Legal Question in Employment Law in Louisiana
I have been a state employee for 26+ years. I have Lupus and was involved in an accident last year that has now caused problems in my back. I hurt every day and have to take Lortabs to try and stop the pain.
After much consideration, I decided to file for state disability. I had all the documention, copy of doctor records, copy of MRI, everything was there, in black and white.
I was told on the phone yesterday that they denied my application. I know I can appeal, but should I get an attorney? This has taken such a toll on me physically and mentally. Now I have to jump through more hoops and there's still no guarantee they will approve me.
If I thought I could handle working, I would go back because I know in 4 years I would get a better retirement, but I just cannot handle a full time job at this point.
What should I do?
2 Answers from Attorneys
There are very good attorneys who specialize in disability claims often with free consultations. Make an appointment and bring all your documents.
State disability and SS disability, while different often are handled in the same way. That is, in my experience, unless you have to be wheeled in by the Pope, you get denied the first time around. Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the State procedure after that so I would not be of any help. However, do not be distressed by the denial. If it were SS then you should hire an attorney because the fees are paid out of whatever you recover, assuming you recover. I can only guess that it is the same with State disability.