Frequently Asked Questions

Social Security Disability FAQs

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term disability. To qualify, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years.

SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly and have limited income and resources. It’s available regardless of your work history.

You may qualify if you have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, or a condition that is expected to result in death. You must also meet the work history requirements for SSDI or the financial eligibility requirements for SSI.

You can apply online via the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, over the phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Our firm can assist you in gathering necessary medical documentation to support your claim.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The process typically involves reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, and possibly further appeals. Our firm can help you navigate the appeals process and increase your chances of success.

The approval process can take several months. The initial application process may take 6 to 8 months, and if your claim is denied and you need to appeal, it can take longer, sometimes over a year or more.

Social Security has certain work incentives that allow you to work while still receiving benefits. However, your ability to earn money while on SSDI is limited, and exceeding those limits can affect your benefits.

While it is not required to have a lawyer, it’s highly recommended. A skilled attorney can help with gathering the necessary evidence, filing appeals, and representing you in hearings, which can greatly improve your chances of a successful claim.

Southern California Disability Law Group works for you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless you win your case.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) strictly regulates representative fees. When you win your case, SSA pays your attorney directly from your backpay, which is the retroactive benefits you are awarded. If your claim is favorably decided at or below the initial hearing level, your attorney fee is 25% of your backpay or $9,200, whichever is less.

Personal Injury FAQs

Southern California Disability Law Group handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, trip and falls, product liability, wrongful death, and more. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, we can help.

If you were injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, such as in a car accident or slip and fall, you may have a case. It’s important to consult with an attorney to evaluate your situation.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages.

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. However, certain circumstances may affect this deadline, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

While it’s not required, having an experienced personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation. Southern California Disability Law Group can handle all the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court, if necessary.

Our attorneys work for you on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. The fee for our services is a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

The length of time to settle a personal injury case depends on many factors, such as the severity of the injury, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases settle in months, while others take years.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Document everything related to the accident, including photographs, police reports, and witness statements. Then, contact Southern California Disability Law Group to discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate attorney.

The process typically involves gathering evidence, including medical records and accident reports, filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance, negotiating a settlement, and possibly filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Southern California Disability Law Group can guide you through each step.