Category: Blog

Social Security disability (SSD/SSI) benefits can help if you can’t work due to a medical condition, but the majority of SSI claims are rejected when they’re initially filed. The first step in appealing is the reconsideration process where you can present new evidence to strengthen your SSI claim.

Here are a few tips on handling the Social Security disability reconsideration process and receiving SSI reconsideration approval.

SSI Reconsideration Approval Tips

• Be Timely

  The Social Security disability reconsideration process can take anywhere from three to five months, so it is important to start this process as soon as you can. Once you receive the decision on your initial claim, you have 60 days to begin the appeal. Try to send in your reconsideration as soon as you can so deliberation can begin and so you can receive your benefits sooner.

• Be Thorough

  The person who reviews your Social Security disability reconsideration is bound to the same laws as the initial reviewer, which means your initial claim was likely denied because there wasn’t enough information. The decision letter will tell you why your initial claim was denied. It’s a good idea to review the original decision and find if any information was left out.

Make sure all your forms are up to date with the latest information. You should provide any new medical information, including doctor’s visits, new treatments, and work you’ve performed. A letter from a medical professional explaining why you qualify for disability benefits can also strengthen your case.

• Hire an Attorney

  The Social Security disability reconsideration process can be difficult and confusing to navigate alone. Not only does hiring a disability lawyer allow you to better understand the process, but the chances of you winning your claim increase.

Studies have shown that claimants with a disability lawyer are up to three times more likely to have a successful claim. Plus, an experienced attorney will be able to help you look through the paperwork and determine if anything is missing. That way your claim can be submitted and approved faster, and you can begin receiving the benefits you deserve.

Southeastern Missouri’s SSI Reconsideration Approval Experts

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau will help you navigate the Social Security disability reconsideration approval process and take legal action to receive the compensation you deserve. If you want to learn more about our legal services or how we handle our Social Security disability cases, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at 573-335-9300.

If you’ve been in a Missouri car accident, you may be entitled to a settlement. These accidents can result in physical and psychological damage, and you may not be able to work while you recover. The average settlement payout of a car accident in Missouri is dependent on a number of factors, including severity, damages, resulting injuries, and lost wages. While there isn’t a fixed amount, there are averages of what your car accident settlement could be.

Average Missouri Car Accident Settlement Without Injuries

Many car accidents are simply fender benders where there is no serious harm done to either party, and the biggest damages are to the vehicles. Since there may be no injuries and no medical bills involved, these cases will settle for a smaller amount than a major accident.

The average settlement in Missouri for a minor car accident is between $3,000–$15,000. In this case, the amount of damage caused and the type of vehicle involved are the main considerations in determining the settlement amount. Missouri law allows defendants to receive compensation for repairs or replacement parts, so those bills may factor in as well.

Average Missouri Car Accident Settlement With Injuries

A major car accident can result in serious injury or even death. As a result, such an accident will produce a much different range of settlements. There are also a few more factors that play into this type of car accident. Physical pain and suffering, as well as the severity of your injuries, are two of the most important factors. Car accident claims can be strengthened by including medical bills that resulted from injuries sustained in the accident.

Missouri law also allows defendants to receive compensation for loss of income in the event their injuries cause them to miss work. Driving under the influence, without a license, or other cases of negligence are another factor that could increase settlement benefits. Overall, a major car accident settlement in Missouri can range from $15,000 up to more than $1 million if injuries are sustained.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Missouri

Car accident claims can be complex. Since there’s so much at stake, you’ll want a lawyer with experience who’s not afraid to fight for your maximum amount of benefits. Fortunately, the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau are ready to pursue aggressive legal action to receive compensation for your Missouri car accident injury.

To learn more about our legal services or how we handle our car accident cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free case evaluation.

 

Semi-truck accidents can cause serious injury or even death to motorists and pedestrians, while often leaving the driver of the 18-wheeler unharmed. To add further insult to injury, filing a truck accident claim to receive compensation can be an uphill battle, especially without an experienced lawyer.

Fortunately, the experienced lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau are well-versed in the legal process to help you if you’ve been the victim of a Missouri truck accident.

What Causes a Truck Accident?

There are several types of negligence at work that lead to a truck accident. While the trucking industry has lots of safety codes, these laws often get violated. Some common causes of a truck accident include:

• Negligent loading
• Unqualified drivers
• Driver fatigue or error
• Skipped maintenance
• Drivers not taking required breaks or being overworked

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Your first priority after being involved in a truck accident is your health. Immediately after the accident, check to make sure you and any other party involved is okay. If your injuries aren’t severe, it’s important to document as much of the accident as possible. Collect any sort of relevant information, including the driver’s name, insurance number, company, license plate number and driver’s license number. Take photos of the accident scene, and get a copy of the police report and witness statements.

