Struggling Seniors Call For The Abandonment of Planned Social Security Benefit Cuts

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The United States federal government has been drawing a lot of criticism as it mulls various budget cuts aimed at Social Security. President Barack Obama’s proposed that cost of living adjustments for Social Security should be reduced. What this means is that seniors will be getting smaller increases in their Social Security payments every year.

This, the President believes, is one viable solution to the looming fiscal crisis. However, many people, especially those who are currently and will soon be receiving Social Security benefits are opposing this idea as they will be badly hit by the said budget cuts. Smaller at first, the difference could grow into hundreds, even thousands of dollars in time. This means a lot of seniors who mostly rely on Social Security benefits to help them get by with their needs every day.

According to reports, close to 40 million retirees, including their dependents receive Social Security benefits. And while the average monthly benefit that each person receives amounts to $1,262, there are some less privileged that get smaller amounts than that.

Kerry Payne of Newburgh, NY on the other hand, gave up her car because the paycheck she has been getting from Social Security couldn’t cover gas and insurance costs. She only receives $1,234 every month that couldn’t even completely cover her expenses. Her deceased husband’s illness before didn’t help as it ate her savings up. For her to survive, she only does her grocery shopping on days when her local supermarket offers discounts. With the prices of everything swaying upwards, Payne believes that every cent of the annual cost of living adjustment counts for people like her.

A Los Angeles long term disability lawyer believes that budget cuts should be the last thing on the government’s minds when managing its finances. According to him, a scheme that would target more financially-capable citizens would be a better approach as people Social Security beneficiaries only depend on it to make both ends meet. He believes that retirees all the help that they need as they have done their share in the past of helping the country move forward.

By the Stats: U.S. Pedestrian Deaths May Continue to Rise as the Population Ages

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Pedestrian accidents are one of the most common mishaps in major and minor roadways in the United States. Although there have been various road developments that decrease the likelihood of pedestrian mishaps such as crosswalks and footbridges, such unfortunate occurrences still happen. In fact, for over a decade, pedestrian accidents accounted for around 13 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States, from 2001 to 2010, according to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report.

Within the said time period, a total of 47,392 pedestrians were killed in America’s roadways. Additionally, the per capita pedestrian fatality rate in the U.S. was almost 14 deaths per 1 million people in 2010. In comparison, the rates in both the United Kingdom and Germany were 6.7 and 5.8, respectively.

The CDC also reported that not everyone is affected equally by dangerous walking conditions in U.S. roadways. However, the risk of a pedestrian injuries or deaths is greater among the elderly and the minority populations. Moreover, all men, regardless of demographic, were found to be two and one-half times more likely to be killed by a moving vehicle while walking than women.

In terms of age, the elderly, particularly men over 85 years old and women between 75 and 84 years of age suffer a disproportionate share of pedestrian fatalities, making them three times more likely to be killed than those between 15 to 24 years old. That being said, experts from the CDC believe that as the population of the U.S. ages, the likelihood of pedestrian accident death rates increasing.

Finally, pedestrian fatalities kill more people of color, particularly Native American, Hispanic, and African-American populations. This is due to the fact that they live in urban areas where residents walk more and get exposed to traffic violence.

Alarming as these statistics may be, it is important for pedestrians, regardless of race, color, or age, to be on the lookout for speeding vehicles, as well as take advantage of crosswalks, footbridges, and other infrastructures that would help those who regularly travel on foot. For a Los Angeles injury lawyer, meanwhile, motorists in general must also steer away from making driving decisions that could potentially kill pedestrians.

Fighting the Big Fight Against Race & National Origin Discrimination

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The United States has been the melting pot of various cultures all over the world Many people have been migrating to the country to seek greener pastures. More than just earning money to send to their folks back home, these immigrants have been contributing a lot to the country. With their unique skills and capabilities, these people help to move the country’s economy forward. One’s natural origin has nothing at all to do with his or her capabilities and that is what the government believes in.

