How Can a Baton Rouge Disability Lawyer Help You?

It's crucial to proceed with caution when applying for Social Security disability benefits!

A single mistake in a doctor's report or a missing form can mean the difference between receiving benefits or facing delays that could last months, even years.

You'll be dealing with a complex government benefits system full of its own obstacles to navigate.

Need Help With Your Social Security Claim? Get Help from a Disability Lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge disability lawyer, Loyd J Bourgeois

Having a lawyer gives you a big advantage.

Having a lawyer knowledgeable in disability claims is invaluable.

Our Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer is your partner to guide you through this process.

You were eager to return to work as soon as possible after your illness or injury.

But as the weeks passed, that hope began to fade, and now your doctor has informed you that you may never be able to do your old job again.

You might struggle to walk, sleep through the night, or get through the day without intense pain!

And then your Social Security disability application is DENIED.

You paid for your Social Security benefits with every paycheck, and now can’t get them when you need them!

You’re frustrated by the system and scared of the future, and you don’t know where to turn.

Above all, you can’t believe you’re expected to deal with a mountain of paperwork while you’re struggling just to make it through the day.

What Defines a Condition as a Disability According to the SSA?

To qualify as a disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, a medical condition must meet certain criteria:

  1. Inability to Work: Your condition must prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means you cannot maintain a job or work enough to support yourself financially.

  2. Previous and Adjusted Work Limitation: You should be unable to do the work you previously were involved in and also unable to adapt to any other kind of work due to your medical impairment.

  3. Duration of Condition: The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least a year, or it must be a condition that is likely to result in death.

By fulfilling all of these criteria, your condition could be recognized as a disability by the SSA.

Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits?

This is one of the questions we get from people the most often. They just want to know if they qualify for SSDI benefits.

After helping hundreds of people in East Baton Rouge Parish and across the country obtain disability benefits, we can get a good idea if you qualify by simply asking you a few simple questions.

Take our quick SSDI quiz, and we can tell you if we think you will qualify!

Do I Qualify for SSDI?

Questions the SSA Considers for SSDI Eligibility

When assessing eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) examines five critical questions:

  1. Are You Currently Working?

    • The SSA sets a maximum limit on average monthly earnings to qualify for benefits. This limit is $1,350 for most applicants, and $2,260 for those who are blind. If your earnings exceed these amounts, you may not be eligible.

  2. Is Your Condition a Disability?

    • To qualify, your condition must prevent you from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Additionally, your disability must:
      • Hinder you from performing your previous work.
      • Prevent adjustment to other types of work.
      • Persist for at least one year or be expected to result in death.

  3. Is Your Condition Listed or Equally Severe?

    • The SSA has a catalog of impairments it considers disabling. If your condition isn't on the list, you must demonstrate that it is as severe as a listed impairment.

  4. Can You Continue Your Previous Work?

    • If you can still perform the tasks of the job you held before your disability, you might not qualify for SSDI.

  5. Can You Adjust to Other Work?

    • The SSA evaluates whether you can adapt to other employment, taking into account your age, education, work experience, and skills. If the answer is yes, you're less likely to receive benefits.

These questions collectively help the SSA determine your eligibility for SSDI, ensuring that benefits go to those truly in need.

How We Can Help Your Social Security Disability Claim?

I’m Loyd Bourgeois, a disability attorney in Louisiana.

Every day, our team hears from good, hard-working people—just like you—who are struggling to get by because they can no longer work. Social Security has denied or delayed their claims. Many have been unfairly denied the benefits and compensation they deserve, and some are at risk of losing their homes because they can no longer afford the mortgage or rent.

Our Services Include:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications
  • SSDI denials and appeals
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) denials and appeals

Call our LJBLegal team today, so we can start investigating your claim and strategize how to best argue for your disability benefits!

The Process for Filing a Claim

1. Get Your Free Consultation

Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not!

2. Case Evaluation and Attorney Reach Out

Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of arguing your case!

3. Building Your Case

Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve.

You don't have to worry about driving or getting a ride to our office or finding a place to park. We know how difficult that can be. We are equipped to handle your claim over the phone and online. Our goal is to take the burden off of your shoulders and make this as painless a process as possible.

Our team understands the immense financial strain that disability places on injured workers. You’ll encounter unique and difficult challenges along the way.

As a Baton Rouge disability lawyer with experience fighting for the rights and benefits of the disabled, I can guide you through this tough time, ensuring the necessary steps are taken to secure relief as quickly as possible.

Our Louisiana disability team has successfully helped workers like you obtain Social Security disability benefits and back pay.

What Happens After You Reach Out About Your SSDI Case?

Once you contact an attorney regarding your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) case, several critical steps will follow to ensure the best possible outcome.

Initial Evaluation

The first step involves a thorough evaluation of your situation. Your representative's team will review all relevant details, including your functional limitations, medical treatment, and employment history. This process ensures that your case meets the necessary criteria for SSDI.

Evidence Gathering

After the initial evaluation, the legal team will begin collecting essential evidence. This includes:

  • Medical documentation
  • Employment history
  • Detailed information about your ability to perform daily activities

Building Your Case

With all necessary evidence in hand, the representative will construct a strong case on your behalf. This involves:

  1. Organizing Evidence: All documents and records are meticulously organized.
  2. Crafting Arguments: Well-founded arguments that align with SSI guidelines are developed.
  3. Preparing for Hearings: If a hearing is required, preparation begins immediately to ensure you are well-represented.

Pursuing Compensation

The final step is to actively pursue the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will:

  • Submit your application or appeal with all supporting documents to the Social Security Administration.
  • Follow up rigorously on the status.
  • Represent you in any necessary hearings or appeals to safeguard your interests.

By following these steps, your legal team works diligently to secure the SSDI benefits you are entitled to.