If you receive an unfavorable decision after your disability hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ), you may be able to appeal your claim to the Appeals Council. You must generally appeal 60 days from the date you receive the ALJ’s decision. The SSA will assume that you received the decision in five days from the date of the decision. The Appeals Council may approve or deny your appeal request.

An Appleton-based Social Security Disability lawyer at our firm is ready to help you appeal a denial notice. We understand how challenging the claims and appeals process can be. Find out about your rights during a risk-free, zero-obligation consultation. There are zero upfront fees for our services.

Below, we discuss factors the Appeals Council considers, the advantages and disadvantages of filing an appeal, and how an experienced lawyer may be able to help with your appeal.

Call (877) 888-5201 for trusted legal help.

What is the Role of the Appeals Council?

Once your appeal is received, the Appeals Council’s role is to evaluate the ALJ’s decision and decide if the decision was adequately supported. The Appeals Council will determine if the ALJ abused his or her discretion. Were any clerical errors made? Was all relevant medical evidence properly considered?

For instance, if the ALJ denied your claim but did not take into consideration medical records from your treating doctor before deciding, the Appeals Council may grant your appeal.

Should the Appeals Council disagree with the ALJ’s decision on your application:

• The case may be resent to the ALJ to reconsider; or
• The council may make a different decision on the case

However, the Appeals Council often agrees with the ALJ’s decision. The Appeals Council is unlikely to overturn a decision if it can be validated based on the evidence provided. If your appeal is denied, a new disability claim must be filed, or you can file a civil suit in federal court.

Before Appealing to the Appeals Council

There are advantages and disadvantages to appealing to the Appeals Council. By requesting an additional review, you can continue pursuing disability under your current claim. New medical evidence may also be considered if it was submitted on or before the date of your hearing decision.

Examples of medical evidence include the latest records from a doctor that show further physical or mental limitations that limit your ability to work or work in the same capacity as before. If new medical evidence shows a critical or disabling condition, the Appeals Council may expedite a review.

Appealing means a longer wait time for a decision. However, if a new claim must be filed, you are likely to experience more delays. Your onset date (date you say your disability began) and back pay may also be affected.

A licensed attorney with experience in appealing disability claims can help represent your best interests to the Appeals Council. He or she can prepare a strong case on your behalf, which may help improve your chances of the Appeals Council reaching a favorable decision.

Requesting an Appeals Council Review

An Appeals Council review can be requested in one of three ways:

• Submitting an appeal online – You must submit your decision notice and supporting documentation. If you have legal representation, you must submit your lawyer’s contact details.
• Downloading and mailing the form – The form must be sent to the Appeals Council headquarters.
• Contacting a Social Security field office – The one in Appleton at 607 W. Northland Ave.

What If I Get a Partially Favorable Decision?

Disability benefits are awarded in partially favorable decisions, but the ALJ will set the onset date later than the date listed on your claim. You will receive fewer back payments from Social Security.

This decision can be appealed. However, it is risky. The Appeals Council may agree with the ALJ or even determine that you are not disabled and no longer eligible for benefits. Other decisions may include:

• Making no changes to the set onset date
• Changing the onset date to the one you listed
• Giving you a later onset date, further reducing your back pay

Denied Disability Benefits? Reach Out to Our Firm

At Sigman Janssen, we have decades of experience representing claimants at the appeals level. We are prepared to guide you through the entire process all while advocating for your rights.

Our initial consultations are free of charge. You are not obligated to hire our firm after this meeting. If you do have a viable claim, we charge zero upfront fees. Our firm only gets paid if you get benefits.

No fees unless we win. Ph: (877) 888-5201.

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) grants you disability benefits, you may at some point qualify for Medicare or Medicaid health care coverage. Individuals receiving disability benefits are either unable to work or are not working enough hours to be eligible for health insurance from their employer.

Qualifying for Medicare or Medicaid will depend on whether you are approved for Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have questions about receiving or retaining your disability benefits, a Social Security Disability attorney in Green Bay is here to assist you. An initial consultation is completely free and confidential.

Call our legal team today at (877) 888-5201.

Medicare Eligibility Requirements

Medicare is a health insurance program for individuals aged 65 years or older, certain disabled individuals under age 65 and individuals diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or kidney failure.

Different parts of Medicare cover specific services. Part A is hospital insurance. This helps cover hospitalization, nursing home facility care, hospice care and some home health care services. Most individuals generally do not have to pay for hospital insurance.

Part B is medical insurance, which helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, medical equipment and preventative services. Most individuals must pay premiums on a monthly basis for medical insurance.

How Does One Qualify?

Individuals receiving SSDI benefits may qualify for Medicare after a 24-month or two-year waiting period. The months are counted from the date you became eligible for disability benefits, even if you did not receive payments until months later because your claim was not yet approved.