Why discrimination exists
However, due to ignorance and insecurity, some people have this tendency to be racist and look down on people just because they are not from the US naturally. This act is prohibited by the law. According to the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, no one should be discriminated against on the basis of his or her national origin. The law promotes respect across the workplace, making everyone respect everybody, regardless of the differences they may have.

Unfortunately incidence of race & national origin discrimination is still widespread. You should not worry though for there are avenues for you to protect your rights. Here are some of the ways on how you can press charges against the people who look down on you.

• Go and file your complaint to the EEOC. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the lead agency that handles discrimination cases in the workplace. Just file your complaints in time and the agency will investigate if there’s probable cause in your complaint.
• Back up your complaint. Submit the necessary pieces of evidence to prove your claim that you have been harassed. Document acts of harassment, provide performance reports if there’s any, and present witness to bolster the chances of your complaint to succeed.
• Submit your self to the different processes of the EEOC. After you have filed your complaint, the agency will then take your complaint to your employers and request for your case’s resolution. They will try to mediate between you and your employer to try and solve your complaint amicably. Should the mediation fail, the EEIC will then conduct further investigations before it file the complaint to court.
• Cooperate well with the EEOC. Throughout the trial of your case, the courts may require your presence for questioning while it hears your complaint. If attempts to settle the case fail, trial will continue and the case will then be decided by the court.

The federal and state governments of the United States believe that no individual, regardless of his color, race, or national origin should be discriminated against. That is why it encourages everyone to stand up and fight for their rights if they believe they have been maligned by some irresponsible citizens in the workplace. This promotes a workplace where employees and the management have mutual respect for each other.

How Can One Dodge the Blame for an Accident?

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Even if you take all the necessary precautions while driving, accidents can still happen. Now imagine if you don’t exercise any safe driving practices at all? Chances are, the risks can be doubled and you are more likely to end up in an accident.

Taking the blame
During the course of auto accident investigations, you would most certainly be blamed by the other party, claiming that it is your fault that the both of you ended in a nasty collision. You should not let that happen. Sure there are times when you really are partly to blame that accidents happen, but you should not really carry the blame by your lonesome. When the other party blames you for the mishap, here are the ways on how you can dispute blame for a car accident.

•  Talk to your auto insurance agent. Express your concerns and come up with key points regarding your dispute. As much as possible, keep a polite, professional approach.
• Send proof of your claims. Collect pieces of evidence that will prove your innocence. Send copies of those proofs to the authorities and if possible, get witness to back up your claims.
• Ask insurance agent about their preferred arbitration service. In case you don’t end up with an agreement, insurance companies have a legal obligation to inform customer of appeals or arbitration processes when they sell policies.
• Go to your local Department of Motor Vehicle office. If you still haven’t reached an agreement with your insurance provider, go to a local DMV office. They will be able to explain to you the confusing areas in state laws so you’d better understand on where you exactly stand as far as the laws are concerned.
• Consider mediation. If all avenues have been exhausted and things still failed, you should consider mediation as one of your options. While the recommendations of a mediator are not legally binding, these can help you.

A Los Angeles accident attorney believes that one should not admit fault in an accident. According to him, it would be best if you first consult a legal expert before admitting blame for an accident. This way, you will be aware of your rights and only take responsibility for things that you should really responsible about.

Other People You Need to Watch Out for When Driving

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When you drive your car or any other vehicle, you need to watch out for other people who share the road with you. There are more than 200 million licensed drivers in the United States, but not all of them act the same way a licensed driver should. Many of them are still learning the ropes of driving, while there are others who are capable of driving despite of old age.

There are other motorists, too, that you need to pay extra attention as you may not be able to see them on the road because of the vehicles that they use. Thus, it is important that you be considerate on them if you want to keep your trip and the road safe from accidents. When you come across them, you need to show patience as they also have needs to satisfy.

Here are some of the other people you need to watch out for when you are driving and their accompanying needs:
•    First-time drivers. You have gone that route before. You were once a newly-licensed driver in your teens or in your 20s who’s still learning how to drive, especially on a busy road. Now that you’re experienced, you might encounter young drivers who are turning a corner with their driving skills. As a responsible driver, it is important that you look out for them. As always, give them the right of way and exercise patience.

