Chicago Amputation Attorneys
Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers
Amputation is the complete loss of a limb or body extremity, such as a hand, foot, arm or leg. Amputation can result from an injury, medical operation, or some other catastrophic accident. An amputation of any kind, regardless of the cause of the loss of limb, is a devastating event with lifelong medical and emotional consequences.
If you have suffered an amputation, you may be entitled to social security disability benefits. Although a loss of limb is an obvious medical condition, filing a claim for social security disability benefits is not always straightforward. The skilled Chicago social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law have extensive experience representing clients obtain social security disability benefits as a result of a variety of medical conditions, including amputation.
Social Security Disability Qualifications
In order to qualify for social security disability benefits, an amputee must show that his or her medical condition prevents him or her from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For instance, an amputee applicant must show that he or she is unable to perform functions that are essential to the job, such as walking, standing, bending, lifting, pulling and pushing.
An amputee applicant will automatically qualify for social security disability benefits if he or she meets one of the following conditions:
- Have lost both hands
- Have lost either lower limb above the ankle and have medical complications that prevent the use of a prosthetic device
- Have lost one hand and one lower limb above the ankle and are unable to use a prosthetic device
- Have lost an entire leg at the hip or pelvic region
If an applicant does not meet one of the conditions listed above, he or she may still be entitled to social security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but it is more difficult to show that the applicant is unable to work and a hearing before an administrative law judge may be necessary.
Proving Your Social Security Disability Case
If a social security disability hearing is required, the administrative law judge will consider factors such as how the amputation affects the applicant’s ability to perform daily tasks, any supporting medical documentation explaining why a prosthetic device is impossible, and any other restrictions on activities as a result of the amputation. It is highly recommended that an amputee applicant consult with a trained social security attorney when filing a claim for social security benefits.
The Illinois social security disability law firm of Ankin Law has considerable experience advising clients, include amputees, with respect to social security disability claims. We will help prepare and review Social Security forms that must filed with the Social Security Administration as part of the claim process, and review your disability documentation to determine whether any additional supporting documentation may be needed. We will prepare you for, and advocate on your behalf at, a social security disability benefits hearing and prepare your social security disability benefits appeal, if necessary.
If you have suffered a loss of limb, contact the Chicago social security disability law firm of Ankin Law to learn more about how we can help you with your social security disability claim following an amputation.