During this waiting period, you may be eligible for health insurance through your former employer. You will need to contact him or her for more information about health insurance coverage.

Individuals receiving SSI benefits may also qualify for Medicare, but not until they reach age 65. For those with limited income and assets, Medicare can help cover the cost of prescription drugs.

What If I Start Working?

Individuals who qualify for Medicare may be able to receive up to 93 months of hospital and medical insurance once the trial work period ends, as long as they have a disabling condition.

Your Medicare health care coverage would continue if you work and engage in substantial gainful activity. Additionally, you would not have to pay a premium for hospital insurance.

After 93 months have passed, you would have the option to purchase Medicare hospital and medical insurance if you are still disabled.

Medicaid Eligibility Requirements

Medicaid is a public insurance program that is funded by the state and federal government. Health care coverage is provided to low-income families and individuals, including seniors, parents, children as well as blind and/or disabled individuals.

If the state provides Medicaid to individuals receiving SSI, they will continue to be eligible for Medicaid. This coverage can continue even if a recipient earns too much to receive an SSI cash payment.

How Does One Qualify?

To qualify for Medicaid, a disability recipient must:

• Be eligible for an SSI cash payment for no less than one month
• Still be disabled
• Meet all other eligibility standards, including a resources test
• Require Medicaid to be able to work
• Have gross earned income that cannot replace SSI, Medicaid or any publicly-funded care

When Enrollment is Automatic

Most states, including Wisconsin, let the SSA handle Medicaid enrollment in which Medicaid eligibility is automatic for SSI recipients. The SSI application is also the Medicaid application. Medicaid eligibility also starts the same months as SSI eligibility. There is no waiting period for Medicaid.

Some states, however, make their own Medicaid decisions based on SSI standards. Medicaid is not automatic when you are approved for SSI benefits and you must file a separate application with the state Medicaid agency to become enrolled in the health care program.

Other states use their own criteria to determine if a disability recipient qualifies for Medicaid.

Learn More in a Free Consultation

If you have been approved for disability benefits but denied Medicare or Medicaid, you may want to consider contacting a lawyer with extensive experience handling these kinds of claims. Our attorneys at Sigman Janssen are prepared to help you navigate the entire process from start to finish.

Learn more about your eligibility during a risk-free, zero-obligation consultation. We charge no upfront fees to retain our services. We only receive payment if we successfully help you obtain benefits.

Proven Results. Millions Recovered. (877) 888-5201

Damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments is quite common in car crashes. Victims may also suffer other soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and bruising to the back, head and neck. These types of injuries can take many forms and cause a great deal of pain, discomfort and limited mobility.

However, soft-tissue injuries are not always immediately apparent. It can be harder to validate such injuries on imaging scans or get an objective medical opinion about a victim’s level of pain. That is why insurance companies often take soft-tissue injuries less seriously and dispute these claims.

At Sigman Janssen, we know how debilitating these injuries can be. We are ready to pursue maximum compensation for car crash victims who have suffered soft-tissue injuries due to another’s negligence. Our firm has successfully recovered millions on behalf of our clients. Below, we further discuss the challenges car crash victims may face in claiming compensation for a soft-tissue injury.

Call (877) 888-5201 for a Free Case Review.

How Insurance Companies View Soft-Tissue Injuries

Insurance companies are not interested in helping victims get the compensation they need after a car crash. They will do whatever it takes to prevent or limit a payout in order to save themselves money – that is their bottom line. Even valid claims get denied sometimes without any good reason.

That is why it is often difficult for car crash victims to recover fair compensation for a claim, especially those involving soft-tissue injuries. Insurance companies already consider soft-tissue injuries to be less serious than other injuries caused by car crashes. It also does not help that insurers know judges and jury members are also often skeptical about awarding damages for these injuries.

Soft-tissue injuries can be hard to document because they usually do not show up with diagnostic tools, such as an X-ray or MRI. Car crash victims must be their own health advocates and explain to their doctors how serious and debilitating their injuries are, as well as how they are responding to treatment.

Most insurance companies generally have a firm range of compensation they are willing to offer to settle a soft-tissue injury claim. If the offer is rejected, the insurance company may refuse another settlement. They may decide to take the case to court before a judge or jury instead.

The best way for car crash victims to recover the compensation they need for a soft-tissue injury is to receive medical care, thoroughly document all symptoms and follow the recommended treatment. Car crash victims who also retain legal representation can increase their chances of recovering more compensation.

Linking a Soft-Tissue Injury to a Car Crash

Soft-tissue injuries can be difficult to link to a car crash. Soft-tissue injury symptoms may be delayed. It could take hours or days to feel pain. Since some car crash victims may not initially seek medical care, there may not be an immediate connection documented between the injury and the car crash.

