Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLP, we provide our clients with dependable legal counsel while also helping them understand how federal laws protect their rights. With such an extensive area of law covered, it is often difficult for clients to really understand what their disability rights are. While you are welcome to speak with a disability lawyer Memphis TN can provide from our firm in person, here’s a quick look at what the ADA entails. Learn about Levels of Disability in a Workers Compensation Case.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA was passed in 1990 in the United States. It is a civil law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This law applies to a variety of public and private services — everything from fair employment practices to public transportation access. This legislation does not provide disabled Americans with special privileges; it merely ensures that those with disabilities have access to the same services as other Americans. It prevents businesses, agencies and organizations from discriminating against people with disabilities in any way. Any citizen can be protected under the ADA if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits a major life function or a major bodily function.

Expect This When Applying for Disability Benefits

Unexpected injuries and illnesses often have unwelcome financial implications. Not only can they produce costly medical bills, but they can also keep you from working for an extended period.  If you find yourself in this situation it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Luckily though, there are options to ease the burden. If you or a loved one is suffering from a medical condition that keeps them from earning an income, it’s a good idea to research their eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance.  

Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI is a monthly benefit paid to Americans with medical conditions that keep them from working. Unlike traditional Social Security benefits which are reserved for Americans over the age of 62, SSDI benefits are available to workers of any age. While there is no age restriction, qualifying medical conditions must be shown to keep an applicant out of the workforce for a year or more. Applicants suffering from short-term conditions will not qualify. If you feel that you or someone you know has a claim, here’s what you need to know. 

Be Prepared To Appeal 

After you’ve gathered the necessary information, you can apply online or by phone. It’s important to remember that the initial application process can be lengthy. It is reasonable to expect a period of several months between receipt of your application and your first payment. It’s important to be patient and resilient here. While it is already a long process in the best instances, many applicants are denied the first time around. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a disability lawyer in Memphis TN as soon as you can. Receiving a rejection is not necessarily because you do not qualify. You are entitled to an appeals process for you to make your case. Firms like Darrell Castle and Associates can aid you along your journey. 

The Appeals Process

Appealing a denial for SSDI benefits is a 4 step process. Your disability lawyer in Memphis TN will be able to guide you through each step. The first step is called Reconsideration. Here, you will be asked to submit one of three forms. The form you are required to submit will depend on why your application was denied. If you receive another denial, you are entitled to a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge or ALJ. Having an ALJ hearing increases your odds of approval. However, if your appeal is denied at this stage, you can then appeal your case to the Social Security Administration Appeals Council. While this is not your final option, it is important to note that appeals at this stage are difficult to win. If the SSAA doesn’t agree to grant you SSDI benefits, you and your attorney can file a petition with the clerk of the United States District Court in your jurisdiction. At this point, your case will be assigned to a judge. They will review your case, and either grant you your benefits or refer you back to the Social Security Administration Appeals Council. 

Living with a medical condition is not your fault. While there is help available, securing the benefits you deserve can be difficult. Having an experienced disability lawyer in Memphis TN from Darrell Castle and Associates can be a huge advantage. 

3 Myths About applying for Disability

If you find yourself unable to work and you are struggling with a lack of income, you may be wondering if social security disability can be of help to you. Applying for disability can be a daunting task, and you may be hesitant to do so.

However, don’t dismiss the possibility of benefitting from Social Security Disability Income. You may qualify for a monthly check and not even realize it. A disability lawyer in Memphis TN from a practice like Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLC can help you figure out whether you qualify for benefits. In the meantime, here are some busted myths about applying for disability.

1. You Must Share Your Entire Medical History

It’s true that the application for Social Security Disability Income benefits is lengthy. You do have to share a considerable amount of your medical history in detail.
However, Social Security is not looking for your entire medical history. They are just asking about the parts that pertain to your disability. Your disability lawyer in Memphis TN can help you determine what parts of your medical history are relevant to the application. He or she can help you write your answers and gather documents as needed so that you are less overwhelmed.

2. The Money In Your Bank Account Matters

The amount of money you have in your bank account may be detering you from applying to receive social security benefits. If you are afraid that you might not qualify for the monthly income because you have too much money in your bank account, you should contact Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLC to talk about your particular circumstances.

Unless you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the amount of money in your bank account does not matter. Of course, you can also rely on a disability lawyer in Memphis TN when applying for SSI. You may be eligible for this type of supplemental assistance if you are permanently disabled since childhood and you have never been able to work.