•    Elderly drivers. They may be the safest age group on the roads, but the signs of aging such as hearing loss and slow reflexes make driving for them a bit dangerous. Even if you don’t encounter an elderly driver on the road, it pays to be aware of all motorists at all times.

•    Motorcyclists and bicyclists. Some riders of motorcycles and bicycles often collide with other motorists because the latter failed to give way for them. On the road, riders, although they are part of the road, are less visible for other motorists. Hence, it is important that you drive cautiously when you encounter any one of them on the road.

Safety is always a priority when encountering such motorists on the road. However, there are other motorists who are known to be reckless or aggressive. For many Los Angeles personal injury lawyers, it is always important for motorists to watch out for them to avoid any occurrences of accidents.

What Makes Cats Great Pets

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Dogs are man’s best friend, true. However, dogs can get really smelly and messy. That is why cats are becoming more and more popular when it comes to people who want to have and take care their very own pet.

There are a number of reasons why some people think that cats are better than dogs and here are just some of them.

• Cats are more polite to our guests. Dogs can be really loud when you have guests in your house. They bark, leap, and paw on the newcomers that they see in your house. Cats on the other hand are more polite and they usually hide and shy away from your guests.
• Cats are better-smelling than dogs. Dogs can get smelly after a while. Cats however clean themselves every now and then and because of this, they generally smell better.
• Cats can be really amusing without them knowing it. Cats just have a simple way of making us all laugh, even without them trying. Just search the internet for funny cats and you will be bombarded with videos and photos of very funny cats. You don’t only have a pet, you also will have a toy that can effortlessly make you laugh.
• Cats are not a pain in the ears. Dogs can get irritating when they bark in full volume. Cats, even at their loudest are far quieter than dogs making them less irritating to own.
• You get a natural insect repellant with cats. Our feline pets have something against bugs that they won’t let these insects just get away. They catch, torture, and then kill these insects without mercy. So with a car around, insects should be the last of your worries.
• Cats take good care of their toys. Better than dogs, cats keeps their playthings okay for longer. So you don’t need to regularly buy toy for your cat pets.
• Cats are low maintenance pets. Unlike dogs that need regular walking, bathing, and grooming, cats need very little of those.

However, like dogs, cats can also get quite dangerous as they can also attack you with one wrong move you make. That is why just like with any other pets, you need to know cats better to prevent getting attacked by them.

If you have been attacked by someone else’s cat, never forget to ask the opinion of Los Angeles personal injury lawyers to help you get claims for the injuries, pain, and suffering you might get because of cat or any kind of animal attacks.  

Who’s to Blame for Accidents Caused by Poorly Maintained Roads?

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In the United States, tens and thousands of accidents happen on the road for a number of reasons. Some are caused by distracted drivers, others by DUI drivers, and other factors like road and weather conditions among others. Over the years, driver error has been the main reason as to why road accidents happen in the US. This however does not change the fact that the condition of the road is also one big contributor as to why such accidents happen.

The roads in California and everywhere else in the United States are mostly in good condition. Because of the state and federal governments’ agencies, main thoroughfares across the country are kept in the best possible condition. On the other hand, there are also some roads that get damaged. While some are poorly maintained, there are others that just get broken due to a lot of reasons.

Last week, the management of the Golden State (5) Freeway closed sections of the road for emergency repair jobs on the thoroughfare. This is after motorists have called the agency, asking for a quick solution to repair the potholes immediately. According to reports, around 13 drivers got some of their cars’ tires burst after they passed by the 5 South at Indiana Street in East Los Angeles area where the potholes are. Some situations turned out so bad that the vehicles of those who got their tires blown had to be towed off the freeway.

Drivers of the said vehicles have also shown fears that their vehicles’ underpinnings might have been damaged due to the potholes but were also thankful that none of them got hurt in the accident. Things like these may get you completely surprised. At times you will be able to steer your vehicle away from these nuisances. However there are times that you will not have enough time to react in time, leaving you with no choice but to run over potholes like these.