This is why it is important to have an experienced Appleton car accident attorney by your side who is ready to protect your rights and have your best interests in mind. He or she can build a strong case for you.

Some evidence that may help prove your injuries and how they have impacted you include:

• Accident scene photos – Showing how the car crash occurred may help demonstrate how you could have suffered a soft-tissue injury.
• Pictures of your injuries – Soft-tissue injuries may have physical symptoms, such as visible bruising, swelling, or a lump or knot at the site of the injury.
• Imaging test results – Some imaging tests may show the presence of a soft-tissue injury.
• Medical records – Showing that you sought treatment and received follow-up care may help demonstrate the severity of your injury.
• Pain journal – Your lawyer may recommend keeping a daily pain journal to document the pain you have experienced since the car crash and how you are progressing through treatment.

Actions to Help Support Your Claim

A lawyer can manage the legal process on your behalf, but there are certain actions you can take to help support your claim. For instance, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible to document your soft-tissue injury. Having medical documentation will make it harder for an insurer to dispute your claim.

If you do not follow your doctor’s orders or stop treatment, this could hurt your chances of obtaining compensation. If you delay treatment after a car crash, the insurance company may question you about it and assume your injuries are not serious. You do not want to give them a reason to devalue or deny your claim.

Be sure to also not exaggerate your injuries when speaking with your doctor, the insurance company or your lawyer. Credibility is everything when it comes to securing a favorable settlement or verdict.

Call Sigman Janssen for Trusted Legal Help

If you have suffered a soft-tissue injury after a car crash, call our lawyers today. We have helped many car crash victims and their families pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and more.

The initial consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation to hire our firm. We charge zero upfront fees for our services. You only pay us if we help you obtain compensation for your car crash.

Millions Recovered. Proven Results. (877) 888-5201

All drivers in Wisconsin must have car insurance to protect them in the event they are injured or cause another harm in a crash. But how much coverage is enough?

Below, we discuss the state’s mandatory requirements and optional coverage that may help you avoid out-of-pocket costs after being injured in a crash. Contact us today to learn about your next steps after a crash and your eligibility for compensation. This initial consultation is 100 percent free.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Wisconsin drivers are required to have a car insurance policy that carries bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.

If you are involved in a crash, bodily injury liability coverage can help pay for injuries you cause another driver and his or her passengers or a pedestrian or bicyclist.  The state’s minimum requirement is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

This coverage may also pay another person’s medical expenses if the crash was caused by you or a family member residing with you or someone with permission to operate your vehicle. This coverage, however, does not pay for any bodily injury you may sustain or damage to your vehicle.

Property damage liability coverage can help pay for the damage and cost of repairs if you cause damage to another car or property in a crash.

The minimum limit for property damage liability coverage in Wisconsin is $10,000. Your insurance will pay for damages caused if you were driving your vehicle, or it was being driven by someone else with your permission. However, your insurance will not cover any damage to your car. (You will need to carry collision insurance to help cover your vehicle in a crash.)

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help protect you, your passengers or anyone included under your policy if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver. It will also cover you or a loved one if you are injured as a pedestrian by one of these drivers. You never know when you might get into a crash with a driver who does not have insurance.

The state’s minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Policyholders cannot purchase limits higher than their bodily injury liability coverage. This coverage also does not cover property damage to your vehicle.

Why You Should Carry More Than the Minimum

Many drivers choose to carry more than the minimum coverage, as it is often not sufficient in a crash. Expenses can quickly add up, especially in a crash that results in serious injuries and significant damages.

Although Wisconsin is a fault state, and the at-fault driver is responsible for covering your damages, his or her coverage could run out. If you have additional coverage, it could help you avoid significant out-of-pocket costs.

If the policyholder is deemed at fault and the expenses exceed the limits of his or her policy, he or she may be personally liable to pay out of pocket for the difference. However, he or she may not have the assets to cover your damages.

While having more coverage may cost you more in premiums, it is like to help save you time and money in the long run.

Other Insurance Coverage to Consider Buying

Under state law, car insurance companies are legally obligated to offer you other forms of coverage. The following coverages are optional and could help provide added protection in a crash:

• Collision coverage –This coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault. If you collide with another vehicle, hit an object or flip your vehicle, your insurer will cover vehicle repairs or replacement up to the value of your vehicle before the crash.
• Comprehensive coverage – This coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle by something other than a crash. Examples include damage caused by fire, vandalism, theft, falling objects, etc. If you hit a deer or another animal, the cost to repair your vehicle will be covered.
• Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage – UIM coverage helps pay for your medical bills and other damages if you are injured in a crash caused by a driver with insufficient insurance. While not mandatory, the minimum coverage limits are $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident.
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage – MedPay coverage helps pay for medical care and other related expenses you and your passengers sustain in a crash. This includes emergency services, hospitalization and surgeries. This coverage also pays for funeral expenses for anyone killed in a crash while driving or riding in your vehicle. You can buy coverage for $1,000 per accident. You can purchase higher limits, which is recommended.