3. The Initial Benefits Decision Is Final

You might have heard that most people who apply for Social Security Disability Income are turned away by the federal government. Perhaps you think that this makes it a waste of time for you to apply. However, this idea couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sure, many applications are initially denied by the Social Security Administration. However, if you are not awarded a benefit the first time around, you are entitled to an appeals process which may include a hearing. This is where a disability lawyer in Memphis TN can be most helpful. 

Apply for Disability in Memphis

Filing a disability claim can be quite complex. Everyone faces their own unique set of circumstances, so the disability claims process may look different for everyone. When you apply for disability, you may be tempted to submit materials all on your own. Doing so can lead to mistakes. Generally, this leads to a denial of the application. In fact, the vast majority of applications get denied.

The main reasons for unsuccessful SSDI applications include:

• insufficient medical records
• wrong or incomplete personal information
• lack of doctor testimony and other evidence
• no proof you qualify (like work history or other important info)

It only takes a small error for your SSDI application to get denied. Even if your intentions were innocent, there is a strong chance that your application will not be accepted. There’s no reason for some of the above to happen, especially when an attorney can make sure your application has all the information it needs. If you have to file a disability application, make sure you speak to an attorney first so that you have everything you need to fill the application correctly. They can review your information so that it is up to date, accurate, and is not missing requirement documents or other important information. While you may wonder if meeting with a lawyer is truly necessary in your case, it is worth the time. They can save you the hassle of having to redo your application if there was a mistake with it. With a qualified disability lawyer Memphis TN relies on, your application has a much higher chance of success.

Appeal Your Disability Claim

The SSA denies disability claims all the time, so if you get denied you certainly aren’t alone. It is a frustrating experience, but luckily you can get help to appeal your disability claim. Our firm helps appeal your claim so you have a second chance. We make sure your application has all the additional evidence and information you might need to make your appeal a success.

In the appeals process, your attorney should look for every possible hole or missing piece. They will review your entire application to look for any errors, inaccuracies and other issues. You need someone with attention to detail who will go the extra mile for your case. Having a lawyer who specializes in disability law and the application process is beneficial because they are familiar with the system and know what exactly to look for. With a lawyer to help you every step of the way, you can submit an application that is much more likely to be accepted. We can help you make your application as close to one that is similar to yours as possible that has been accepted in the past. We know what judges look for and what may make them swing their decision to accept your application. 

Reasonable Accommodations 

The ADA requires that “reasonable” accommodations are available in the context of employment, education, and access to public services. There is no concise definition of “reasonable accommodations” as they apply to each individual situation; what is considered reasonable in one case might be extremely burdensome in another. For example, if an employer is looking to hire a worker for an office position, the employer may not turn away an applicant who requires a wheelchair. An employer looking to hire for a physically-intensive construction site position on the other hand, may legally turn away a wheelchair-bound applicant. Since reasonable accommodations vary from person to person, this area can be tricky to navigate. A disability lawyer can listen to your account and determine if you have been denied reasonable accommodations for your specific disability. If you believe you’ve been the victim of unlawful discrimination as it applies to reasonable accommodations, don’t hesitate to contact a disability lawyer Memphis TN deserves.

Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals 

It is not uncommon for a disability lawyer in Memphis TN to receive questions about service dogs and emotional support animals. These animals can play a critical role in the lives of individuals with disabilities, and the ADA protects individuals who need these animals.

Service dogs are highly-trained dogs that provide a specific service to individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA, service dogs are allowed to travel with their owners into any public place, such as a restaurant or a hotel, even if that place doesn’t normally allow dogs. Many people with disabilities depend on service dogs to help them get around safely, complete daily tasks, and alert others in case of an emergency. In addition to helping them navigate their environment, service dogs provide emotional support to disabled individuals as well. 

Emotional support animals can be any kind of animal, and these pets typically do not undergo the same rigorous training as service dogs. Individuals with emotional support animals are only allowed to bring their pets on airplanes and in housing facilities that do not otherwise allow pets.

In both cases, an individual with a disability needs to have a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating that he/she has a legitimate need for the animal.