When these things cause huge repair bills for your car or hospital bills for those injured, a
personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles believes that one can sue the freeway management for failure to put up the appropriate warning signs or promptly repairing that portion of the freeway that nearly caused an accident for the 13 vehicles that got flat tires due to the pothole. If you believe that any incident close to this has been caused by one person’s or agency’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim against them. This could help you seek damages to pay for your treatment, cover the earnings that you might have missed because of your temporary disability, among others.

Do You Have Sitting Disability? If Yes, You Can Qualify for Social Security Benefits

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Sitting is considered a basic work activity. Most jobs require a person to sit down to be able to perform work. However, it could be difficult for him or her to maintain it because of a disability. In fact, any medical condition that drastically creates an impact on the person’s ability to maintain a sitting position even for a short period is called a “sitting disability.”

Incidentally, if you are a worker and you cannot do the requirements of your work because you can’t sit down for long stretches, then you may be qualified for Social Security benefits. To become eligible for benefits, your disability must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least a year.

You may either be qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, your impairment should also either meet or equal one of the medical conditions mentioned in the Listing of Impairments. If it does, then your claim will be automatically approved.

While sitting disabilities don’t usually meet or equal a disability listing, you may still be qualified for disability benefits if you have enough medical proof that would support your claim that your condition significantly impacts your capability to do work activities.

In this regard, you must obtain your treating physician’s opinion by having him or her prepare a residual functional capacity (RFC) classification for your disability and its relation to your work-related activities.

If your RFC is classified as sedentary, you’re still able to perform your former job, therefore denying your claim. However, you can still be qualified for benefits even if you are still capable of performing a sedentary job. One way is to show that you have other impairments as a result of your inability to sit down for longer periods of time, such as having depression or anxiety.

Looking at it, winning a sitting disability claim can be really hard on your part. However, seeking the expertise of any of the Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyers in your area would really help increase your chances of an approval.

Suffering Fractures in a Car Accident: Implications in Both Health and Law

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Getting your car totaled in a collision on a roadway in California is a difficult situation you don’t want to get involved into. Aside from dealing with the repair costs you need to cover for your damaged vehicle and determining the liability of the accident, you’ll also have to deal with injuries, especially if you suffered one.

In any personal injury accident such as a motor vehicle collision, injuries to the skeletal system are quite common. When the accident is either a minor fender bender or a major, more severe one, resulting bone fractures may also be either mild or serious. As it is, bone fractures resulting from a car accident are said to be traumatic in nature. A forceful outside force damages the structure of the affected bone in the human body.

Moreover, fractures can either be categorized as open or closed. It is an open fracture when a part of the bone structure snaps and punctures outward of the skin tissue. On the other hand, a closed fracture happens when the fracture took place inside the muscle tissue. Symptoms involve swelling, bruising, and, pain to the injured part of the body.

In car accidents, bone fractures may occur when the driver or the passenger is not restrained with a seat belt. The traumatic impact of the crash makes it possible for the person to experience bone injuries, especially on the chest area and the head. Pedestrians are much more susceptible to fractures in the lower extremities.

Meanwhile, if you suffered a bone fracture as a result of a car accident, you may actually be entitled to compensation in the form of damages. As long as you establish a personal injury claim proving that the liable party is responsible not only for the accident but for your injuries, you may be able to receive compensation that will be used to cover for your extensive medical treatment.

Before anything else, it is important that you first consult with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. Through the experience and expertise of the attorney, you may have the opportunity to obtain the justice you deserve, as well as the rightful amount of compensation that will help you to recover from your fractures and other injuries.

NHTSA Announces “SaferCar” iOS App

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In an effort to utilize mobile technology in promoting safety in both buying and driving vehicles, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in its press release last Thursday a free iOS app that contains real-time information on vehicle safety from the SaferCar.gov website of the agency.

