Sacramento Doctor Exam Attorneys
At Milam Law, our lawyers do whatever we can for our clients. If you are disabled, however, it is important for you to know that you still have responsibilities and duties — even with an attorney. There are many parts of the claims process that you need to handle on your own. Our firm can advise you on what those parts are and make sure that you are completely prepared. Many clients, regardless of what they are told, think that once they get an attorney they do not need to do anything. This is simply untrue and a recipe for a loss. Claimants have several functions, from going to the doctors, pushing politely for tests and treatment, filling out certain forms for Social Security, trying to get their doctors to cooperate with requests we have and generally follow the directions of the attorney. Mr. Milam has a father who was a hall of fame college coach: He often uses the analogy from that experience and having been a college basketball player. Mr. Milam [or our attorneys] is the coach, and you [the clients] are the team. He gives the team the "game plan" for winning, in writing, but you have to actually go play the game. Of course, the coach here is a very active one, and the plan will be changed, as needed, until a victory comes. We know your claim is anything but a game to you; but it gives you the picture correctly that you are involved in a serious and all-important process where you must be very active, and do what you are being told to do to win. We have handled thousands of these cases for more than 25 years; you have likely never done one. Another analysis which attorney Bosavanh uses to get the point across to clients [she has a masters, and has been a college professor]: I present you with a written syllabus of things to do to prepare you to ace out the exam for the desired goal of an "A" grade. You must do the work given to achieve your goal (of a favorable decision).
We guide our clients through the process, from the initial applications to disability appeals in federal court. Milam Law is committed to helping individuals throughout California's Central Valley obtain the disability benefits that they deserve. Our attorneys can answer your questions, and guide you through the process in a manner that is as efficient and effective as possible.
Information on this website is provided as a service of Milam Law. Contact us regarding Social Security disability (SSD) claims and denials.
Fresno SSD Application Requirements Lawyers
There are still responsibilities that you have; generally, you need to do the things we asked you to do, or at least try. Where you have problems, or successes, advise the office and we will either applaud you or redirect you, if possible. Among the things we will ask you to do are the following:
- You still need to go to your doctor and make sure that certain tests and clinical exams are done and charted. And you will be involved in trying to ensure that your doctor helps you out with some type of medical opinion. We will spend time explaining this to you in more detail when we meet or start to represent you. Practice for hearings as instructed.
- You still need to advocate for yourself. While we will do that where we can, it is important for our clients to stick up for themselves, too, e.g., dealing with Social Security Administration's (SSA) doctors they send you to, dealing with your medical insurance companies, or pushing the county bureaucracy and system.
- If you decide to assist in getting certain records before hearing, do so promptly.
- ALWAYS get copies of ANY doctor opinion or report you get along the process, including any old records (those before your alleged disability date), especially any we advise you to bring to us, including surgery reports of areas still bothering you, old MRI or major test results (especially if you have not had any since then), all available school records, if you had any problems at school like learning or behavioral problems, old medical records from Veterans Affairs (VA) or workers' comp, or private disability insurance plans.
- Specific medical records we want during your claim pending include these, which often are not given by records departments when records are requested: 1) any report from a doctor you are sent to by welfare (this can only come at your request); 2) any medical/legal decision from welfare, state disability (SDI), worker's compensation, VA, private insurance plan (LTD) or other; 3) certifications for ongoing disability from your doctors for welfare or any other public benefit system; 4) prescriptions for canes, walkers, breathing units, braces or other medical devices; 5) medication lists from pharmacies; 6) at least three months of journals for cases where there are recurrent and frequent medical issues, like frequent bowel or bladder voiding, seizures, headaches, skin irritations, gout or arthritic flares, etc.
Before you visit the doctor, talk with our firm and make sure you understand your responsibilities. The key to all the above is how to obtain and package these records, as the information must be pointed to whatever law(s) best sets out a green light for SSA to let your case pass through its gates.
Don't rest before you go to appointments, or hide your injuries in some way (i.e., bruises or swelling with clothing), as a doctor may take that to mean that you are fine. This is especially true if you see one of the Social Security Administration's doctors. Write down everything you can remember about the exam, and if it was not done professionally, contact the SSA rep who scheduled the appointment. File a formal complaint, if not done well. At Milam Law, we take seriously what these doctors do with and to our clients. We attack the reports of these doctors when they mistreat you or do not do what they are supposed to do, as impartial medical examiners. We have several handouts and a form for these exams, and will further instruct when we meet with you.
Contact Milam Law to Learn More Information
For a free, initial consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, contact us at one of our offices in Fresno, Sacramento or Modesto. Call us toll free at 877-840-3508 to make an appointment.
