Practice Areas Overview

Charleston Social Security Disability Lawyer
Compassion – Dedication - Experience

At the Callahan Law Firm, P.C. we focus our attention on providing clients with high quality representation that is tailored to suit the needs of each individual client and case. We practice only in the area of disability benefits law, and concentrate on the types of issues and the legal concerns related to pursuit of a disability benefits. There are three main areas of disability benefits law in which our firm offers clients advice and representation.

Social Security Disability
Our firm helps individuals obtain the benefits they deserve through the Social Security Administration, with two main categories of disability benefits.  Social Security disability (SSD) insurance provides benefits to persons who had been working on a regular basis (usually for at least several years), until an injury or disease prevents them from working any longer at any type of job.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is government assistance program for persons with very low income and resources who are totally disabled, even if they do not have a long or recent work record.  Some of these programs may also be available to help children, widows, and widowers. 

Long Term Disability Insurance
Some employers provide “long term disability” benefits as part of their compensation package.   Also, some individuals may have purchased private disability policies.  Persons covered by a disability insurance plan may be entitled to monthly benefits if they meet their plan’s definition of “disabled.”  The definition of “disabled” may be different for each plan and policy.  It is in this area that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) often applies.  This is a complicated federal law that can serve as a “trap” for those not familiar with its rules.  At the Callahan Law Firm, we can help assure that you avoid those traps and help build your case for obtaining disability benefits.

Disability Retirement
Disability retirement is a program offered by some employers that allow disabled individuals to collect retirement benefits early. Some major corporations have disability retirements. The South Carolina Retirement Systems and the S.C. Police Officers Retirement System provides benefits to almost all state government employees, and to many municipal, school system, and county employees as well.  Our firm can assist you in understanding how you can get the disability retirement that is warranted in your case and how to navigate the South Carolina Retirement Systems or other employer’s disability plans.  Right now, the S.C. Retirement Systems will only accept applications that are submitted while you are still considered an “employee.”  If you wait until after your employment has been terminated (for example, after you have exhausted all of your medical leave, FMLA, etc.), they will deny your claim stating that it is too late.  We are fighting to try to change this rule, but you should always try to file your application before your employment is terminated.

For each of these types of disability benefits, the time to contact us is as soon as you have been denied disability benefits the first time.  There are usually deadlines that have to be met and the Callahan Law Firm can help.  Unfortunately, we are often less able to help persons who have previously appealed on their own.  That is because they have often already missed opportunities to build their case and avoid unfamiliar “traps” in insurance policies and the law.  For the best likelihood that we can help, contact us as soon as you are denied.
 
Many truly disabled individuals are denied disability benefits when they first apply. If we feel we can help you, our firm can help you appeal this decision and fight for your benefits.  It’s hard to do it alone.  If we take your case, then as long as you are doing all you reasonably can to get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s orders, we can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.  In most cases, there is no fee unless we are successful in helping you obtain disability benefits.

Contact a Social Security disability lawyer at the Callahan Law Firm, P.C., today. We are dedicated to serving our clients needs and helping you understand all aspects of your case. A free initial consultation is offered so you can discuss your specific situation with a member of our legal team. Also, flexible appointment times are available to accommodate your schedule.

The Callahan Law Firm, P.C. represents clients located throughout South Carolina, including the communities of Charleston, Summerville, Moncks Corner, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, McClellanville, Ravenel, Charleston County, Dorchester County, Berkeley County, and all of the surrounding areas.

Legal services may also be provided by associated counsel in Greenville, South Carolina.

Callahan Law Firm, P.C.
Phone: (843) 797-8664
Fax: (843) 329-4043
E-mail