Called the SaferCar app, it is the mobile version of the NHTSA website in which iPhone and iPod Touch users can access valuable information related to vehicle safety that will help them not only become informed consumers but also help them make decisions. Basically, the features of the app are the following:

• 5-star safety rankings. For those who are planning to purchase a car or any other vehicle, they can use the app to look at how different car models and makes are likely to crash through crash test ratings.
• Recall updates and complaint submissions. Through the app, users can register their vehicles for the latest NHTSA notifications and updates with regard to their vehicles’ safety issues. Also, the app also allows them to file a safety complaint easily.
• Child seat installation help. This feature allows users to obtain assistance on how to properly install car seats and boosters by locating them to the nearest child seat inspection station.General news and updates. The app provides consumers information-filled news from the NHTSA, as well as push notifications on recalls and about the users’ vehicles.

While the SaferCar app is only available in iTunes Store, the same app is currently being developed to cater for those using Android-based devices and will soon be available in Google Play. The said launch of the free mobile app is just one of the NHTSA’s initiatives to provide consumers easy access to information about vehicle safety.

Coincidentally, along with the launch of the app was the NHTSA’s release of the Application Programming Interface or API. It is a new way to provide safety data through the creation of a more accessible data for analysis and integration into web and mobile apps.

Meanwhile, every Los Angeles car accident lawyer believes that promoting vehicle safety can be realized with the use of alternative means, including the use of mobile technology.

Your Role in Preventing Road Accidents

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WorkplaceAlcohol as a catalyst for relaxation
Whenever you are stressed and want to have a good time, it is always nice to have a drink or two. When people get drunk, people tend to do stupid things that can be a lot of fun. Whenever you go and search for videos of drunken people, you can’t help but laugh at how silly some of them end up in such instances. Most of the time though, after one withdraw from the effects of alcohol, people find out just how stupid and silly they have become while they were in the influence of alcohol.

When one gobbles up a bottle too many
Drunk people can be funny, but drunk drivers are not and will never be funny. Drunk driving in fact is one serious problem that the various government agencies are currently facing. According to various reports made by various agencies all across the country, drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the leading causes of accidents. Of hundreds of thousands of injuries caused by car crashes all over the country, tens of thousands of it are caused by a drunk driver that failed to react properly to a certain situation. Add up their tendency to violate traffic rules and what we have is a very nasty situation that could lead to more injuries, even death.

When accidents happen
In the event that a DUI driver causes an accident, the victims can seek damages that such accidents have caused them. By contacting and seeking the help of Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, one can pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. However, we should not be contented with these remedies if we really want to put a stop to these accidents from happening.

What the government is doing to help drive down DUI incidence
That is why the government through the Department of Transportation, specifically the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been actively campaigning against driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. They have come up with programs that aim to educate people of the serious, life-threatening effects of drunk driving. For its part, various law enforcement agencies like the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has been conducting operations like flagging down of suspected DUI drivers, conducting sobriety check points, and apprehension of drunk drivers. These measures help trim down the instances of drunk driving

The government needs your help
The various programs and measures that the government has been taking would be in vain if people won’t participate. Ultimately drivers should be responsible enough to say no to driving if they have been drinking. Better yet, one should say no to an alcoholic drink, no matter how little alcohol that drink contains, if he or she plans to be behind the wheel of an automobile. Just like any other program by the government, the citizen’s participation will play a huge role in its success and failure. You have the power to choose between the two. Would you rather wake up to a huge responsibility for your negligence or would you want to be responsible enough and avoid all the hassles that come with drunk driving? You pick your poison.

Recent Study Reveals How Music Can Greatly Affect Driving

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Playing music while behind the wheel is a great way to avoid boredom. As it is, what you listen on your car stereo sets your mood while driving, which would then translate into how you approach the traffic situation on the road and how you perform efficiently while doing so.

In fact, it is believed that the type of music a driver listens to can either make him or her either a safe or dangerous driver, and rightfully so. A new research study recently reported by the Daily Mail claimed that listening to recording artists who are under the easy listening genre were far safer to listen to. Additionally, drivers who listen to music that is noisy and upbeat are influenced to practice dangerous driving maneuvers while on the road.

The study was conducted with the help of eight participants (four males, four females). They were asked to drive about 500 miles, with the first half without music and the other with music. While the experiment made use of different music genres, it very much showed that these affected the way they drove their vehicles.