It’s important you don’t talk to an insurance company or representatives of the trucking company. Instead, your very next step should be to call a truck accident attorney.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Missouri?

Since truck accident claims are complex, insurance companies will try to settle or underpay a self-represented victim. Do not play their game. While it may be the easy way out, a settlement will barely entitle you to the money you deserve. Furthermore, it’s hard to get a fair outcome when you represent yourself.

When you hire a truck accident attorney, you are getting experienced support. Truck accident attorneys, like the experts at Lanzotti & Rau, know what evidence to look for because they’ve handled similar cases. Having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner also takes stress off of your shoulders, giving you more time to recover instead of standing up to major insurance companies on your own.

Missouri’s Top Truck Accident Lawyers

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your truck accident injury. We charge no upfront fees and don’t get paid unless you do.

If you want to learn more about our truck accident legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 and schedule a free case evaluation.

 

An estimated six million car accidents happen every year. While some are minor, others can be more serious and result in injury or death. If you’ve been the victim of a car accident and want to receive compensation, it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer. Here are some of the benefits to hiring a car accident lawyer in Missouri.

Navigating the Legal Process

Personal injury claims can be a confusing and complex process. Claims can often get denied if they’re not properly filed. Insurance companies will try to take advantage of clients who represent themselves. Car accident lawyers will know how the process works and be able to help you easily navigate filing a claim. They’ll help you determine exactly how much you’re entitled to so you receive maximum benefits.

Determining Fault

Determining fault for your Missouri car accident is the first and sometimes hardest step. A driver can automatically assume fault even if that’s not accurate, or other drivers will refuse to take fault. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine who’s at fault by collecting and analyzing evidence. It’s a good idea to hire car accident lawyers in Missouri even if you think it’s your fault because you could still receive compensation. This will also help smooth out the process with insurance companies further down the road.

Provide Support and Compensation

Car accidents can cause severe financial losses, including medical expenses, physical suffering and assistance, and economic loss. Fortunately, car accident compensation can cover lots of these unfortunate events. A lawyer will help you determine what compensation you qualify for to cover these costs.

Apart from financial assistance, lawyers can provide personal support during a difficult time. Dealing with a personal injury claim while trying to recover from an accident can cause additional stress and hurt your healing process. Instead of trying to take everything on your own, your car accident lawyer can deal with all the legal jargon and help you get back to your daily life faster.

Your Missouri Car Accident Lawyers

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for lost wages after a car accident in Missouri. If you want to learn more about our legal services or how we handle our Southeastern Missouri area cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Workmans’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that differs from state to state, existing to provide benefits to workers who suffer a job-related injury or illness. In the state of Missouri, injured workers have to report on-the-job injuries to their employer or supervisor within 30 days of the incident. Failure to report a work-related injury may compromise their chances of receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

To successfully obtain the compensation you deserve following a jobsite injury, it is important that you work with an experienced attorney who understands workmans’ compensation laws in the state of Missouri.

Workmans’ Compensation in the State of Missouri

Here are the three types of workers’ comp benefits available to Missouri workers:

1. Benefit Payments

   The four types of monetary workers’ comp benefits include temporary partial disability, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, and permanent total disability. Before you can receive compensation, there is a three-day waiting period where you get paid until you’re unable to work for more than 14 days. Once those initial days have passed, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company pays for disability and medical bills. Any workmans’ compensation payment you receive is tax-free.

2. Disability Benefits

   There are two disability benefits: permanent partial disability and permanent total disability. Permanent partial disability is when your work injury affects your ability to do a job or task permanently, but you can perform other tasks. Permanent total disability applies to when you’re unable to work any job. If you apply for permanent total disability, you could receive weekly payments for life from your employer and its insurer, or a lump-sum settlement.

3. Payment for Lost Wages

The two payments you could receive are temporary partial disability and temporary total disability. You can receive temporary partial disability when the doctor clears you to go back to work with light or modified work but at less than full pay. Workers’ compensation law gives you 2/3 of the difference between the average earnings before the incident and the amount you’re earning while on disability. If your doctor deems you cannot work because of your injury, you can receive temporary total disability. Your employer will pay you 2/3 of your average gross wage until you return to work.

Expert Workmans’ Compensation Legal Services in Missouri

If you’re not sure what workmans’ compensation benefit applies to you, consider hiring the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau. Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to fight for you and help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your work-related injury. We don’t get paid until you do and we won’t charge you a bill or fee until we win your case.

If you want to learn more about our legal services and how we handle our workers’ compensation cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is frustrating, especially when your injuries prevent you from being able to work. However, after a car accident that results in an injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Lost wages fall under economic damages, including any lost base pay, salary, paid time off (PTO), overtime, and commissions. Even if you’re self-employed, you can get reimbursed for lost wages after a car accident. To receive lost wages reimbursement after a car accident, there are a few factors that must first be considered.

