WORKERS' COMPENSATION
What We Can Do For You in Workers' Compensation
At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve if you have suffered a work-related injury. We have more than 25 years of experience in Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. We know what it takes to see that your rights under workers’ comp law are observed. Our law firm has handled countless workers’ comp law cases. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire we know the insurance carriers, the adjusters, the administrative judges, the lawyers who work for the opposition and everyone else routinely involved in these matters. They know us. We know their techniques. They know the lengths we will go to in order to get results for you. Often, this leads to us resolving cases in an efficient, non adversarial manner. If it does not, we will not hesitate to take your case to the next level. You can be assured that your case will be thoroughly prepared to withstand any challenge that the system or the opposition puts in our path. We will bring your case into an administrative law hearing. We will move forward to see that your needs are met. Timothy works at a restaurant. He recently suffered a serious injury at work. He reported the injury, and his employer sent him to a doctor. While waiting in the doctor’s office, he thought he heard the doctor speaking with his employer. He thought he heard the doctor say that there did not appear to be any serious injury, but the doctor had yet to examine him. A moment later, the doctor arrived. After a quick checkup, Timothy was told that his injuries were minimal and that he could go back to work. The injuries certainly did not feel minimal, but what can he do now? At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we know exactly what steps Timothy should take next to get fair treatment. Our dedication to workers’ comp law has allowed us to obtain more than 100 million dollars for injured workers. We are proud of our record for success. We are proud that we have been able to help so many people through challenging times in their lives. We want to do the same for you.
The Workers' Comp Process
The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire are available to assist at all stages of the workers’ comp process. We know how important the money provided by workers’ compensation is to maintain quality of life after a serious work injury. Whether you are just starting the process or you have already struggled forward unsuccessfully, we are here to help see that your needs are met. Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has stood beside injured workers for more than 25 years. In Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado, people turn to us to get them through the process. Our commitment to standing beside our clients from start to finish has earned us the title of Super Lawyers, as listed in 5280 Magazine. We are here to see that your rights are observed through every step of the workers’ comp process, including:
- Reporting your injury to your employer
- The medical review of your injury
- Your claim being denied or ignored by your employer
- Appeals in front of an administrative law court and beyond
You may be led to believe that your employer, their insurance company and the insurance adjuster have your best interest in mind. That may not be the case. However, you can rest assured that our work injury lawyers have your best interest in mind every step of the way. Jason is a delivery driver. Recently, while doing his rounds, he was involved in a car accident. He came out of the collision with an ankle injury, which he reported immediately to his employer. While using crutches and waiting for his ankle to heal, he developed pain in his lower back. This secondary injury grew worse and worse. How does this additional injury impact his workers’ comp claim? The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire are committed to making the workers’ comp process work for people like Jason. One-size-fits-all guidance has no place in workers’ comp cases. Work injuries are certainly not one-size-fits-all. They impact everyone differently. We will take the time to learn about how your injury has had an impact on you. The guidance we provide will be tailored to fit your needs.
Your Workers' Compensation Rights
Injured workers have rights. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, our attorneys are committed to not only educating our clients about workers’ compensation rights, but also to seeing that those rights are observed and protected. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, we are available to stand up for your rights. For more than 25 years, Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has helped people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. Our knowledge of workers’ compensation rights and employer liability has helped us obtain more than 100 million dollars in comp for people who have been hurt on the job. When you choose us to handle your case, we will take the time to educate you on the various rights you are entitled to under workers’ compensation law, including:
- The right to report your workplace injury to your employer and request that they file a general admission of liability
- The right to be offered a choice between two doctors to review your injury
- The right to seek compensation for accidents that took place at your job
- The right to enlist an experienced lawyer at the very start to ensure that these and all of your other rights are protected
At our law firm, we are committed to seeing that workers’ compensation rights are observed by employers. We are willing to work hard to meet that goal. Jessica is an administrative assistant in an office. While walking to a meeting recently, she tripped over a phone cord that was stretched across an aisle. Her fall resulted in a broken leg with serious damage to her knee and ankle. Despite the fact that she filed a report with her employer as soon as possible, her requests for the observance of her workers’ compensation rights have been completely ignored. What is her next step? The lawyers of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire work hard to see that the comp insurance rights of people like Jessica are not ignored by their employers. You deserve an attorney who will be responsive to your needs. We believe in remaining in contact throughout the process. We will keep you updated on the status of your case. When you contact us, if we are not immediately available, we will respond quickly.