Penalties for Having an Uninsured Vehicle

The penalties for driving without insurance in Wisconsin include fines and suspension of driving privileges. The state may impose a fine of $500 for failure to maintain the required auto insurance.

An SR-22 form must be filed by the car insurance company on behalf of the driver to have a driver’s license reinstated after suspension. This can be costly and time-consuming. An SR-22 must be retained for at least three years. Offering fraudulent proof of insurance may impose a fine of up to $5,000.

Call Us for Trusted Legal Help After a Crash

If you or a loved one have been involved in a crash, Sigman Janssen is here to help. An experienced Oshkosh-based car crash lawyer from our firm is prepared to pursue the maximum compensation possible under state law. To date, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients, including victims of car crashes.

A consultation is completely free and confidential. There is no risk in calling us and no obligation to retain our services. We only get paid if we help you recover compensation through a settlement or verdict.

Licensed. Local. Lawyers. (877) 888-5201

Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition to live with. Many people who suffer from this condition are unable to perform their jobs and function on a day-to-day basis due to the pain and limited mobility that arthritis can cause. If your arthritis is severe enough that it prevents you from being able to work, you may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Below, we discuss the criteria used to determine whether an individual is considered disabled and eligible for monthly SSDI payments. A Social Security Disability attorney in Green Bay is ready to offer assistance filing a disability claim or proceeding with an appeal if you were denied benefits.

An initial consultation is 100 percent free and confidential. There is no risk in reaching out to our firm and no obligation to have us represent you. We do not get paid unless we help you obtain benefits.

Free Case Review 24/7. Ph: (877) 888-5201

Social Security Disability for Arthritis

To qualify for SSDI benefits for arthritis, you must meet the basic disability requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA). An arthritis diagnosis does not automatically qualify for disability.

You must have a condition that prevents you from doing any work and is expected to last for at least a year from the time of onset. Medical documentation is required to support that you meet a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book. You will also need to meet certain financial requirements to be eligible for benefits.

Determining If You Can Work

The SSA will look at if you are currently working. If the level of work done is substantial (meaning you earn more than the allowable monthly amount for that year), you will not qualify for SSDI benefits.

SSDI also requires having enough work credits. These credits are earned from working and paying Social Security taxes. If you have worked five out of the last ten years, you may have enough work credits. Based on your age, there are a number of work credits needed to qualify for SSDI benefits.

Residual Functional Capacity

The SSA will use what is known as a residual functional capacity form to assess whether your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from carrying out the daily activities required for work. For instance, they will review your ability to sit or stand for a long period of time, kneel or walk, and lift or grasp items.

Based on the activities you can and cannot do as a result of your arthritis, you may be deemed capable of performing sedentary, light, medium or heavy work. This assessment along with your medical records could help show that you qualify for SSDI benefits.

Meeting the Medical Criteria

The medical criteria for arthritis in the SSA Blue Book is under Section 14.09 Inflammatory Arthritis:

• Persistent inflammation or deformity of one or more major peripheral joints (i.e. hip, knee or ankle) that prevents you from moving effectively or one or more peripheral joints in each upper extremity that prevents you from effectively performing fine and gross movements; or
• Inflammation or deformity in one or more major joints involving two or more body systems or organs with a moderate level of severity and at least two constitutional symptoms or signs (i.e. fatigue or fever); or
• Ankylosing spondylitis (An inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and major joints); or
• Repeated instances of inflammatory arthritis with at least two constitutional symptoms or signs and limitations of daily activities, maintaining social functioning or completing tasks on time.

Section 14.09 can be used to evaluate many different forms of arthritis, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis as well as spinal arthritis.

Examining Past Work

If observable symptoms of your arthritis are not enough to medically qualify you for SSDI benefits, the SSA will look at whether you are reasonably expected to perform any work you have done in the past.

If being diagnosed with arthritis has caused a significant change in your ability to do the work you previously performed, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

Ability to Do Other Work

If the SSA thinks that you can be trained to do some other type of work, you will likely be denied SSDI. Your age, education level, previous work experience and physical and mental health will be considered.

Medical Evidence to Support Your Claim

The medical evidence provided is vital to the outcome of your disability claim. Each document is an opportunity to help show the SSA the extent of your arthritis and how it affects your life.

