Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers | Truitt Law Offices Blog

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Christopher Reeve is one of the most recognizable faces and names associated with Spinal Cord Injury. His life and legacy are a testament to how much someone can overcome and accomplish, when in spite of their handicap, they put their mind to it. There are countless other stories of the triumph and success of people living with spinal cord injury. Reeve and many others have discovered that life can yield great satisfaction in business, competitive sports and other arenas even after a spinal cord injury. Here are some of their stories:

Scott Chesney – became paralyzed from a sudden spinal stroke at the age of 15. A true student of life, he was not deterred by his injury and paralysis. Through his study of teachers of human behavior, Scott developed his own message for navigating life. Scott shares his philosophies as a personal empowerment coach for adults, teens and families. His success has earned him international recognition as a workshop and keynote presenter including speaking to an audience at the United Nations.

Teddy Pendergrass – singer, song writer and composer was severely injured in an auto accident in 1982. Before his accident Teddy had a successful career as a lead singer and solo artist. After completing physical therapy he returned to the studio and recorded the album Love Language. On July 13, 1985 Teddy returned to public performing then continued his career through the 1980s and 1990s. Sadly, Pendergrass succumbed to cancer on January 13, 2010. Both his music and the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance (a foundation that helps those with spinal cord injury), are a legacy and testament to what someone can accomplish in spite of spinal cord injury.

Teddy Pendergrass, Scott Chesney, Christopher Reeve and countless others like them provide a point of reference and encouragement. Realizing your potential and dreams after a spinal cord injury begins with ensuring you receive the care and consideration you need and deserve. That’s one reason you need a spinal cord injury lawyer familiar with the laws of Indiana. If you live in the Indianapolis area contact one at Truitt Law Offices.

The Social Security Administration uses a series of questions to determine disability after you have suffered some type of personal injury. These five qualifying questions provide a step by step process designed to help identify disability:

Are you working? – If you are working and your wages average more than $700 per month you will not normally be considered for disability.

Is your condition severe? – The impairments associated with your condition have to interfere with the normal work related activities to be considered disabled.

Is your condition found in the list of disabling impairments? – The Social Security Administration has a list of impairments that are organized by each of the major body systems. The impairments listed are those that are so severe they will automatically qualify you for disability status. For a condition that is not on the list, a determination must be made to determine if it’s as severe as one that is on the list. If it is not, go to the next step.

Can you do the work you did previously? – If your condition does not equal the severity of a condition on the list the Social Security Administration must determine if you can do the work you have done for the past 15 years. If you can, your claim will be denied.

Can you do any other type of work? – If you cannot do the work you have done in the past 15 years a determination must be made if you can do another type of work. Factors considered in this determination include age, work experience, transferrable skills and a review of job demands of occupations as determined by the Department of Labor. If you cannot perform any type of work your claim will be approved. If you can, your claim will be denied.

Having someone asking you all these questions can be intimidating. The outcome is important so it is essential to have an advocate who will help you navigate these questions and get the answers you deserve. If you live in the Indianapolis area, please contact Truitt Law Offices to find an Indiana spinal cord lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights at this time.