What Happens When a Claim is Denied?
Many legitimate workers’ comp claims result in denial. The process does not have to stop there. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, our lawyers will take your case to the next level. We will make every effort to see that you receive the workman’s compensation you need. If you or a loved one has had your workers comp claim denied by the employer and their insurance company, we can help. Since our establishment in 1982, Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has made a commitment to helping injured people. Our law firm is made up of leaders in the field of workers’ comp claims and appeals. Several of our attorneys are former presidents or founders of important organizations, including Professionals in Workers’ Compensation (PWC) and the Workers’ Compensation Education Association (WCEA). A workers’ comp claim may be denied for many reasons. Some of the reasons that employers and their insurance companies give for denials are:
- The injury did not happen at work
- The injury is the result of a preexisting condition
- The injury is not severe enough
No matter what the reason given, we will stand by your side to pursue further action if you’ve had a workers comp claim denied. We will appeal the decision and present your case in front of a judge. If necessary, we will take your case as far as it needs to go to get the results that are right for you. Paula works in a warehouse. Recently, she was involved in a forklift accident. She suffered a serious head injury. Her recovery was surprisingly swift, but she soon found herself facing aftereffects that were hard to deal with. She had trouble remembering things and became easily confused. When she went to the workers’ comp claim doctor, he said that memory loss happened to everybody. It had never happened to her before the accident. What should she do? The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire can provide experienced guidance about the steps that people like Paula should take to get fair compensation. We provide personal attention in every case. That means that you will always talk to a lawyer. You will not be passed around to a paralegal, a secretary or an investigator. You will get the legal support you deserve.
Workers' Compensation for Minors
Are you an injured worker who is under 21 years old?At the Denver law offices of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we have represented the rights of injured workers since 1982. We are available to help with workers’ compensation for minors and older workers, alike.
Serving in Minor Workers’ Best Interests
According to Colorado’s child labor laws, employees who are younger than 21 years of age are considered minors. Often, these young people find themselves working minimum wage jobs as they proceed through high school and college. Though they play a valuable part in our economy, often the important contributions of younger workers are not recognized. Further, if they are injured in the course of employment, managers may dismiss their claims and not extend the same employee rights as they would to a working adult. Unless an injured minor worker knows to demand maximum workers’ compensation benefits, it is likely that employers and their insurers will not voluntarily provide the highest level of benefits. This is where a good attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a workers’ compensation claim.
Working on Behalf of Injured Workers
At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we understand the effect a workplace injury can have on future employment prospects. We are committed to protecting the rights of all employees, including those under 21 years old. We invite you to choose our firm to work on your behalf to obtain the full workers’ compensation or Social Security benefits to which you are due.
Understanding Workers' Compensation Law
At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we know that there are many misconceptions about workers compensation law. We are committed to cutting through the misconceptions. We are here to educate you about how workman’s comp can benefit you. If you or a loved one is an injured worker who has been hurt on the job, we are here for you. Since 1982, Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has handled workers compensation law cases for people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. We have helped countless injured workers get the compensation they need to maintain their quality of life. Our help starts by clarifying any misunderstandings, including those related to:
- Why compensation law entitles injured workers to two-thirds of their pay
- Caps on the amount of benefits available to an employee
- Whether workers’ compensation law covers pain and suffering that resulted from an accident at work
- Whether filing a workers’ compensation claim protects your job
- What types of injuries qualify for workers’ compensation
We will provide you with the accurate information you need to make important decisions about your case. Tim works for a large construction company. On a job recently, he was involved in an accident and suffered a severe back injury. The injury prevents him from being able to do the heavy-duty work he typically does. The company advised him that they have an office job available, but it pays significantly less than his previous position. Should he accept the office job? The lawyers of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire are dedicated to helping people like Tim make the most appropriate decisions in situations like these. In all our years of handling cases involving workers’ compensation law, we have yet to see two cases that are exactly the same. We believe that different cases should be handled differently. We will take the time to get to know you. We will learn about your needs. The guidance we provide will be customized to do what is right for you.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
What Can Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire Do For You in SS Disability?
