Serving disabled workers in Columbus, GA
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YOUR TRUSTED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER IN Columbus
Columbus, Georgia, residents seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may have difficulty getting them. Initial applications are confusing, and a simple error can result in a denial. Even though most original claims are denied, applicants can appeal at several levels to obtain financial assistance.
The Law Office of Ellene Welsh specializes in appealing denied claims on behalf of clients. With more than a decade of experience working with the Social Security Administration, we understand the complex appeals process. Additionally, we can give you general instructions for submitting your initial disability claim. Call our law office in Columbus, GA, at (706) 984-8963 for a free initial consultation with an experienced Georgia SSDI Attorney.
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It is common for applicants to complete and submit their initial applications on their own. Applicants typically hire an attorney at the appeals stage, after their claim has been denied.
If you are required to appear before an Administrative Law Judge, you can choose to represent yourself. However, there are several reasons why having a professional advocate represent you during this long and critical process is the recommended choice.
According to the Social Security Administration, nearly two-thirds of initial Social Security Disability Insurance claims are denied. In addition, three-quarters of people applying for disability insurance and Supplemental Security Income are turned down. The majority of claims are denied due to incompleteness, errors, or a lack of sufficient evidence.
Unfortunately, many applicants fail to provide adequate information or leave sections incomplete. Claims are usually denied because of insufficient work history or a lack of coherent medical records. In a critical moment in your life, you need a disability lawyer who can present your strongest claim possible.
If your claim is denied, as most are, you will need the assistance of a Columbus SSDI attorney. The attorney may help by completeing the following steps:
STEP 1:
Your lawyer will make sure you have a medical condition that meets the requirements.
STEP 2:
Your attorney will go through your medical files to find proof of your condition.
STEP 3:
Your lawyer will collect important information like your job history and other documents.
STEP 4:
A specialized social security disability lawyer in Columbus will represent you strongly in court.
What a Columbus Social Security Lawyer May Do for Your Case
A skilled lawyer ensures your Social Security claims and appeals are submitted on time. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your case. With legal help, you're less likely to face delays or rejections due to late filing.
The lawyer knows exactly what medical documents are needed to prove your disability. They can guide you on whether your condition meets the Social Security Blue Book requirements. If not, they can help demonstrate that you're still unable to work.
The attorney reviews your entire case file for accuracy and completeness. They will suggest any additional tests you might need and ensure that only relevant information is submitted. This helps your case appear more compelling and easier for judges to understand.
Lawyers are adept at liaising with medical professionals who may be too busy or reluctant to provide the necessary information. They can address the doctors' concerns professionally and secure crucial medical evidence to bolster your claim.
Experienced disability attorneys understand how judges conduct hearings. They can prepare summaries and other legal documents to outline your case effectively. In some instances, they may even secure an approval without the need for a court hearing.
If a vocational expert makes negative claims, your lawyer can cross-examine them effectively. Lawyers have a deep understanding of job classifications and skills, enabling them to counter any adverse testimony.
Your lawyer prepares you for any questions that judges are likely to ask during hearings. This includes inquiries about your honesty, the extent of your impairment, and any inconsistencies in your medical records.
A skilled lawyer can mitigate the damage of unfavorable information, like a doctor’s negative opinion. They can strategize how to present these "bad facts" in a way that minimizes their impact on your case.
The lawyer knows what arguments are likely to succeed in court. Whether your medical condition meets the Social Security standards or you can't work due to multiple impairments, they formulate the strongest case possible for you.
For a free initial consultation, reach out to the Law Office of Ellene Welsh at (706) 984-8963 or fill out our online form. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.
In order to apply, you must provide SSA with information that only you know, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, education, employment history, physicians, medications, and more. The initial application process is straightforward and requires fewer documents.
The SSA is not required to conduct a hearing at this level. Instead, they will simply gather your medical records, send them to one of their medical providers for an opinion, and send you for an independent medical evaluation. After that, they will notify you of their decision.
Although we do not complete the initial application for our clients, we are always available to answer your questions. Depending on your situation, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in three different ways:
If you’re denied, however, that is when you should consider hiring our firm to help you with the Request for Reconsideration, the first appeal level, and the Request for Hearing, the second appeal level. Over the past three decades, we have handled thousands of cases for people denied SSDI. We know the local judges and Georgia law and work hard to get you the benefits you need. So call us today for a free consultation at (706) 984-8963!
Ellene Welsh, Founding Attorney
Attorney Ellene Welsh
Attorney Ellene Welsh boasts 35 years of legal expertise, specializing in workers' compensation and Social Security benefits. A native of Columbus, Georgia, Ellene's local roots enhance her deep connection to the community she serves.
What We Do
Since 1988, Ellene Welsh and her team have helped injured workers in Douglasville and West Georgia. We specialize in workers' compensation, Social Security Disability (SSD), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Our Mission
We aim to reduce your stress if you can't work due to injury or illness. We help you get the benefits you need to pay bills and support your family.
We help you get the benefits you need to pay bills and support your family.
Why Choose Us?
Personal Attention: We listen to your needs and answer your questions in a comfortable office setting.
Local & Easy to Reach: Our local presence means we can meet you face-to-face and actively participate in your case.
How We Help You
Expert Guidance: If you can't work due to injury or illness, you may qualify for benefits.
Appeal Support: Most claims get denied at first. We help you build a strong case for appeal.
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Have You Been Denied?
As a licensed attorney in Columbus since 1988, Ellene Welsh has secured disability payments for many people. You can rest assured that she will remain by your side throughout the entire process. She knows what documentation to present in an appeal, will represent you at hearings, and can answer all your questions about your case.
Contact us today at (706) 984-8963 for a free initial consultation with a Columbus SSDI lawyer. If you qualify for SSDI or SSI but have been denied, we’d like to work with you to pursue those benefits.
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With 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Ellene Welsh specializes in assisting individuals in the Douglasville, Columbus, and West Georgia areas to secure Work Comp, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of the systems and collaborating with admin officials to secure her clients the financial support they deserve.
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