What attorneys in the Dallas metropolitan area handle both LTD (long
term disability policies) applications AND Social Security Disability
applications on behalf of NEW applicants for disability benefits?

The key issues:  (1) I need combined expertise in both LTD and SSD
because the applications affect each other.  (2) I need a lawyer to
help me with the initial applications because they'll likely be denied
if not documented very precisely from the start.  (This is because it
is difficult to verify migraines with physical tests.)

My situation:  I have recently become unable to work due to
increasingly severe headaches for which I have been seeing doctors for
several years.  I am covered under an individual disability insurance
policy that I was offered by my former employer's LTD carrier.  I'm
told I need a lawyer to assure that I receive all the benefits I'm
entitled to under such a policy.

Regarding Social Security Disabibility benenfits, I'm told a lawyer's
participation speeds a claim process considerably and greatly
increases the likelihood of ever getting the benefits.

I'm also told that it's probably best to process both applications in
tandem because the amount awarded under the commercial insurance
policy may be affected by the Social Security benefits claimed.  Also,
I believe the campaign would be best coordinated if both applications
are handled by the same attorney, and I figure one attorney would be
less expensive than two.  As you may imagine, I'm already financially
strapped.

From my research so far, there seem to be a lot of Social Security
specialists and just a few LTD policy specialists working for benefits
seekers.  But I've found only one attorney who does both and I really
want more choices.

Because of my disability, it's hard for me to sit at a computer to do
the research adequately myself.  Even this question to Google Answers
is being composed and submitted by a friend on my behalf.  Thank you
in advance for your efforts.

---

Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 10 Apr 2003 17:24 PDT

Hi cicada-ga,

Who is the attorney you found? I found one for sure, but it might be
the same as the one you have. I have several other possibilities but
it's past 5pm in Dallas and not one is answering the phone.

I'll check this question thread in the am...

--Cynthia

Best way to get a good lawyer in Dallas is to call
a good one and ask if they do it, or if not, who.
I have used this firm extensively and on my
own behalf and everyone I have sent there, can
highly recommend them regarding my first statement.
They are a top firm whose rates are competitive.

- Martinjay-GA

Scheef & Stone, L.L.P.
5956 Sherry Lane, 14th Floor
Dallas, Texas   75225
(214) 706-4200

Hi cicada-ga,

It appears that there may not be a firm in the Dallas area which meets
your criteria. I shared your situation, word-for-word as you explained
it, with Kraft & Associates, a leading Dallas law firm, and received
this response:
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for your inquiry. I'm afraid we do not handle LTD claims and
I don't know anyone locally who does both LTD and SS. Sorry.

Generally, LTD policies have a clause taking a credit or offset for
any benefits paid under SS.

Robert A. Kraft 

Kraft & Associates 
Injury and Disability Claims 
2777 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 1300 
Dallas, Texas 75207 
(214) 999-9999 
(817) 999-9999 
(800) 989-9999 
mailto:rkraft@kraftlaw.com 
www.kraftlaw.com 
----------------------------------------------
I wish I could provide better news, but evidently it's not to be. Best
wishes with your situation. If Google Answers can help with other
related issues, please let us know.

ericynot-ga