Todd M. Berk, Esq.

Social Security Disability: Application Requirements

When applying for SSDI, a disabled individual will need to meet a number of criteria before receiving benefits. The application requirements generally center on proving a disability and incapacity for at least one year following the development of the disability in question. Certain conditions lead to automatic approval, while others require additional proof.

An applicant is also required to verify age, employment prior to disability, marital status, and Social Security coverage information. This is important for confirming the individual’s identity and determining whether he or she has been paying into the Social Security system for an adequate number of years.

If your SSDI claim has been denied, consult a local attorney as soon as possible. Todd M. Berk, Esq. is a Pennsylvania attorney with decades of experience helping local residents obtain their Social Security Disability benefits. Call (215) 687-4432 to schedule an initial appointment today. We don’t charge our clients until they win their case.

Examining Social Security Work Incentives

If you have suffered serious injuries and are unable to work for at least one year, you are likely eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But what happens if you feel well enough to work part time after receiving SSDI for several years? The federal government created several programs to help disabled individuals work without losing their benefits. Here is a brief look at SSDI work incentives:

Trial Work Period and Period of Eligibility 
Regulations hold that if an SSDI beneficiary wishes to go back to work, he or she can do so without losing any benefits for up to nine months. However, the applicant must inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of his or her new income. An extended period of eligibility means that a worker may receive SSDI benefits for up to 36 months after beginning work, provided he or she earns less than $1,040 per month.

Expedited Reinstatement 
This law allows former beneficiaries under SSDI to ask for their benefits back within five years of re-entering the workforce. If the SSA previously adjudicates a disability, the applicant is entitled to receive reinstated benefits if holding down a job does not work out.

Contacting an Attorney 
An important thing to remember when dealing with the SSA is that the bureaucracy is capable of making mistakes. If your case fell through the cracks, and you are not receiving proper benefits as a result, it is essential to consult a lawyer who knows SSDI law inside and out. Speaking with an attorney can ensure that the government receives proper paperwork and pays you back-owed benefits, if applicable.

Do not put your benefits in the hands of the bureaucracy. SSDI beneficiaries in need of help after returning to work should consult the Philadelphia office of Todd M. Berk, Esq. He has been practicing Social Security law for almost 20 years, and uses that experience to help his clients receive the benefits they deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our team by calling (215) 687-4432.

Learn How to Reduce Workplace Injuries With This Handy App

If you have a phone with Android, you can download a free application that can help prevent falls and accidents at work. The Occupational Health and Safety software contains links to new content published by practitioners in the fields of training and workplace safety.

If you work in the field of workplace safety, you’ll be glad to know that this app also lists job opportunities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New England. By downloading this app, you can help your business avoid accidents and stay safe.

Employees injured in the workplace are entitled to either workers’ compensation or personal injury claims against their employer. Philadelphia-area attorney Todd M. Berk, Esq. can help assess your case without expecting payment until the claim is resolved. Call our office today at (215) 687-4432 to schedule an appointment and get started on your case.

A Look at the Different Types and Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The skull protects the brain from small bumps and falls. Even so, certain accidents can lead to serious bruising, bleeding, and permanent nerve damage. These kinds of injuries are known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and are common byproducts of car and motorcycle accidents. The following offers a look at three different types of TBI, along with their causes and potential symptoms:

Mild TBI 
Small bumps to the head barely affect the brain itself. Meanwhile, a large fall or jolt may cause a concussion. This condition is an example of a mild TBI, or an injury that may not cause permanent physical or emotional consequences. Concussions often occur during accidents or sports activities where the head is not protected by a helmet.

Closed TBI 
This type of severe TBI involves movement of the brain within the skull as a result of a sudden impact to the head. As its name suggests, a closed TBI does not involve a puncture of the skull. Instead, the brain moves rapidly inside the skull, potentially hitting the side and swelling with blood and fluid. This injury can be caused by a sudden fall, impact with a large object, or a motor vehicle crash.

Penetrating TBI 
Unlike the closed TBI, this severe injury occurs when a foreign object enters the skull by breaking the bones that protect the brain. The object will often hit the brain tissue itself and cause pieces of the skull to become lodged in the cranial tissue. Together, these two effects can impair cognitive and physical function and cause permanent damage.

Are you a Philadelphia resident whose loved one has recently suffered a TBI? These injuries may require decades of expensive medical procedures for which you may be able to receive compensation.  Todd M. Berk, Esq. is a Pennsylvania attorney with decades of personal injury law experience. Call our office today at (215) 687-4432 to find out what your TBI claim may be worth.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Even the most graceful individual cannot fully avoid a slip and fall. Business and homeowners owe their employees and visitors a duty of care to keep walking surfaces safe. Those who create walkway hazards may be subject to premises liability lawsuits.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include slippery surfaces, uneven sidewalks, and dimly lit corridors. When any of these factors are combined with potholes or changes in elevation, it is no surprise that thousands of employees and business customers lose their balance every day. The standard of care for premises liability actions is different from that of negligence – meaning a victim can hold a business accountable for his or her injuries even if the company was not negligent per se.

Slip and fall claims are subject to a statute of limitations of liability and personal injury actions. Todd M. Berk, Esq. is a Pennsylvania attorney who has been helping area residents receive proper compensation for over 15 years. Call our Philadelphia office at (215) 687-4432 to learn how our staff can help you in your time of need.