Social Security Disability and SSI claimants might be interested in some of the following information regarding claims. Hearing Office Average Processing Time Ranking Report – the Social Security Administration recently released updated numbers for the average number of days until final disposition of claims from the hearing request. Some ODARs of interest for claimant’s in
There are many factors that can contribute to the cause of a car accident. These can include alcohol, speeding, inattention and numerous other causes. When a driver is distracted or fails to obey the rules of the road while operating a motor vehicle in Tennessee, civil liability may apply regarding any injuries to car accident
When workers in Tennessee and elsewhere are injured on the job, they can often apply for benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation program. The workers’ compensation program is designed to assist those who have suffered injuries or illness at work and are, at least temporarily, unable to continue working at their job. The payment of
It is becoming a simple equation: more technology equals more distracted driving equals more personal injury claims. When it comes to new cars in the United States, MP3 connectivity is practically a given: Nine out of 10 new cars sold in the U.S. have MP3 jacks, according to HealthDay News, and numerous manufacturers offer a
Airbags deployed in a two-car accident, and at least one person went to the hospital in Knoxville on April 26. The collision resulted in personal injury and occurred during the morning rush hour, around 8 a.m. Reports indicate that the collision happened at the corner of Attica Road and Main Street. An Alero and a
Current and former Savannah River Site (SRS) workers are invited to important town hall meetings on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 for information on injury claims. The meetings that will begin at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry Street SW, Aiken, SC 29803 will discuss rights for injured workers under the Energy
As many parents in Tennessee likely know, it is against the law for a teen to drive with a carload of other teens in our state. Despite this, Tennessee has a 15 percent fatality rate for car accidents involving drivers between 16 and 17 years of age. This is the 12th highest rate in the nation.
The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed “Loser Pays” legislation that will affect civil cases, including personal injury cases. The legislation, which takes affects claims filed on or after July 1, 2012, requires a party that is represented by an attorney to pay all reasonable and necessary litigation costs actually incurred up to $10,000.00 if the civil
Recently, we discussed the Social Security Disability benefits that a surviving spouse of an insured person may be entitled to, but what about a divorced widow or widower? Can he or she draw off a deceased insured worker? For the answer, one must look to 20 CFR § 404.331. In order to draw benefits: There
The Knoxville Police Department is continuing to investigate the cause of a serious car accident that occurred on April 14. The car accident, which resulted in life-threatening personal injury, occurred on the Alcoa Highway during the early morning hours. Traffic had to be rerouted around the collision for about two hours while authorities worked to
Knoxville police report that a car accident involving a bicycle occurred on April 9 in Knoxville just before 6:30 p.m. While heading east on Kingston Pike, the bicyclist approached the intersection with Deane Hill Drive. An oncoming car attempted to make a turn onto Deane Hill and struck the bicyclist, resulting in personal injury to
Can a surviving spouse draw benefits off of a fully insured person after that person’s death? This is a common question encountered in dealing with Social Security Disability. 20 CFR § 404.335 is where the answer is found in the Social Security regulations. However, the eligibility requirements for a surviving spouse in regulation can be
When can the Social Security Administration garnish benefits received by Social Security Disability claimants? The Federal government can and will garnish Social Security benefits under several circumstances: Enforcement of child support or alimony obligations. See 42 USC 659. Federal law limits the maximum amount that can be administratively seized for both past-due and current child
Police officers endanger their lives the moment they put their badges on, but officers typically aren’t worried about that. It’s part of their job to worry about keeping the community in which they serve safe. That appears to be exactly what two Knoxville police officers were doing on a recent Tuesday before trying to avoid
People often wonder what benefits are children entitled to if one of the parents is drawing Social Security Disability? In general, a child can draw benefits on the earnings record of an insured person who is entitled to old-age benefits, SSDI benefits, or who had died. However, there are certain parameters set forth in the
People in Tennessee often get in their cars expecting that they will make it to their destination safely. Sadly, another driver’s negligence can turn an otherwise peaceful drive into a tragedy. Late last month, two people lost their lives in yet another of the fatal crashes that happen all too frequently on Tennessee highways. The
What happens if a Social Security Disability or SSI claimant works at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels during the application or appeals process? Generally, if the claimant’s impairments force her to stop working in six months or less, then the work will not be viewed as an ability to work at SGA and will be
Truck accidents can happen to anyone, including Tennessee state troopers. Often being stopped on the side of the highway can be dangerous as drivers may not expect to encounter a stopped vehicle. However, drivers are expected to maintain a safe distance from police cars that are conducting traffic stops near the road. One recent truck
Many facets of Tennessee Workers’ Compensation will be discussed at several Continuing Legal Education seminars that John Dreiser will be speaking at this summer. On June 14, 2012, John will be presenting on workers’ compensation issues from the injured worker’s perspective at a Knoxville Bar Association Lunch and Learn seminar. This seminar is titled “Workers’
Driving late at night can lead to tiredness and fatigue, as many people in Tennessee know. Unfortunately, truck drivers are particularly prone to becoming tired while driving. When a driver of big rig loses control after falling asleep or simply taking attention off the road, a truck accident can result. A truck accident occurred on the shoulder of interstate