According to the study, any song that is fast in terms of beats and tempo can cause drivers to speed up on the road without them even knowing it. Also, songs that drivers don’t like tend to become distracted and stressed, which could negatively impact their driving.

Take classical music, for example. While the genre is known for its calm and serene movements, the experiment showed otherwise. One female and one male driver from the experiment uncomfortably drove their vehicles while listening to the music genre more than when they didn’t listen to any music.

Moreover, the study also showed that the ideal music for driving is any artist whose songs possess a 60 to 80 beats-per-minute (bpm) average. Certain artists such as Norah Jones (“Come Away with Me”), Coldplay (“The Scientist”), and Radiohead (“Karma Police”) are among those who are safest to listen with while driving.

Incidentally, legal experts, including a Santa Monica personal injury attorney, believe that while listening to specific tunes would influence safe driving, it would still be dangerous if played too loud. As it is, loud music causes distractions while behind the wheel, therefore increasing the chances of an accident.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

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Have you been a victim of an accident that left you disabled? Suffering from disabilities is one of the most difficult things a person may face. While there are people with disabilities that are given proper accommodation by their companies, there are types of injuries where one is just simply left unable to do any work at all.

When this happens to you, you should really start thinking about applying for Social Security benefits. Question is, are you eligible for one?

Social Security qualifications

What are the qualifications for one individual to be eligible in receiving Social Security benefits? First, you have to work in jobs that are covered by Social Security. Then, you should be suffering from a medical condition that is compliant with the Social Security’s definition of disability. If your situation fits those two primary requirements, then you have a great chance of having your Social Security benefit claim application approved.

Application requirements

First, you must completely fill out an application form. You can visit the nearest Social Security field office in your area to get hold of the important forms. You can also opt to apply online by visiting the SSA’s website: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dapply.htm.

Download the application form and completely fill it out. You must also attach all the needed documents to prove your disability. It could be medical records, latest medical findings, etc. Send these to the SSA field office as soon as possible to start having your application processed.

Getting the help you need

When applying for such benefits, you need the guidance of a good Los Angeles social security disability firm to help you understand the processes that you have to go through. Armed with better information and complete requirements, the processing of your claims will be expedited. This will lead to the earlier release of your disability payments, giving you those much-needed disability benefits you’ve worked hard for.

Disability is one great setback that some unfortunate people experience. However, the SSA is here to make sure that you can take your mind off worries brought about by your disability. Enjoy the financial aid that the SSA provides by claiming your disability benefit now.

Change Important Details on your Social Security Card

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The details on your Social Security (SS) card are what reflect on your records in the Social Security Administration (SSA). Has it ever happened to you when the details indicated on your SS card aren’t the right ones? You are probably not too worried until the time when you need to apply for Social Security benefits and the inconsistencies with your records impede you from successfully filing your claim.

To avoid those problems in the future, make it a point to always keep your records with the SSA updated all the time. If there are any inconsistencies with your details and those indicated on your SS card, have it rectified by following these very simple steps:

• Collate all the documents to prove the changes that need to be done on your card. If you need to have your name changed, get a marriage document, a divorce decree, a certificate proving your naturalization with the new name, or a court-order name change, proof of your identity, or your U.S. citizenship papers.
• Completely fill up an Application for a Social Security Card form.
• Bring your completely filled-up forms plus the documents required to the nearest SSA office or your local Social Security Card Center.

You must remember though that original documents or copies of it must be certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies and even notarized copies of the documents won’t suffice. You should not worry submitting the originals since these will be returned to you after processing, along with a receipt.

Follow these simple steps carefully and you will receive your new card, bearing the information you have corrected. Make sure to check it thoroughly and look for the changes and other details if they are correct.

With this new card, you can now file for your Social Security claim or transact using this card without the problems you once encountered because of the inconsistencies it used to have. If you still encounter problems while processing SSA claims or any details about the card, you can ask for the help of Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyers to assist you with any problems you might still have.