Examples of supportive medical evidence include:

An attorney at our firm is ready to help you gather and submit this medical evidence in a timely manner.

Get Help Qualifying for Disability Benefits

Sigman Janssen is here to guide you through the claims process and protect your interests. If your initial claim is denied, we are also here to handle your appeal. Our firm has helped advocate on behalf of many claimants over the years, fighting for the disability benefits they need.

The consultation we offer is free without any risk or obligation involved. There are no upfront fees and we only receive payment for our services if we help you obtain SSDI benefits.

Need legal help? Call (877) 888-5201

Many car insurance companies offer discount programs for safe driving. Examples include GEICO’s DriveEasy, Allstate’s Drivewise and Progressive’s Snapshot program. But did you know that by joining a good driver discount program, your insurer is able to track your driving habits?

Sigman Janssen discusses the kinds of data being collected and how that data is often used. We also discuss how that data could potentially hurt your claim in the event of an accident. Our attorneys have extensive experience communicating and negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients.

Find out more about your legal options during a free initial consultation. This meeting is completely confidential and comes with no obligation to move forward. If your claim has merit and you do decide to have our firm represent you, we charge zero upfront fees to take a case and zero fees to work on a case.

Free Case Review 24/7. Ph: (877) 888-5201

How Your Data May Be Tracked

When an insurance company enrolls a policyholder into their good driving discount program, they may be able to track and collect your driving habits in several ways:

• Smartphone app connected to your car via Bluetooth
• Plug-in device that is connected to your car’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) port
• Tracking device that is pre-installed in newer model cars

These apps and tracking devices are essentially plugged into the car’s computer system to be able to capture, collect and transmit any information stored.

Data Being Collected By Insurers

It is important to note that every insurance company does not collect the same kind of data. This will depend on the insurance carrier you are enrolled with and how they are collecting this data.

GEICO, Allstate and Progressive are some well-known providers that each use different tracking methods, different data points and reward drivers differently.

If you are enrolled in a good driver discount program, be sure to go over the fine print and be informed about the data your insurer is tracking while you are driving. Kinds of data being collected may include:

The information your insurer is able to track can inform them a considerable amount about your driving habits. It may reveal if you are usually a safe driver or one who engages in risky driving behaviors.

Your driving data will also be considered by your insurer during the renewal process to determine whether you still qualify for the discount. Sometimes, their findings may raise your rates.

Ways This Data Could Hurt Your Claim

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may need to file a claim against your own insurance coverage. Your insurer may look at the data collected from the time of the accident to determine what happened. This data may work against you cause your insurance carrier to pay out less on a claim than it is actually worth. This type of scenario might also play out if your damages exceed the value of the at-fault driver’s insurance.

However, even if you need to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance, he or she may have the same insurance company as you. It is possible the other party’s insurance adjuster could gain access to data collected about your driving to attempt to use it against you.

If you claim to be a safe driver but your driving data reveals that you typically travel 10 miles or more above the posted speed limit, this information could be used to make you seem dishonest.

Insurance companies, even those that offer discount programs for safe driving, are businesses that will place profits over people first. An insurer will use any tactic possible to mislead you after a car accident.

Decades Advocating for Car Accident Victims

If you have been in a car accident, our Green Bay automotive collision lawyers at Sigman Janssen are here to help in any way we can. We have obtained millions on behalf of Wisconsin residents. If you have a valid claim, you may be able to pursue significant compensation to help with medical bills, lost income and more.

There is no cost to meet with one of our lawyers. The initial consultation is 100 percent free and completely confidential. There is no risk or legal obligation involved. We only get paid if you do.

Need Legal Help? Call (877) 888-5201

This is a hard question to answer as multiple factors will need to be considered. Insurance companies routinely make settlement offers very early on in the process because they know car crash victims are in need of compensation and unaware of how much their claim may be worth.

It is important to mention that some verbal agreements may be binding while others may not be. If you agreed to an offer over the phone but have not yet signed anything, negotiations may not necessarily end. You may want to have an experienced attorney advocating for your rights in these situations.

At Sigman Janssen, we have helped many car crash victims pursue the maximum compensation possible for their damages. An initial consultation costs nothing and there is no obligation to retain our services.

We are ready to offer assistance. (877) 888-5201

Are Verbal Settlement Agreements Enforceable?

Maybe, based on the particulars of that agreement. A verbal settlement may be enforced if there was an offer, an acceptance of that offer and consideration, meaning each party exchanged something of value.

Verbal settlement agreements are often made over the phone. Insurance companies will generally call car crash victims and make settlement offers to settle claims as quickly as possible. If a car crash victim accepts a settlement offer in person, he or she is more likely to sign the offer soon afterward.

