| The workers' compensation system is intended to help | | | | the performance of work related tasks. This is a fact |
| injured employees address the financial effects of a | | | | that is often confused by workers who are unfamiliar |
| workplace injury. As such, it is designed to serve as a | | | | with the structures in place to protect them if they |
| temporary measure that fulfills a very specific set of | | | | become seriously hurt and one that is essential to |
| needs for an injured worker and his or her family. But | | | | ensuring that the appropriate steps are taken in the |
| in instances where one suffers from an illness or | | | | time allotted by the law. Some important statistics |
| physical ailment that leaves them unable to work for a | | | | about the disability process to bear in mind are: |
| significant length of time, it is instead the Social Security | | | | - Approximately 30 % of claims are initially approved |
| Disability Insurance system that supplies the necessary | | | | - 15 % more are approved upon application for |
| relief. The two primary forms of disability are | | | | reconsideration |
| Temporary Partial Disability and Permanent Total | | | | - Nearly 60 % of claims that reach the hearing phase |
| Disability. | | | | after appeals are approved |
| Since the determinations regarding benefits are made | | | | - It can be more than 18 months from your initial filing |
| by a government agency, the bureaucratic hoops | | | | until a final determination is made |
| through which a disabled person must jump are | | | | The length of anticipated disability, as well as the rated |
| considerable. The filing process is lengthy, and the vast | | | | degree of disability ascertained through a formal |
| majority of claims are denied upon receipt and review | | | | medical evaluation with an approved physician, |
| of the initial application for benefits. Commonly, these | | | | determines how long you can receive benefits and at |
| rejections are due to minor procedural and clerical | | | | what level you will be compensated for them. |
| errors of the submitted claim. But although they can be | | | | Temporary benefits are available when there is an |
| easily corrected once the problems are drawn to your | | | | expectation that you will be unable to work for a year |
| attention, it still may delay the final approval and | | | | or more, and permanent benefits are available when |
| distribution of benefits for months, forcing your family | | | | there is no likely recovery. |
| to dig deep into savings if you have them. | | | | For Help with Your Filing |
| The Quirks of the Filing Process | | | | To prevent costly filing errors and to present the |
| One key distinction between the workers' | | | | strongest case possible, it is advisable to work with a |
| compensation system and the SSDI benefits scheme | | | | skilled and experienced attorney. Contact the Raleigh |
| as that eligibility for SSDI benefits does not require that | | | | disability lawyers of Scudder & Hedrick, P.L.L.C., to |
| your injury have been sustained in the workplace or in | | | | take the next step. |