Protecting Your Rights 

People with disabilities deserve to be treated in a way that makes life more fair for them. Just because you are unable to do something that someone with a different body than you can doesn’t mean you should be at a disadvantage to that. You deserve to be compensated to create a fair playing field. Disabilities can be difficult to live with at times, and you deserve to have a seamless process when applying for disability assistance. Hire one of our experienced disability lawyers in Tennessee to walk you through your case. We can answer questions for you and fill out all of the extra necessary paperwork we need to file for an appeal. We can speak to others on your behalf and talk to you about what to say to a judge in an appeal process. There are no questions too big or small that we can answer, so feel free to take your time at a consultation to see if you want to work with us moving forward. 

Do You Have a Disability?

Different types of disabilities can range greatly from one another, which can make compensation differ as well. We can go over your disability in great detail and will need to know how long you have been disabled, if it is a medical disability that you were born with or a disability you acquired from work or someplace else, and how it affects your everyday life. You are welcome to speak with us about confidential matters that you do not want to be shared with anyone else, but by painting a picture about what your life looks like with your disability we can help a judge understand why you are filing for disability and how it will help you. Remember, you deserve to get assistance. You cannot help that you may need more help and it is the government’s responsibility to take care of the more vulnerable population. You may be scared or hesitant to file, but we can talk you through it all and help you to feel more comfortable. 

Client Satisfaction at Our Memphis Disability Firm

Our SSDI lawyers have helped hundreds of people get the disability benefits they desperately need. In the process, we also treat our clients with compassion and respect. We offer free resources about the disability process and what to expect in case of an appeal. We also come to you if your disability renders you unable to travel to our firm.

As a veteran, I have deep empathy for people who’ve experienced disabling injuries. And as a result, our clients know they will get award-winning service at a reasonable rate. My staff works tirelessly on your behalf, and our fees are limited by law. Plus we never get paid anything unless your case succeeds. So you can have great care at a very affordable price.

Contact a Disability Lawyer Memphis TN Knows and Trusts

If you need to apply for SSDI or appeal your claim, contact us to get started. We offer a free consultation and don’t get paid anything unless you win. So you have no reason to wait and nothing to lose – except the opportunity to make your claim as strong as possible.

Contact us at 901-327-1212 to get started. You can speak with a top disability lawyer Memphis TN trusts today. We will go over the details of your case and will be honest with you about the likelihood of getting your disability case approved. We are incredibly experienced in this field and have worked with many different kinds of people so will know how to potentially fight an appeal for you, if necessary. Do not feel discouraged if we do not get you disability compensation on the first try. Many people do not get it their first time applying — you will just have to go through the appeals process, which is much smoother with a skilled lawyer. Contact us today to learn more. 

Benefits of Hiring a Disability Lawyer

If you can’t work and want to file a disability claim, you may wonder if you should hire a disability lawyer in Memphis, TN. Although you’re not required to obtain legal assistance, it’s recommended. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a disability lawyer:

• Help You File a Claim: When you apply for disability benefits, you have to fill out a lot of paperwork. These documents can contain confusing language that you may not understand. If you make an error on the paperwork, your case could get delayed or denied altogether. That is why it is important to have an experienced disability lawyer on your side. He or she can help you fill out this paperwork correctly and in a timely manner.
• Gather Evidence: In order for you to receive the maximum amount of money in disability payments, you have to present the court with sufficient evidence regarding your disability. An experienced disability lawyer can help you do that. He or she can help you gather medical records from your doctors to support your case. Your lawyer may also identify expert witnesses to testify on your behalf in court.
• File an Appeal: Believe it or not, many people’s initial disability claims get denied. However, this does not mean you have to give. You have the option to file an appeal. In this situation, it’s especially important to work with a disability lawyer in Memphis, TN. He or she will identify what went wrong with your initial application and help you correct it. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you will have a better chance of getting your appeal approved.
• Represent You in Court: Before you receive disability benefits, you have to present your case in front of a judge. Standing in a courtroom can be quite intimidating. That’s one of the reasons why it is critical to have a skilled lawyer on your side. He or she will prepare you for the hearing and prevent you from saying something that could jeopardize your case.
• Have Contingency Fees: Some people are hesitant to hire a disability lawyer because they’re afraid the fees may be too high. However, the majority of disability lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means you won’t owe money upfront. When your case settles, a disability lawyer in Memphis, TN will take a percentage of your settlement.

Contact us at 901-327-1212 to get started. You can speak with a top disability lawyer Memphis TN trusts today.

Considerations When Applying For Disability 

Nobody expects the worst to happen, but if you have been in an accident or are suffering from a debilitating medical condition and are no longer able to work, you want to ensure that you can continue to support yourself and your loved ones. Fortunately in the United States, you can apply for benefits through the Social Security Administration to do just this. However, this process is very complex, and even people who meet the requirements might be ruled ineligible without the help of an experienced lawyer. 