You may think that it may be challenging for an insurance company to prove whether or not you verbally agreed to a settlement over the phone. However, if you agreed to have the insurance company record your phone conversation and you accepted a settlement offer, it may be harder to rescind the offer and negotiate for more compensation. Even if the conversation was not recorded and you agreed to a settlement, the insurance company will likely have the conversation written down.

You have every right to discuss any settlement offer you receive with an attorney before agreeing to it. Unlike the insurance company, which is focused on paying out the least amount in claims, an attorney will be focused on representing your best interests.

If you have already verbally agreed to a settlement offer, an attorney may also be able to help you formally rescind the offer to negotiate for full compensation.

How Do I Respond to a Settlement Offer?

You are not obligated to give an answer right away. You can inform the insurance company that you need some time to think about the settlement offer or that you will be consulting an attorney about it.

You may be feeling some guilt or pressure for making the insurance company wait for your decision. However, insurance companies will do whatever it takes to convince car crash victims that the initial settlement offer is the only offer they will get.

Insurance companies may even attempt to discourage you from seeking legal representation, arguing that half of your settlement will go to legal fees. This is not the case. The reality is that car crash victims who hire attorneys are more likely to obtain more compensation than victims who do not.

What Happens After Signing a Settlement Offer?

Once a settlement offer has been signed, it is very difficult to get out of it. Settlement offers also typically contain clauses that release insurance companies from any future liability for the accident.

Unless you are able to prove that the insurance company committed fraud or coerced you into signing, it is not likely that you will be able to pursue more compensation.

It is important that you do not sign anything until you discuss the offer with an attorney. You want to make sure that you are adequately being compensated for your damages, especially if you sustained a serious injury that may require future medical care. If you agree too soon to a settlement offer and your injury worsens, the insurance company will not be responsible for additional expenses.

Why the Initial Settlement Offer is Usually Low

Initial settlement offers are usually a lot lower than the actual value of a claim. Insurance companies are interested in lining their own pockets, not in offering car crash victims full compensation.

The insurance company is hoping that you are desperate enough to accept the initial offer. They know how costly medical bills are and that you may be unable to work while recovering from your injuries. They know the financial, physical and emotional burden a crash can place on victims and their families.

Insurance companies also know the challenges in accessing the full value of a claim early in the process. Car crash victims need to be able to complete their treatment so their doctors can see if ongoing treatment is needed. Then your attorney can start to determine what your claim’s value may be.

Get the Legal Help You Need

If you have verbally accepted a settlement offer, you may still have legal options available. Our firm has a proven track record, recovering millions for our clients, including crash victims.

An initial consultation to review your claim with an Appleton-based automobile crash attorney is 100 percent free and completely confidential. There are zero upfront fees if we represent you.

Call (877) 888-5201 for legal help today.

It can take some time for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make a decision on your disability claim. During this time period, you may have questions about your pending claim. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to check your claim’s status, depending on the stage your disability claim is in.

Our Green Bay Social Security Disability attorneys at Sigman Janssen explain the importance of taking initiative and following up on your claim versus having to wait for the SSA to give you an update.

Contact our firm today to see how we may be able to help. We know what it takes to receive approval or overturn a decision to get you the disability benefits you need. An initial consultation costs nothing and there is no obligation involved. We also charge no upfront fees for our legal services.

Free Case Review 24/7. Ph: (877) 888-5201

Why You Should Check the Status of a Claim

It is important to check the status of your disability claim to ensure that it has not stalled for some reason. The SSA may reach out if further information or details are required to process your claim. For instance, your claim may need additional medical evidence, which requires getting in touch with your treating doctor. The sooner this information is submitted, the sooner the SSA can make a decision.

In some cases, a decision may not be sent out. Mistakes and mix-ups happen. Paperwork may get lost or misplaced. Mail may also get lost or fail to reach you in a timely manner. This can halt the progress of your case and waste valuable time.

The SSA may even fail to notify you that your claim has not been approved. Claimants only have 60 days from the date they receive a denial notice to file an appeal. It can be hard to adhere to a deadline if you are unaware your claim was stalled or rejected. In extreme cases, if the SSA determines that you missed the appeal date – even if the error was their own – you may have to file a new disability claim.

Checking your claim’s status will not only keep you up-to-date on the progression of your claim, but you can also learn if anything could be done to help speed up the review process.

Check Your Pending Disability Claim Online

You can check the status of your disability claim via the SSA’s site. It applies to claims filed for SSDI or SSI benefits as well as any pending reconsideration or hearing requests.