The Denver SSDI attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire are committed to getting people the SSDI or SSI benefits they need. We have more than 25 years of experience in helping people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. We will put forth every effort to see that you get the benefits you need to maintain your quality of life despite an injury or illness that prevents you from working. Our success rate in SSDI means that we know what to do to get results. We have helped countless people through the system. Our team knows how to navigate through the seemingly endless amounts of red tape and bureaucracy that stand between you and the benefits you need. Having handled these cases many times before, we understand what the judges are looking for when we appeal an SSDI denial. We know their specific habits, and we know the guidelines that they follow. At the outset of your case, we will design a legal strategy with these things in mind. We will gather medical records and testimony to strengthen your case. TheDenver SSDI attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire will present a strong case in an administrative law hearing. If we are unable to get results there, we can stand by your side to pursue additional steps. We are here to see that your rights under SSDI law are observed. Tom and Darla both work in the same field. They know each other through a community organization. Recently, they both suffered serious injuries. Darla’s was the result of being hit by a car while on a walk. Tom’s was the result of falling from his roof while putting on new shingles. Darla was surprised to find that her SSDI claim was denied while Tom’s was accepted, despite the fact that the only real difference in their situations is that Tom is 15 years older. Does Darla have any options? At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we will not only help Darla understand why she was initially denied, we will also help her understand the additional action she can take. Our attorneys are committed to SSDI law. We frequently lecture on the topic, sharing our knowledge with a wide range of other professionals. That is the level of understanding we bring to every case.
Difference Between SSDI and SSI
There is a great deal of confusion between the Social Security Administration’s two disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have questions about the difference between SSDI and SSI and which one makes the most sense in your case, you are not alone. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, our lawyers have more than 30 years of experience providing Social Security Disability guidance to people in the greater Denver area. We can answer your questions and help you pursue benefits through the program that is right for you.
A Question Of Eligibility
The key distinction between SSDI and SSI is eligibility. The first criteria that must be met for both programs is that you must be disabled and unable to work. To qualify for SSDI benefits, however, you must also meet criteria related to your work history. To get SSDI benefits, you must have earned sufficient work credits prior to becoming disabled. In other words, you must have worked for a certain period of time and contributed a portion of your income to Social Security. Only after earning the required amount of work credits are you considered insured under SSDI and eligible for benefits. SSI, on the other hand, is considered a low-income program. You are not required to have worked for any length of time prior to becoming disabled. You will only be eligible for these benefits if you have limited income and assets.
Different Benefits
The amount of benefits offered through SSDI and SSI also differs. The amount of money you could receive in SSDI benefits is based on your lifetime earnings. For most people, this is substantially more than is offered in SSI benefits. The amount of money you could receive in SSI benefits is set by law and could be impacted by other income you receive.
Your Social Security Disability Rights
Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits exist to help people who are unable to work due to illness or injury. You have the right to use them. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we are committed to seeing that your Social Security disability rights are protected. We work hard to see that you get the benefits you need to move forward with your life. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, we have been helping people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado since 1982. When we take a case, we have every intention of getting results. We work hard to see that your Social Security disability rights are observed. That dedication has allowed us to achieve an amazing success rate in cases involving SSDI and SSI claims. The right to obtain Social Security disability benefits hinges on the amount of time you have spent in the workforce. The time you have spent in working translates into credits, which determine whether and how much you can receive. Your right to receive Supplemental Security Income differs from your Social Security disability rights. These benefits are more flexible and do not necessarily require specific amounts of time spent in the workforce. However, the benefits are often not as substantial as those provided by SSDI. Our lawyers will work with you to see that you understand your rights under Social Security disability law. John used to manage a warehouse. While working on his home, he fell from a ladder and suffered serious injuries that prevent him from returning to work. John went to a doctor who does disability evaluations. The doctor agreed that John was disabled. However, after months of waiting, John’s application for SSDI was declined. Is there anything he can do now? The lawyers of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire can help people like John see that their Social Security disability rights are observed. When you choose us, you will get personal attention from an attorney who cares about you. Whether you suffered a work injury, were a victim of a car accident, or suffer from any other illness or injury that interferes with your ability to work, we will stand by your side.
