Communication
You know the drill; you hire a professional to help with a problem, and then you can never get a hold of him.
The care and communication you hoped to receive quickly turns to disappointment when you can’t get a phone call returned or an appointment made.
We get it!
We have a different perspective on service.
Communication with your attorney or legal assistant is the key to obtaining the best results possible and keeping peace of mind.
Here’s what it’s like working with us:
1. When you first call our law firm, attorney Nick Callas will answer your questions and suggest a plan on how to proceed with your case.
2. As soon as we are retained, our legal staff will start obtaining all relevant medical/employment records in your workers’ compensation, social security disability, and/or personal injury case.
3. We will keep you abreast of significant developments in your case and answer your questions as they arise.
4. To make an appointment, just call, and one will be set up at a mutually agreeable time.
Different Perspective
For starters, we are passionate about what we do, and that passion is the driving force behind everything we do.
As such, we’ve identified five (5) core areas:
1. Competency
We value competency, which means we possess the knowledge, skills, and discipline to handle your case and achieve the best possible outcome.
2. Communication
Not only do we keep you updated every step of the way, but we communicate with our clients in a way they can easily understand.
3. Expectations
Our goal is to exceed expectations. We maintain high expectations, which are a driving force for perseverance. Put another way, we don’t give up easily.
4. Easy
Life comes with enough challenges, and let’s face it: when you are in pain, the last thing you want is for something to be complicated. That’s why we strive to make the entire process as easy as possible from when you first contact us until we close your case.
5. Experience
With over thirty-three (33) years of practicing law, we have gained practical knowledge through direct experience to get the job done.
Last but not least, we are here to serve you!
Types of Social Security
Disability Cases We
Routinely Handle
Social Security Disability Application
To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI), you must meet a number of requirements.
Your disability must result in “the inability to do any substantial gainful activity” due to a physical or mental impairment that 1) will result in death or 2) is expected to last for more than 12 months.
The disability also must prevent you from 1) performing the type of work you have done in the past and 2) performing “any other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy.”
The disability can be a medical condition, a debilitating physical or mental illness, or a long-term injury.
You also must have an established work history of jobs covered by Social Security.
SSDI benefits include:
- Benefits missed from the time you become disabled to the time you began receiving SSDI
- A monthly payment consisting of the amount of money you made before the onset of your disability
- Medicare coverage, which will begin two years after you begin receiving SSDI benefits
SSDI Denied Claims
Many SSDI claims are denied initially.
Whether we are retained before you file your SSDI application or after your application has been denied, your social security disability lawyer will work with your doctor and healthcare team to gather the evidence that you will need to qualify for benefits.
There are several stages of appealing an SSDI denied claim:
Reconsideration: First, the appeal will be considered by the SSA again, and you can submit new evidence.
Disability hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, then the case can go to an administrative law judge.
Appeals Council: If you are unsuccessful at your disability hearing, we then present your case to the Social Security Appeals Council.
Disability lawsuit: If the Appeals Council denies your appeal, the final option is to file a disability lawsuit in the federal district court.
Our team strives to get your case resolved as quickly as possible, because we know the financial strain that a disability can cause when you are not receiving social security benefits.
We will work with you throughout your case, answering your questions and gathering the evidence and witnesses needed to establish your claim for benefits.
Supplemental Security Income
If you have a permanent or long-term disability, are low-income, or don’t have a sufficient work history to receive SSDI, you may still be eligible for SSI.
You must have under $2,000 in assets (or, if you are married, under $3,000) to qualify for this program.
Your supplemental security income attorney can work with you to determine if you are eligible for SSI and help you to gather the evidence you will need to get your SSI benefits approved.
Security Disability
Here’s a list of the most common questions we receive from people who have been injured on the job in South Carolina.
How long does it take to go through the social security disability process?
How are the amounts of my benefits determined?
What does SSA consider in determining whether I should be approved for benefits?
SSA will consider your age, work history, educational background, and medical evidence in their evaluation of your application for disability benefits. During our initial meeting, we go over your work history, educational background, and medical documentation. Simply put, do your medical records adequately show your physical or mental limitations that prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity or working full-time? If not, we will help you to develop and present your medical evidence to best support your claim for benefits.
How can a lawyer help me with a disability case?
Your social security disability lawyer will help you to prepare and present your case by:
- Explaining the application and appellate process,
- Assisting you in completing the various forms and requests for information you will receive from SSA,
- Gathering your medical records and evidence from your treating doctors in support of your case and ensuring that your medical evidence is submitted prior to any hearings,
- Explaining to you what to expect at the hearing and going over the likely questions that will be asked by an administrative law judge, and
- Filing a disability lawsuit in the federal district court when necessary.
What are the fees charged by an attorney in a disability case?
Fees charged by an attorney must be approved by the Social Security Administration. Our firm uses the standard federal contract which pays the representative a fee of 25 percent of the past-due benefits, not to exceed $6,000.00. If we are not successful in winning your case and obtaining past-due benefits, no fee is charged.
REVIEWS FROM CLIENTS
The Rules of Professional Conduct require disclosure that this is a “Testimonial” about the attorney.
Please be aware that any result achieved on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.
Nick Callas spent over a half hour explaining things to me that my last attorney failed to tell me. I have some appointments to make but as soon as I’m done Nick will be my first call! He was informative, knowledgeable, and understanding. Plus he was easy to talk to.
Trish Marsello – Client
I needed a second opinion on my disability approval. I’d been approved, but not for retroactive payments. I called the Callas Law Firm and spoke directly with Mr. Callas, which was refreshing. He advised me beyond my expectations in a friendly, kind and respectful manner. I highly recommend counsel like him and his firm. Thank you, Mr. Callas.
Eve Morales – Client
Mr. Callas was a tremendous asset in my workers compensation case. He was always on top of everything involved in my case. He doesn’t let the otherside sit on their hands and beat around the bush. He gets the job done.
Steven Howard – Client
READY TO SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY?
It won’t cost you anything to speak with an attorney about your case.
1901 Gadsden Street, Suite B
Columbia, SC 29201
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
***Available after hours and by appointments***
Serving all of Lexington and Richland County.
Law Office of Nicholas G. Callas PA represents clients throughout South Carolina including Columbia, Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, Sumter and parts of North Carolina including Charlotte.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