You will need to sign in or create an account to access your disability claim. Your claim status will show:

• Date your disability claim or appeal was filed
• Current status of your claim
• Location of SSA office reviewing your disability claim or appeal
• Re-entry number if your claim is pending or incomplete
• Re-entry number if your appeal has not been completed or submitted
• Date and time of a scheduled hearing, if applicable to your case

Other Ways to Check Disability Claim Status

Aside from looking up your claim status online, you can also check your status by:

• Calling the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Calling your local field office. The phone number for Green Bay’s Social Security office is 888-862-4811. You can also find the nearest location to you using the SSA Office Locator.

How Often to Check Your Claim’s Status

Generally, you should check your claim’s status periodically – at least on a monthly basis.

Depending on your case, you may want to check more often, perhaps on a regular basis. For instance, a decision may be fast-tracked if your condition is listed on the Compassionate Allowances list, allowing you to receive disability benefits sooner.

If you recently submitted your claim, we recommend checking within two weeks to ensure it was well-received. If you are waiting for a decision that is overdue, be sure to check every few days or so.

Getting Notified of a Benefits Decision

If a decision has been reached by the SSA, checking your claim’s status online will provide this information much faster.

You will also receive notification of a benefits decision by getting an official letter from the SSA detailing the reason why your claim was approved or denied. An SSA representative may even call you in certain cases. You can also check your bank account every few days to see if a deposit has been made.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Get Started

Waiting to learn the status of your disability claim can be stressful. An experienced attorney at our firm is prepared to guide you through the claims process, helping you collect supportive evidence and submitting this information in a timely manner. We are also here to pursue an appeal on your behalf.

We offer a risk-free, no-obligation consultation. If you have a valid claim and have us represent you, there are no upfront fees. We only get paid if we help you obtain benefits.

Call Sigman Janssen today. (877) 888-5201.

Many car accidents are caused by speeding drivers. Traveling just a few miles over the posted speed limit can make any damage to vehicles worse and significantly increase the risk of serious injuries in an accident. In most cases, the driver who was speeding is liable for damages.

However, proving that the at-fault driver was speeding can seem like a difficult task. If it was not captured by a surveillance camera, can it really be proven? Fortunately, there are ways a lawyer may be able to establish that speed was a factor in an accident.

An Oshkosh-based auto crash lawyer at our firm is here to help if you suffered an injury in a crash. We have decades of experience conducting detailed accident investigations and fighting for just compensation. Our lawyers have helped obtain millions in compensation on behalf of our clients throughout Wisconsin.

Call (877) 888-5201 for a free case review today.

Speed-Related Car Accidents on Wisconsin Roads

According to the most recent crash statistics, speeding is a major concern on Wisconsin roads. In 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported 21,813 speed-related crashes. These accidents resulted in 8,398 injuries and 163 deaths. It is important to remember that anyone who speeds puts themselves, their passengers and other drivers sharing the road at risk.

Advantages of Hiring a Lawyer

Prior to the crash, you may have seen the other driver going too fast. Perhaps he or she attempted to speed past you in another lane or was weaving his or her vehicle in and out of traffic at a fast rate.

If you remember seeing the at-fault driver acting negligently, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. However, even if you can recall a lot of details about the events that led to up to the crash, your observations will likely not be enough to support a claim for compensation. Proving liability can be hard because it is just your word against the at-fault driver.

Proof of Speeding

Although you may be able to gather some evidence at the accident scene, such as pictures of the damage to the vehicles, an investigation conducted by a lawyer will be much more thorough. For instance, a surveillance camera that captured a speeding vehicle at the time of the crash may bring value to your claim. Your lawyer could subpoena this footage to provide proof the other driver was going too fast.

There are several other steps our lawyers may take to try to prove the at-fault driver was speeding:

Reviewing Dashcam Footage

Some drivers have a dashboard camera or dashcam in their vehicles that can help lawyers assess the approximate speed a vehicle was traveling. If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, be sure to let your lawyer know and give him or her access to the footage. If the at-fault driver has one, our attorneys can request it or take legal action to try to obtain it.

Speaking with Witnesses

Interviewing people who saw the crash enables lawyers to get multiple perspectives on what happened, including if the at-fault driver appeared to be speeding. Although a witness will not know exactly how fast a driver was going, he or she may be able to say whether the driver was going faster than other drivers. The lower the posted speed limit, the more apparent it can be that a driver was speeding.

Obtaining Filed Police Report

The police report will likely include preliminary conclusions on how the crash happened and if speed was a factor. The responding officer may have issued the other driver a traffic citation for speeding. If this is indeed the case, it will be harder for the insurance company to dispute who may be responsible. Police reports and traffic tickets are often looked at closely by insurance companies when evaluating claims.