Common Problems of Resigning Employees

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Leaving a company

As one song said, every new beginning comes from some other’s end. This is very true especially when it comes to one’s professional life. There are times when things don’t just make sense for you as far as your work is concerned. During such times, you would want to get a move on and start something all over again.

Ending one’s relationship with a company and knowing what he or she should get from quitting his or her job

To be able to do just that, you must end things well with your employer. You must file your resignation, serve the turnover period (if needed), and finish all the necessary paperwork. When people resign from their jobs, they usually receive severance packages to help them begin their new lives after leaving their existing companies. Depending on one’s tenure of service, base pay, bonuses, allowances, and other factors affect the amount one receives as he or she leaves the company.

Soured relationships

However, not all partings end up in a good note. There are some times when one gets into trouble with his or her supervisor, or the company, or gets involved in any conceivable issues about his relationship with the company, or his work mates. In these instances, people can get discriminated or receive unfair compensation for his or her service to a company just because of silly reasons. In worst situations, one won’t be receiving anything when one quits his or her job. This is just plain unfair and one must stand up to fight for what is rightfully theirs.

Defending your employment rights

If you have experienced problems regarding these things, you have to seek the advice of a good and competent Los Angeles employment lawyer. He or she will give you the right perspective about your situation and will help you in preparing for and filing a complaint for the injustice that has happened to you. Just work hand-in-hand with your lawyer and he or she will help you get the compensation that you truly deserve and more importantly, get back your dignity that some people are trying to trample on.

Exposing the Common Myths about Social Security

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“Will Social Security be around when I retire?” This is one of the top questions that a lot of people have been asking as far as this program is concerned. In fact, they are not too well-versed about Social Security, given the fact that the program’s handbook has 2,728 rules and thousands of possible interpretations. Indeed, such pieces of information may confuse a lot of Americans.

As such, failure to understand even the simplest of rules in Social Security may result in people not being able to separate fact from fiction. The reality of it all is that people fall prey to certain myths that they dismiss them as truths. To shed light and avoid confusion, below are some of the common Social Security myths and their explanations:

•    Social Security is running out of funds.

Although a lot of report projects about Social Security say that the program will run out in 2033, it doesn’t mean that it will totally be gone. These projections only mean that the system revenues won’t be capable to provide benefit payments to the fullest as required by law. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may potentially reduce benefits by an estimated 22 percent just to make both ends meet.

•    Social Security only serves those who are ready to retire.

Social Security is not only a program for retirees. There are also programs that cater to persons with disability through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Also, Social Security provides survivor benefits to dependents of workers who pass away.

•    It is easy to qualify for disability benefits

Applying for benefits, in general, can be frustrating and really tedious. More than 8 million Americans are receiving SSDI, and the number of applications for such program increases year after year. Of course, the backlog that the Social Security has to battle may result in you waiting for two years or longer.

But then, not all cases are the same. If you have questions regarding on how to qualify for disability benefits, you can contact any of the Los Angeles Social Security Disability Lawyers. Any of the legal representatives will also help you determine what is fact and what is fiction regarding the programs of Social Security.

Prevent These Social Security Mistakes or Suffer Losing Your Chances for Benefits

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It is already a given fact: around 70 percent of Social Security Disability benefits are denied at the initial application stage. One of the most common reasons why this happens is because disability applicants fall into certain mistakes during the application process that they unknowingly do. In Social Security, applicants must remember that one wrong move may cost them a lot, which includes losing the chance to receive disability benefits.

As such, here are the five Social Security mistakes applicants must greatly avoid during the initial application process:

1.)    Filing for disability while doing work. This is one mistake that many applicants do. Social Security approves claims of persons who cannot perform work and earn substantial income because of a debilitating ailment. As such, contradicting the fact that a person is able to work while he or she is proving to the Social Security that he or she cannot do so because of a disability may result in a denial.

2.)    Filing for disability benefits too early. The Social Security may find it hard to prove in an applicant’s claim that he or she is suffering from a long-term or permanent disability if he or she files for benefits too soon. One must only do so if it has already been established that his or her disability is expected to last for a year or more.