What You Need to Receive Lost Wages After a Car Accident

Before you get reimbursed for lost wages after a car accident, there are two key elements you must prove: that your injury interferes with your ability to work, and how much wages you’ve lost due to your inability to work. and income reimbursement you deserve.

One of the first documents you will need to submit is a Wage and Salary Verification form, which the insurance company will provide to your employer to complete. Other documents the insurance will need include:

• A detailed statement outlining your wages, salary, and benefits 13 weeks before the accident.
• Documents from your doctor that state your car accident injuries prevent you from working along with medical records that support your doctor’s testimony.
• If you’re self-employed, you will need to include proof on canceled contracts, 1099s, bank statements, and tax returns.

Based on the information provided by your employer, doctor, and medical experts, the insurance company will then decide on your right to be reimbursed for lost wages. The insurance company will do everything to fight your claim, so it is essential you have an experienced lawyer in your corner to help you win your case.

Expert Car Accident Legal Services in Southeastern Missouri

If you have been injured in a car accident and are unable to work, the professional personal injury attorneys at Lanzotti & Rau will fight to ensure you receive financial compensation for your lost wages. Our team of attorneys has the expertise and experience to handle all kinds of auto accident claims. And we don’t get paid until you do—that’s how confident we are in our abilities.

For more information about our legal services or how we handle our car accident cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Nothing is worse than getting into an accident with a commercial truck. An 18-wheeler can cause severe damage to you and your car, with some accidents resulting in fatalities. This accident leaves the victim with an endless list of payments and dealing with the traumatic event. Victims of truck accidents should know that they do not need to take this burden alone. Consider hiring a lawyer to represent you and fight for your case to alleviate the stress of figuring out the cost of a truck accident.

The Costs of a Truck Accident

There are direct and indirect costs that affect the victims of a truck accident. While the average cost of a truck accident can total in the tens of thousands, the precise amount depends on the size of the vehicle (medium- or heavy-sized truck), whether the truck driver followed regulations and the severity of your injuries. Here are a few of the costs truck accident victims must deal with:

Direct Costs

• Vehicle repair

  If your car is over 70% damaged, your insurance considers your car to be a total loss. Most accident damage is repairable but replacing a major piece can cost you over $1,000 and may not leave your car feeling or running the same as before.

• Medical bills

  The medical cost of a truck accident is expensive. From a broken leg to internal injuries that require multiple surgeries, many truck accident victims leave the hospital with bills ranging from $2,500 to over $10,000. Other costs include the ambulance ride, exams, scans, therapy, and recovery items such as crutches and wheelchairs.

Indirect Costs

• Insurance deductibles

  While your health and car insurance can help cover much of the direct medical and vehicle costs, after you reach your deductible, your insurance may not cover all of your bills if it’s outside of your Personal Injury Policy.

• Lost wages

  Victims of a truck accident can miss work due to a lack of transportation or a severe injury. Lost wages are considered economic damages and can encompass past, present, and future lost wages.

• Mental and physical costs

  The lasting, post-accident trauma that results from a truck accident can take a heavy toll on a victim. Oftentimes, truck accident victims are so severely traumatized that they can not sit in a vehicle, let alone drive one, for an extended period of time. Furthermore, dealing with insurance paperwork and filing a claim on your own can be mentally taxing and cost you time and stress if done on your own.

The Importance of Hiring Truck Accident Legal Services

Because each cost varies from case to case, there’s no definitive cost to a truck accident. And while you can’t put a price tag on the mental and physical damage that truck accident victims go through, you can put a timer on how you respond to a truck accident because the trucking company’s field investigators will quickly collect evidence to build their case against you. Therefore, if you’re the victim of a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact the expert team of personal injury and truck accident lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau.

Expert Truck Accident Attorneys in the Southeastern Missouri Area

The sooner you team up with our experienced truck accident attorneys at Lanzotti & Rau, the faster we can gather critical evidence to successfully represent you and get you the compensation you deserve. If you want to learn more about our legal services or how we handle truck accident injury cases, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at 573-335-9300.

If your on-the-job injury prevents you from working for a living or completing routine daily tasks, then it’s time to apply for workers’ compensation. As an employee, you’re guaranteed benefits to help financially support you through your difficult recovery process.

However, workers’ compensation applications can be complicated. When filing your workers’ comp application, you should know what you need to provide in order to ensure your claim is approved in a timely manner. Here are some helpful items to include when filling out your workers’ compensation application.

Workers’ Compensation Application Must-Haves

A successful workers’ compensation application should contain:

• Details About the Accident

  Documented details of the events surrounding your workplace injury are some of the most important aspects to include on your workers’ comp application. The more specific you can be, the more likely it will be approved. Be sure to include the date, time, location and extent of the injury. If there are any witnesses to the accident, they should be listed on the form. Witnesses could be called in later to testify at a hearing.

