Los Angeles Permanent Disability Lawyer

Living your life with a permanent disability can be difficult, and there are a number of challenges you can face under such circumstances. A permanent disability can affect every part of your life, from your everyday life to your relationships to your ability to work and make money. Fortunately, there are ways for a person with a permanent disability to still receive compensation. A Los Angeles permanent disability lawyer can inform you of the options that are available to you.

At Barry Law Group, our dedicated lawyers have over 70 years of combined experience practicing law. We know disability claims can be complex and we can provide you with assistance in filing the necessary claims so that you can receive your benefits as soon as possible. Our lawyers approach each case with compassion and diligence, making sure our clients are protected, comfortable, and confident that we can get the desired outcome.

What Qualifies as a Permanent Disability in Los Angeles?

According to the Division of Workers’ Compensation, a permanent disability is a lasting disability that results from a work injury or illness and affects your ability to work. Those with a permanent disability as a result of a workplace injury or illness are entitled to permanent disability benefits. Some people with permanent disabilities may be able to continue working, but they are still entitled to benefits.

Workplace injuries can often result in the following common permanent disability conditions:

• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Chronic pain
• Loss of hearing
• Loss of vision
• Injuries to the joints
• Occupational diseases

It is important to note that some of these conditions may not always qualify as a permanent disability. The qualification depends heavily on the extent of the injury and its effect on the individual’s daily life and ability to work.

Compensation Options for Permanent Disabilities

There are a few paths someone in Los Angeles can take when considering how they would like to receive permanent disability compensation. Having a lawyer take a look at your claim can be a big help in determining which option is right for you.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Individuals with long-term disabilities, lasting at least 12 months, or with expectantly fatal disabilities may be eligible for SSDI. They must be unable to do a substantial amount of work due to their condition to be regarded as disabled. Eligibility for this is also based on prior Social Security contributions.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is similar to SSDI. It is for individuals who have fatal disabilities or long-term disabilities of at least 12 months, and their condition must keep them from doing a considerable amount of work. Eligibility for SSI, however, is based on income instead of Social Security.

Personal Injury Claim – If an individual’s disability was caused by someone else being negligent or intentionally harming them, they may be able to seek damages with a personal injury case. Compensation from a personal injury claim can include medical expense coverage, lost wages for missing work, and pain and suffering in some cases.

Workers’ Compensation – If an employee develops a disability due to a workplace injury, they have the option to file a workers’ compensation claim. Benefits available include disability payments, medical care, rehabilitation, and death benefits for loved ones in the event that the individual’s injuries are fatal.

Why You Should Hire a Los Angeles Permanent Disability Lawyer

Working with a lawyer can give your case a great amount of strength. A skilled lawyer can do more than just file your paperwork and help you make the most beneficial choices; they can work diligently on your case, negotiating, gathering supporting evidence, and maximizing your benefits. With their experience they can anticipate potential obstacles and difficulties before they arise.

No matter which path you take, you can be sure that there will be someone advocating for your rights at all times throughout the process. Your case will be in very capable hands, and you will have more time to focus on your health and recovery.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Permanent Disability Law

How Much Do You Get for Permanent Disability in California?

The amount of financial compensation you get for permanent disability in California depends on a few factors. For starters, the extent of your disability is taken into consideration when determining disability payments. Your permanent disability rating can be the deciding factor for your weekly payments from workers’ compensation, but generally, many people get two-thirds of whatever their average weekly wages were before the disability happened.

How Do You Prove You Have a Permanent Disability?

The way to prove you have a permanent disability is with medical records and a medical evaluation. Sometimes permanent disabilities are not visible to the eye, so you may need to gather documentation of your medical history, test results, treatment plans and notes, and other significant reports that prove your disability.

What Is the Most a Disability Lawyer Can Charge in California?

Many disability lawyers in California only charge a contingency fee for their services, so clients do not have to pay anything unless their disability claim gets approved. Even when the claim is approved, the lawyer only gets a small percentage of whatever it is their client is awarded, with a hard cap so as not to exceed a specific total.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Permanent Disability Benefits?

How long it takes to receive permanent disability benefits depends on the case. It’s different for everyone. If your disability is distinct and you have all of the necessary documentation to support your claim, the process may go by quicker for you. It may take longer to receive benefits if your disability case is more complex.

Let Our Los Angeles Law Group Represent You

With the challenges that can be brought on by having a permanent disability, it may be necessary to have a knowledgeable legal professional in your corner to make things a little smoother. Let us advocate for you and assist you in your pursuit of the resources you need and the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact Barry Law Group to consult with an experienced permanent disability attorney.