For this reason, you may want to consider hiring a disability lawyer in Memphis, TN to assist them through the process. Their specialized knowledge can result in a successful application that might have otherwise been rejected. Call Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC today to set up a free confidential consultation. A lawyer can answer questions like: 

Which Social Security disability benefits do I qualify for? You can qualify for disability benefits under certain conditions. For those under 24 years old, you must have worked 18 of the last 36 months in order to qualify for disability. If you are over 24 years old, you will need to prove that your disability is severe, which can be tricky to do. Hiring a lawyer who can gather the correct evidence to support your case can be invaluable. In addition, spouses and children of a disabled worker. A lawyer will understand if you and your family meet the conditions necessary to qualify. 

How much can I expect to receive? The Social Security Administration uses a number of factors such as your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) to calculate the payment you will receive. As a result, the formula is quite complicated. A lawyer can help you determine what benefits you can expect to receive. 

How long will applying for disability take? For some lucky people, they will only need to apply for disability one time, and it will only take a few hours or days of their time. Others however, will need to appeal their application, perhaps multiple times, which will require a lot more time. Hiring a practiced disability lawyer in Memphis, TN from a firm like Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC can save you time and energy. 

I’m retired. Am I eligible for disability benefits? It depends on your situation. Did a medical or physical disability force you to retire early? If so, you may be able to claim disability, but it can be complicated, and you should discuss your situation with a lawyer, who can determine whether you qualify. 

What information will I need to include in my application? The application process is complex and unfortunately many of those that apply are rejected. Having the right information in your application is an absolute must. A lawyer will know what to include to make your application as compelling as possible. 

My application was rejected. What should I do now? Depending on the circumstances of your application’s rejection, it may make sense to apply again. A lawyer will be able to explain the terms of the rejection and whether you should appeal. 

Discuss your case with a trusted disability lawyer in Memphis, TN from Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC. Call today to set up an appointment. 

If you believe you are the victim of disability discrimination at your place of employment, it would be a good idea to contact Darrell Castle of Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLP— a disability lawyer Memphis TN has trusted for over three decades. Whether you are still determining if you have been discriminated against, or have already filed an administrative charge, a Memphis disability lawyer can guide you through the next steps in the complicated legal process.

Have you exhausted all available avenues within your company?

Darrell Castle of Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLP is a disability lawyer Memphis TN has turned to for over 30 years. He can provide you with the legal counseling you need in order to ensure you have exhausted all available avenues within your company to rectify the situation. If talking to the individual who might be discriminating against you and filing an internal complaint did not resolve the issue, you may need to take additional measures. If your employer refuses to take adequate action to rectify the situation, you might be best served by filing an administrative charge against them. We can help.

Filing an Administrative Charge

If you have never filed an administrative charge, there are several components involved that you will need to be familiar with for a successful outcome. This includes meeting the deadline for filing the administrative charge against your employer. Let a disability lawyer Memphis TN relies upon from Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLP and Associates, PLLP to guide you through this legal maze. Here are some general guidelines about the process.

1. Under Federal law, before you can bring a discrimination lawsuit, you will have to file an administrative charge with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. If you file a lawsuit without first having filed a charge, your lawsuit will be thrown out.
2. The EEOC or agency will notify your employer when it has received your administrative charge. The EEOC may dismiss your charge, choose to investigate, request that you try to settle or mediate the dispute with your employer, or they may act themselves, though that is rare. Otherwise, they will process your claim and issue you a right to sue letter. This is what you need to be able to file a lawsuit.
3. As with filing an administrative charge, there is a deadline for filing a lawsuit after receiving your right to sue letter. An experienced disability lawyer Memphis TN employees rely on can help you with these filings and can assess the strength of your claim. Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLP can also prepare your administrative charge, and even help you negotiate with your employer.

Filing a Lawsuit

You may file a lawsuit after receiving your right to sue letter. The final decision about whether or not to file the suit, in what jurisdiction to file it, determining what deadlines to meet, and what should be included in the filing are important decisions with which an experienced disability lawyer in Memphis TN can assist you with.

Gain a Greater Perspective Through a Free Consultation With a Disability Lawyer

You have a physical or psychological condition expected to last a year or longer that interferes with your ability to work. You look up your medical condition online in the SSA Blue Book, Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, and wonder about qualifying for disability benefits. Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLC, can answer your questions during a free prospective client consultation.