Analyzing Vehicle Damage

Your lawyer may consult with an accident reconstruction specialist to analyze the impact on your vehicle. The faster the other driver was traveling, the greater the damage to your vehicle will likely be. For instance, say skid marks were left on the road. If these skid marks appear longer, it may indicate that the vehicle that created these marks was speeding and took longer to come to a full stop.

How You Can Be Helpful Building Your Case

If you are physically capable, taking photos of the accident scene will be helpful in building your case. This includes capturing vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, your visible injuries and anything else deemed relevant. An analysis of these photos may yield some valuable insights into the speed of the vehicles involved in the crash and whether the at-fault driver attempted to brake.

Sigman Janssen is Ready to Assist You

If you have been injured in a car accident and believe speed was a factor, reach out to your lawyers at Sigman Janssen as soon as possible. We have helped many of our clients obtain compensation for their damages over the years, including $2 million on behalf of a victim involved in a highway accident.

There is no risk in calling us to see how we may be able to assist. An initial consultation is free of charge with no obligation to hire our firm. If you decide to move forward, there are no upfront fees involved.

Licensed. Local. Lawyers. Ph: (877) 888-5201

The short answer is yes. You can get Social Security Disability (SSD) and worker’s comp benefits due to a work accident or work-related medical condition.

However, if you receive both benefits at the same time, one of these benefits will be offset or reduced. The Social Security Administration (SSA) places a monthly limit on how much disability applicants can earn and still be eligible for disability.

Sigman Janssen is prepared to determine your eligibility for benefits during a risk-free consultation. There is no obligation to move forward. Even if we determine your claim has merit, we charge zero upfront fees to have our firm represent you and no fees while we investigate and work on a case.

Free Case Review 24/7. Ph: (877) 888-5201

Qualifications for SSD and Worker’s Comp

SSD and worker’s comp are programs that help provide financial compensation to those who become impaired and are unable to work for some time. However, that is where the similarities end.

Worker’s comp eligibility standards are more flexible compared to SDD’s strict eligibility standards. This means that not everyone who qualifies for worker’s compensation will be eligible for SSD.

To be eligible for worker’s compensation, you must be unable to carry out your duties at work because of a work-related injury or illness. Your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance would pay out benefits on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the severity of your condition. An Appleton worker’s compensation lawyer at our firm is ready to determine your eligibility in a free consultation.

To claim SSD, you must prove to the SSA that you are completely disabled, demonstrating an inability to perform any kind of work. Additionally, your disability must be expected to last for at least one year or result in your death. These benefits are available whether the impairment is work-related or not.

How Do These Programs Affect One Another?

SSD payments are generally not impacted by private pensions, insurance benefits or personal injury settlements. Receiving worker’s comp, on the other hand, could affect eligibility for SSD benefits. In most states, a worker’s compensation settlement may cause your SSD benefits to be reduced.

However, Wisconsin works differently. It is one of several reverse offset states, which means that you can receive both benefits, but your worker’s comp benefits may be decreased.

The total amount in benefits you receive from worker’s comp and SSD cannot be more than 80 percent of your average current earnings before you became disabled and unable to work.

What If My Earnings Are More Than 80 Percent?

Since monthly benefits tend to be significantly higher under worker’s comp, the SSA imposes a cap or limit on SSD payments when you receive both benefits. If your current earnings are more than 80 percent of what you earned before your disability, your disability benefits could reduce your worker’s comp benefits.

For instance, if 80 percent of your previous earnings before being disabled was $3,000 and you are earning $3,500 a month between SSD payments and worker’s comp, the latter will be reduced by $500.

It is important to let the SSA know of any benefit amount changes. The SSA will want any extra funds paid back if you receive a higher disability benefit amount than you are eligible for.

How the SSA Calculates Average Current Earnings

The SSA will calculate your average current earnings based on the highest monthly earnings under one of three formulas:

• The average monthly wage used for determining the benefit amount
• The average monthly wage based on your five highest-earning years in a row
• The average monthly wage based on a single calendar year, either the year your disability began or any one of the previous five years

What About Lump Sum Worker’s Comp Settlements?

If you are receiving SSD payments in Wisconsin, a lump sum worker’s comp settlement – in addition to a monthly benefit – will not affect your disability benefits.

In other states, a lump sum payment may reduce the amount of SSD received. Regardless of which benefit is reduced, it will be done to meet the SSA’s prescribed formulas.

Contact Sigman Janssen for Help Applying for Benefits

Our Appleton Social Security Disability lawyers are ready to discuss your application and why receiving worker’s comp benefits does not mean that you qualify for SSD benefits. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Our firm has helped many people over the years obtain the benefits they need.

An initial consultation is 100 percent free and completely confidential. There is no risk in reaching out to learn more about your options and no obligation to retain our services after this meeting.

Call (877) 888-5201 to talk to a lawyer today.