Supplemental Security Income
Defining Supplemental Security Income
Long-term disability is a topic that most people do not think about until confronted with the inability to work. Often, individuals have maintained regular careers up until a specific point, such as a car accident or workplace accident. When faced with the inability to work regularly and subsequent loss of income, the prospects can seem frightening. The Social Security Administration operates two programs to provide disabled individuals with financial assistance: Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Though often confused due to similarities, these programs are very different in nature and in purpose. Both programs require proof of severe disability and the inability to return to regular, full-time employment. However, Social Security disability benefits are intended to provide financial assistance for workers who have paid a sufficient amount of Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income is intended to provide financial assistance for lower-income individuals who do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire we represent the interests of those seeking financial benefits through either the SSDI or the SSI systems. Our legal team is able to answer questions, work with personal physicians and assist through every step of the filing process.
What Happens to a Denied Disability Claim?
Countless Social Security Disability claims result in denials. That does not mean a denied disability claim is not legitimate. You do not have to simply accept a denial. The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire can stand by your side to appeal the decision and help you get the benefits you need. If you or a loved one has had a Social Security Disability claim denied, we are here for you. Since 1982, the law firm of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has helped people who are unable to work due to injury or illness of any sort. We are available to stand beside people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. When you choose us, you can be assured that you will have an experienced attorney by your side from start to finish. Your case will not be passed around the office. We will be here for you when you need us. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may give a wide range of reasons for denial of an SSDI or SSI claim, including:
- Injury or illness does not meet their criteria for a disability
- Not enough work credits
- Insufficient medical evidence of disability
No matter what reason was given to you for your denied SSD claim, we can help. We will put forth every effort to see that your rights are observed and you get what you deserve. How Do I Appeal A Denied Disability Claim?Understanding why your claim was denied is the first step to appealing the SSA’s decision. The next step involves making sure the information presented to the SSA is as thorough and detailed as possible. Our attorneys have in-depth research and writing skills: key elements in any appeal process. We make sure our clients’ paperwork is complete and accurate and the evidence they used to support the claim does exactly that. We review the filing process to make sure deadlines were met and will be met during the appeal. Perhaps most importantly, we investigate the details surrounding our clients’ medical conditions by speaking with medical professionals, occupational experts and financial analysts who can provide insight into the full scope of our clients’ needs. In many cases, compounding factors like one disability that coincides another impairment are what make the difference between an accepted and denied claim. We can make sure no key information goes overlooked. Due to an injury sustained in a serious truck accident, Harlan was no longer able to continue working at his job as a roofer. He sent in a Social Security Disability claim and was denied. A few months later, he found out he could appeal the decision. He was told that the 60 days he had to appeal had expired, and he now needed to start all over again. In the meantime, he is having difficulty paying his bills. What should he do now? The attorneys of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire take great care to ensure that important deadlines are met in cases like Harlan’s. We know what to do after SSDI claims denials. Our team’s hard work in Social Security Disability claims cases has earned us a 90 percent success rate for our clients. We want to make you one of our successes.
Understanding Colorado Social Security Law
Many misunderstandings exist about Colorado Social Security law and the rights they provide. At Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire, our attorneys are committed to cutting through those misunderstandings. We are here to educate you about how SSDI or SSI can benefit you. If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a serious illness or injury, we are ready to help. Since our establishment in 1982, Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire has made a commitment to helping people get the benefits they need to maintain their quality of life. Our experienced lawyers are available to help people in Denver and the surrounding parts of Colorado. The help we provide starts by providing you the information you need to understand Colorado Social Security law. We will clarify common misunderstandings, including those related to:
- What the Social Security Administration considers a disability
- The difference between SSDI and SSI
- The relationship between a person’s age and their ability to get SSDI or SSI
- What documentation the Social Security Administration needs to see in order to provide SSDI or SSI
- How Medicare and Medicaid relate to SSDI and SSI
- Whether SSDI or SSI is based on a person’s ability to continue in the current line of work or on the ability to obtain an alternate form of employment
We will provide you with the knowledge you need to make educated decisions as we move forward with your case. Tina used to work as an electrician. Recently, she lost the use of her legs in a car accident. She is no longer able to pursue the line of work she has done for the last decade. Her application for benefits was denied. She was told that the information provided does not indicate that she is unable to pursue a job in an alternate field. Can she still obtain benefits under Colorado Social Security law? The lawyers of Sullivan Sullivan and McGuire are dedicated to helping people like Tina get the answers they need to understand SSDI and SSI. You deserve personal attention. We are prepared to provide it. At the outset of your case, we will learn about how your injury or illness has had an impact on your life and your ability to work. We will learn about your goals. As we move forward, we will only move in the direction that is right for you.