What You Need To Support Your Disability Claim

Your disability onset and application date can affect the strength of your claim, the amount of your SSI and SSDI benefits, and your insured status as related to SSDI. Documentation of your disabling condition by medical personnel and your employer carries substantial weight.

The Social Security Administration will uncover your residual functional capacity. The doctors and specialists you have seen, the effects of medications and treatments, and the results of imaging and labs will be essential paper trails for substantiating your claim. A diagnosis from a consultative examination can provide additional medical support. Not following your doctor’s treatment recommendation can jeopardize your claim.

A combination of your age, education, prior employment, diagnosis, and prognosis can be considerations in your ability to work. A vocational evaluation can corroborate your inability to sustain gainful employment.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim

A disability lawyer in Memphis TN can assess your claim and fill out and submit your initial application with complete documentation. Your lawyer can request an on-the-record decision to expedite your claim. Furthermore, he or she can represent you throughout the levels of a disability appeal, where a new representative assesses your claim with each appeal. As appeals continue, your chances of winning your claim diminish. However, even after your claim has gone through all levels of appeal, your lawyer can represent you in federal court.

When considering a lawyer, ask about the lawyer’s background, caseload, and preferred communication methods. Enquire about the expected timeline for your claim to be processed. You will want to be clear on the payment structure as well. Ask if there is an administrative fee to gather documents from doctors, clinics, hospitals, and employers. Once you select a disability lawyer in Memphis TN, you will sign a contingency payment agreement.

Filing a Social Security disability application along with supporting documents can be daunting. You can easily incur delays if you make an omission or mistake. Even if you initially choose to apply independently, you will want a lawyer representing you if you need to appeal. Disability applicants who have a lawyer advocating for them are more likely to win their claims. Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLC, are knowledgeable about current practices in disability laws and can guide your claim appropriately.

Call our law firm regardless of where you are in the process outlined above. As a disability lawyer Memphis TN has relied on for over 30 years, Darrell Castle of Darrell Castle and Associates, PLLP is well-equipped to assist you, so call 901-327-2100 for a free consultation.

When you’re disabled and unable to work, the last thing you need is a denial of your disability benefits. This can happen if the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that you are not disabled enough to qualify for benefits.

Hiring a disability lawyer in Memphis, TN from Darrell Castle & Associates can help ensure that your application goes through smoothly, or help you if your claim is denied.

A Memphis disability lawyer can help determine whether you are eligible for SSDI or SSI, which will depend on how much you have worked in the past and how much income you have coming in. He or she will also help prepare all of the necessary paperwork and gather medical evidence.

Whether you are applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial, having an experienced disability attorney is crucial to getting the best result.

What is a disability lawyer?

A disability lawyer in Memphis, TN is an attorney who specializes in helping people apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. They can also help you with your SSD appeal if your application was denied.

Disability lawyers are usually paid on a contingency fee basis, which means they get a certain percentage of your past-due benefits if your case is approved. If your case is denied, most lawyers won’t charge you anything.

If you decide to work with a disability lawyer in Memphis, TN from Darrell Castle & Associates, it’s important to make sure that your expectations are realistic. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence and fill out forms, but they aren’t going to be able to get you benefits if you’re not eligible.

Because disability claims are so complex and applications can be overwhelming, it’s important to have an attorney who knows the process inside and out and can guide you through it step by step. An attorney can also make sure your application includes all supporting evidence and meets deadlines. If your initial claim is denied, your disability lawyer in Memphis, TN from Darrell Castle & Associates will advise you of the appeal process.

Why You Need A Disability Lawyer

Once you’ve filed a claim for Social Security Disability benefits, the process can be confusing and frustrating. If your claim is denied or your benefits are terminated, an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

You’ll have an experienced disability lawyer in Memphis, TN on your side. A disability attorney can help determine if you have a valid claim, complete all required applications and paperwork, and present your case in the best possible light. They will also know how to interpret the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rules and regulations in order to maximize your odds of approval for benefits.

You’ll have someone who understands the system. The Social Security disability system is complex, and there are strict rules that must be followed at every step of the process — from submitting an application to filing appeals if your claim is denied. A disability lawyer in Memphis, TN from Darrell Castle & Associates will know what needs to be done when and make sure it gets done right the first time. Call us today. We’re here to help! 

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