3.)    Thinking that the consultative exam equates to medical evidence. The purpose of the consultative exam is to examine a person’s disability to see if it supports his or her claim. As such, the exam is not used to determine proof of his or her disability.

4.)    Not taking medicines and/or undergoing prescribed treatments. A person who does either one of these may force the Social Security to think that he or she is not disabled at all, therefore reducing his or her chances for disability benefits.

5.)    Undergoing the appeals process without legal representation. One reason why applicants don’t retain the services of legal representatives is because they can’t afford one. It is always a big mistake to go alone in a disability hearing, thus the need of an attorney.

Accordingly, to avoid falling into these mistakes, disability applicants may seek the help of Los Angeles Social Security Disability claim lawyers. That way, they won’t have to deal with their denied claims the hard way.

Working Your Way Round Shorter SSA Office Hours

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in dire straits, given the many problems that it is facing now. The agency is currently doing a lot of measures to keep the costs down to stretch the little budget that they are getting from the federal government.

One of these measures is the earlier closing hours of its field offices. This move, according to the SSA, will help slash costs by ensuring that employees do not have to work overtime just to get their interviews and work done.

Beginning in the last week of November 2011, the SSA’s field offices are closing 3 p.m. instead of the usual 3:30 p.m. Then later on, in January 2013, the offices are now being closed after lunchtime every Wednesday. However this shortened time means one thing. You’ll end up battling for time, making it more difficult to have your claims approved.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it, though. Here are some of the tips that you can do to ensure that your application will still soon be processed in time:

• Be prepared. Make sure that you have everything with you, such as requirements, medical records, and everything that might be needed for the SSA officers to accept your application. Make sure you also have photocopies of the same documents; have them receive copies of it so you have proof that you have submitted everything that they need. This can greatly help speed up the process.
• Be early. The early bird catches the worm indeed. Being early puts you on top of the queue of lines for the processing of your papers. This lets you zip through the different processes faster. No more all-day waiting for your name or number to be called.
• Be attentive. Make sure to pay good attention to everything that is being discussed in the application process. This will help you do the right thing in the application. By intently listening to the directions or questions given you, you will be able to follow or reply immediately, helping you steer clear from mistakes that can further slow down the processes. Ask for the help of Los Angeles Social Security claim lawyers to get a better understanding of things that you find hard to decipher.

These latest changes in the SSA office hours can bring a lot of inconvenience to its thousands of applicants. Are you going to whine about it or find a workaround to this? As it is, the choice is yours to make.

Legal Remedies for Whistleblowers

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Have you witnessed a big scandal in your office? What was seen or heard can never be unseen or unheard. Sadly, you will be tied with that responsibility carrying that burden your entire life. However, there is something that you can do about it so you can get your life back. They said that the truth will set you free. This adage has never been truer. If you happen to know any wrongdoing in your office that needs exposure, now is the perfect time to let it all out.

The State of California—just like any other state in the country has legislations that aim to protect whistle blowers like you. These are just some of it:

• Labor Code 1102.5. This law gives protection from retaliation against whistle blowers in government agencies.
• Health & Safety Code 1278.5. This law offers protection from retaliation against patients, doctors, nurses, and medical staff who have blown the whistle against government or accrediting agencies on medical patient care issues at a health facility.
• Labor Code 98.6. This law gives protection from retaliation against employees that filed a complaint for labor code violations with the Labor Commissioner or the Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH).
• Labor Code 6399.7. This law offers protection from retaliation against employees the filed a complaint or testified on occupational safety and health matters.
• Government Code 12653. This law protects an employee from retaliation after they have reported to the government any fraudulent billings that were submitted for payment to the government.
• Government Code 1294(h). This legislation helps prohibit retaliation against employees who oppose discriminatory or harassing treatment on the basis of religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex and sexual orientation, and race.

Reporting the violations made by your company or employer can be a very difficult challenge. However, you can do something about it to set yourself free. With mentioned legislations by your side, you are sure to triumph against abusive people at work. All that you need are pieces of evidence and a good Los Angeles labor lawyer that can help represent you in the case.