William R. Long Attorney At Law
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William R. Long Attorney At Law
William R. Long Attorney At Law
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Decades Of Experience In Workers’ Compensation And Social Security Disability
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Get Help Pursuing The Full Social Security Disability Benefits You Deserve

If you have suffered an injury or contracted an illness resulting in unemployment for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Because obtaining benefits is a slow process, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney early on.

You will find the skilled guidance you need at my practice. I’m William R. Long. I have spent more than 35 years addressing the needs of clients with disabilities and fighting for their financial benefits. If you have been hurt or have become seriously ill, please contact me at 318-562-1440 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.

SSD/SSDI Basics

You may qualify for monthly SSD benefits if you have a sufficient work history and have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working. Navigating the SSD process can be intimidating, however, and missteps can lead to denials of the benefits you deserve. That’s why working with a lawyer can be so beneficial.

When you apply for benefits, you should request your earnings statement from the Social Security Administration to ensure that your earnings are correctly documented. This is important in determining your insured status for disability benefits as well as in calculating your benefit payment amount. I can guide you through the application process.

Take a look at our answers to frequently asked questions about SSD.

The Value Of Working Directly With An Experienced SSD Attorney

Many large SSD firms act as mills, churning out cases without devoting the individual attention clients deserve. This tends to result in clients getting far less than they deserve. At many of these firms, clients don’t even meet with the attorney until just before the hearing, which leaves them feeling stressed and intimidated.

As the firm’s founder and an accomplished attorney, I will work directly with you through all stages of your case. I won’t pass your case off to associates like other large firms do. You can feel comfortable and confident having met with me and knowing that I am prepared and have your case well in hand.

I also have the trial skills and experience necessary to take your case to court, if necessary. Many larger firms won’t go to trial.

Do You Qualify For Workers’ Comp Too?

If your disability stems from an injury or illness that’s work-related, you may also qualify for workers’ comp in addition to SSD benefits. Because I handle both types of cases, I can review your situation to ensure that you aren’t leaving valuable benefits on the table. If you do have a workers’ comp claim, I can represent you through all stages of that process as well.

If Your Initial Claim Was Rejected, Don’t Give Up

Completing the application for SSD does not guarantee that you will receive benefits. In fact, it is likely that you will have to fight for them.

Once you have applied for benefits, if you receive a letter of denial, you must take immediate action since you have only 60 days to appeal the initial rejection. This is a critical time period for enlisting skilled legal guidance. Talk to me as soon as possible so I can help you pursue an appeal.

Guidance Through Each Step Of The Appeal Process

My first step in appealing your denied application for benefits is to request a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ). Scheduling this hearing can take six to 12 months. The hearing itself can last 30 minutes to two hours.

To prepare for the hearing, I will contact your treating physician to make sure he or she has fully detailed your medical diagnosis and treatment. I will also obtain his or her analysis of your physical or mental impairments and recommendations for future treatment.

Prior to the hearing, we will ensure that all medical records that are relevant to your health condition and impact your employment capabilities are part of the record. If necessary, we may file an appeal with the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia, and/or the federal district court.

Once you receive a favorable decision, the Social Security Administration will send a notice indicating current benefits and past benefits payable based on the application filed and the beginning disability date. You may wish to return to work full-time or part-time after being approved for Social Security Disability benefits. However, make sure you consult with me before returning to your previous job or taking a new job while receiving SSD benefits since doing so could jeopardize your benefits.

Let Me Help You Secure The Benefits You Need And Deserve

I offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, which means you don’t have to pay me anything unless I’m successful. Get peace of mind by contacting me today. You can reach out online or call my office at 318-562-1440. Based in Bossier City, Louisiana, I serve clients throughout the Shreveport-Bossier City area.