1.) Contact the Brooks Law Group (888-We-Mean-It) and speak to one of our Social Security Disability Case Managers.  They are here to guide you through any questions that you may have regarding this process and will tell you exactly what your part is in it (Keep in mind that you will not be charged for anything unless we win your case).

2.) File Immediately.  The sooner you file with the Social Security Administration, the sooner your case is started.  As we mentioned earlier, this is a lengthy process.  You can file online or in person.

3.) See a Doctor for your condition.  It can be difficult without insurance for one to see a doctor.  However, it is extremely important for your case to have the support of a doctor.  There are programs out there that will help you financially and will assist you in getting medical care.

4.) Continue taking prescribed medications.  Along with seeing a doctor, it is important to maintain taking your prescribed medications consistently.  All the medications you take are documented and can help support your case.

5.) Keep a Journal.  It is an excellent idea to write in a journal each day about how your impairment doesn’t allow you to perform daily tasks.  Keep it handy so that you can document times and instances as they happen.  It is a good idea to do this before you apply but if you don’t it is okay…just keep in mind that the sooner the better.

6.) Keep a record of Work History.  It is important to have a record of past employment including dates and lengths of employment.  If you have worked for at least five out of the last 10 years then you have paid in to Social Security which qualifies you for SSD rather than SSI which can allow for greater benefits.

7.) Keep your deadlines!  After being denied Social Security Disability, claimants only have 60 days to appeal a denial.  If this deadline is not met, then the process starts all over again.  That is why seeking help from us can substantially reduce the length of time this process could take.

8.) Keep Spending to a Minimum.  Throughout this duration of time while waiting to be approved for Social Security, you may be forced to use monies saved up to survive off of.  That is why it is extremely important to only spend where necessary to allow money to last you as long as possible.

9.) Maintain Health Insurance or apply for Health Insurance with government agencies.  If you cannot maintain your health insurance immediately contact us for help in identifying government agencies that will provide medical care for the financially strapped. It is very important to consistently treat and maintain your doctor’s appointments. The Judge largely goes by your documented medical record in making a decision on your eligibility for benefits.

10.) Don’t Give Up.  No matter what, keep up your end of the street.  Times throughout this process will be frustrating and overwhelming but the important thing to remember is that no matter what, keep the process going and don’t give up.

We at the Brooks Law Group hope that this information was helpful to you. We want you to know that if you have any questions at all regarding Social Security Disability that we are here to help.  I urge you to give us a call at 888-We-Mean-It (888-936-3264).  We have offices in Tampa, Winter Haven, and Lakeland.

I can’t stress it enough to all of my readers…watch your speed!!!  It seems like the road is getting to be even more unsafe as time goes on.  This young man has his whole life ahead of him and it is amazing that he is still alive! Nothing is so important that you have to speed to get there.  It is worth being a couple of minutes late than risking your life or the lives of others.

Auto accidents are no joke.  Not only are people’s lives at stake, but people may come out of a serious auto accident with serious life-long injuries.

If you know anyone who was a victim of an automobile accident in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Tampa, we urge you to call us today at 888-We-Mean-It (888-936-3264).

We are a dedicated group of Attorneys who will fight to get you all the money you deserve for your injuries.  We are here for you and WE MEAN BUSINESS.

We have a list of 8 “Must-Do’s” printed on a credit card sized plastic card.  You can put it in your wallet next to your driver’s license and if you are ever in an accident you will know EXACTLY what to do.

Contact Steve at steve@brookslawgroup.com and ask for the plastic card. If you want one for your spouse or children we will be glad to send you more than one.  -Steve

8 “Must Do’s”

• Call the police and call an ambulance if needed
• Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses
• Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene and damage to any/all vehicles
• Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police
• Do not admit fault to anybody
• Do not speak to the other driver’s Insurance Company
• See a doctor immediately
• Call the Brooks Law Group 1-888-WE-MEAN-IT

The crash was simply an SUV backing up over the toddler in a parking lot.  One would never think that such a deadly accident could occur in a parking lot, but it can.

We urge all of our readers to be extra careful when backing out of a space at any store. It is SO tragic to see a young life disappear as a result of an auto accident.

If you or anyone you know was involved in an auto accident, we urge you to call us today for a free consultation at 888-We-Mean-It (888-936-3264). We have offices in Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Tampa.

We are here for you to help you through your loss or injury.

We then each individually did our fundraising on our own time and at the event we sold sandwiches, wraps, chips, drinks and merchandise to raise a grand total of $1,425.00 for the American Cancer Society.

It feels good to know that we did something to benefit Caner Prevention. It seems to be too common these days for people to have cancer.  I have had family members and friends with Cancer and every little bit counts when we are fighting for Cancer Prevention.

Next year, we are going to start our fundraising a little early and we will keep you posted on upcoming events so you can be a part of it!!! We want to beat our goal of $2500.00!!!

Congratulations to: Barbara Cline!!! She is one of our paralegals here at Brooks Law Group, and her total fundraising was the most individually for our team with a grand total of $270.00.  GO BARBARA!!!

Here are 3 Reasons why texting while driving causes Car Accidents:

1. It is a Fact: In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that 16% of all fatal crashes were caused by distracted driving.
2. It is Distracting: While driving, texting takes away from the needed focus on the road and what is going on around you while on the road.  It is dangerous for everyone…even “skilled texters.”
3. It happens SO quick: It only takes a split second of your attention to be away from what is going on around you while driving to veer off the road and cause a major accident.

Texting can be quite convenient, however while driving, the Attorneys at the Brooks Law Group suggest that you stay off the phone.  If it is absolutely necessary for you to be on the phone, it is better to talk than to text.  We value the lives of the friends we’ve made over the years and we don’t want to lose anyone as a result of carelessness.  Take care and practice smart driving…don’t text and drive.