• Evidence About the Accident

  In addition to providing testimony, having evidence to support it will strengthen your application. Medical records from an approved physician as well as any medical bills you incurred will prove you sought treatment for your workplace injury. Paystubs from the time of your injury will also help determine the appropriate amount of compensation you could qualify for. However, photos and videos of the accident provide the strongest evidence.

Evidence is usually submitted before the hearing so it can be discussed during the process. Documents turned in after the application is filed may not be accepted in court. It’s a good idea to submit as much evidence as possible at this stage, so you have a strong argument for workers’ compensation.

• Employer-Required Forms

  These forms are usually provided by your employer and get sent to the employer’s insurance company and the state’s agency. The information collected includes details about the injury, including where and when it happened, and extent of the injury. State agencies can provide additional information and assistance when filling out employer-required forms.

After the details, evidence, and forms are collected, make copies as all of this information will be submitted to an administrative law judge for hearings and resolution. If you are unsatisfied with the result of your case, you may have to re-file and go through all these steps again with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. To help you navigate the hearing and appeals process, it is recommended that you hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

Call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers You Can Trust

The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau have been providing legal services to Southeastern Missouri workers for decades. We can help you pursue legal action to receive fair compensation for your on-the-job injury. If you want to learn more about our workers’ compensation legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation at 573-335-9300.

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that benefits workers who are injured or become ill while on the job. It’s important to know the ins and outs of workers compensation benefits so you can file for the maximum amount of monetary compensation you deserve.

Monetary Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Here’s a breakdown of the four types of monetary workers’ compensation benefits you can receive.

1. Temporary Partial Disability

   Temporary partial disability, or TPD, is granted when an employee can return to a light or modified form of work and receive less than full pay. The amount of TPD benefits is 2/3 of the difference between the average earnings at full pay and the amount the employee will earn while they are injured. TPD benefits are paid weekly.

2. Temporary Total Disability

   An employee qualifies for temporary total disability, or TTD, when a physician deems an employee unable to work due to an injury. It can also be granted when someone is recovering from surgery. The maximum amount someone can receive for temporary total disability is 2/3 of the worker’s average gross wage per week.

3. Permanent Partial Disability

   Permanent partial disability affects a worker’s ability to perform a job or task permanently, but they’re still able to work in a certain capacity. The benefits from PPD can be calculated two ways. Some people will settle for a lump sum. If not, permanent partial disability is paid weekly at a rate of 2/3 of the employee’s weekly earnings at the time of the injury.

4. Permanent Total Disability

   Permanent total disability is the fourth form of workers’ compensation. This means an employee is unable to work any job. PTD payments can be made weekly, or workers can also receive a lump-sum settlement. If someone chooses to receive weekly payments, the amount is 2/3 of the employee’s earnings when the injury occurred. This maximum amount is usually higher than PPD.

Your Southeastern Missouri Workers’ Compensation Benefits Experts

If you’re looking for compensation for a work-related injury, consider hiring the lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau. Our team has fought for our clients for years, and we charge no bills or fees unless we win your case—a true testament to our confidence that we will successfully represent your case and secure you your deserved workers’ compensation benefits.

To learn more about our workers’ compensation legal services or to schedule a free case evaluation, call us today at 573-335-9300.

If you have suffered a personal injury due to no fault of your own, pursuing legal action may not be at the top of your mind, but it is entirely likely that you are entitled to compensation for your injury.

However, the legal process is not something that you should navigate on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you present your case and get awarded compensation for a variety of personal injury cases. But first, you must determine if your injury qualifies as a personal injury.

What Does Personal Injury Mean?

Legally speaking, a personal injury is an injury that someone suffers due to the negligence of another. However, this does not mean that you were hurt directly by another person, per se. For example, if you are injured by slipping and falling at the store, then you are likely eligible for a personal injury settlement. This is all to say that personal injuries fall under a broad legal category that is likely to cover your specific accidental injury.

Common Cases Handled by a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury lawyers typically handle the following types of cases:

• Automobile Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Dangerous Products
• Medical Malpractice
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Unsafe Property
• Workers’ Injury
• Wrongful Death

If you are unsure if your injury qualifies as a personal injury, then consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the legal process, represent your best interests, and get you the compensation you deserve.

Your Local Personal Injury Lawyers in the Southeastern Missouri Area

Are you looking to pursue legal action to receive compensation for your personal injury? Then rely on the expert personal injury lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau.

Our knowledgeable and experienced lawyers have handled all kinds of personal injury cases, We also do not charge any upfront fees. In fact, we’re so confident that we can help you get the settlement you deserve, that we won’t charge you until your case is won. Therefore, if you don’t get paid, neither do we.

For more information about our personal legal injury services, schedule a free case evaluation with us by calling at 573-335-9300 today.