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Need Assistance with Personal Injury Disability Benefits?

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Call today to discuss your options (910) 341-3202

If you’re ready to file a disability claim, we suggest consulting with an expert like one of our personal injury lawyers at Prior, Criner & Edwards Attorneys. No two claims are exactly alike and your case may require more legal expertise. Feel confident about submitting your claim and contact our law firm so we can help guide you through the process.

Personal Injury Disability Benefits

Applying for disability benefits can help injured people continue to receive income if they temporarily cannot return to work.

Disability is a major concern facing workers during their lives, which is too often underestimated. According to the Social Security Administration, one quarter of workers will become disabled before reaching age 67. Should loss and suffering occur due to these circumstances, disability coverage can offer protection to workers and their families.

Filing for Long-Term Disability Benefits

If you’ve opted into an employer’s disability insurance, it’s important to review your benefits plan to better understand what’s included and if you meet all requirements before filing a claim. Important factors include deadlines and time limits, the definition of a disability, and exclusions. Once you’re ready to submit a claim, follow the guidelines explained in the benefits plan, which includes where to file, what documents to file, and who to contact if you have any questions about your plan. It’s important to support your claim with as much medical evidence as possible, so it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to write up a detailed report about your medical history and issues. Once your claim has been received by the insurer, a decision must be made within 45 days. If more information is needed, you will have 45 additional days to supply it. Should you have to provide more information, the insurer has an additional 30 days to decide from the day the new information was received.

Filing for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you become disabled before retirement age, you may qualify for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. To apply for SSDI benefits, you must complete an application online or in person. The application will ask you your “onset date of disability,” which is the date you became unable to work. If this disability resulted from a previous medical condition that worsened over time, you’ll want to look back to the date when the illness began to impair your ability to work. You’ll also be asked to describe details of the disability. Make sure to include all ailments that limit your ability to work, including mental conditions. Keep it detailed and thorough when explaining how these conditions prevent you from working – don’t just list your diagnosis. After your application is sent, the state’s Disability Determination Service office will make a decision based on your medical condition and medical records.

Treatment of a burn victim

Call today for a free consultation and explore your options - (910) 341-3202

Our Attorneys

Our attorneys specialize in workman's comp, personal injury, and dispute resolution services.

We have have a long history of building long-term client relationships founded on trust and mutual respect.

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Frank Prior - Attorney

Frank Prior

With over 25 years of experience in civil litigation and thousands of cases mediated, Frank specializes in the fields of workers compensation and personal injury law.

Sherman Lee Criner - Attorney

Sherman Lee Criner

Sherman is Licensed to Practice Law in North and South Carolina. He has extensive education in law and the mediation practice, professional experience and impressive memberships in many noteworthy political, civic and business organizations.

Ashley Edwards - Attorney

Ashley M. Edwards

Ashley is a NC attorney and certified mediator in North and South Carolina, Ashley has represented hundreds of clients and mediated thousands of cases for attorneys, insurance carriers and private companies. 

Client Feedback

“These guys are awesome and care about their clients very much. I would suggest anyone hurt on the job to contact them. Cannot express my appreciation enough to them!"

Trevor P.

“Ashley Edwards genuinely cares about his clients and holds himself to the highest standards in all of his professional interactions. I am happy to recommend him to anyone who needs help navigating the workers compensation process."

Patrick H.

“Ashley has been practicing compensation law in the greater Wilmington area for 15+ years. I have often turned to him for advice and counsel. He knows the law, is trustworthy, listens to his clients, and fights to do the right thing for them. He is my first call!"

Channing E.

“Mr Edwards made my case feel like it was his most important case. He is so caring and attentive."

Renee M.

“This was the first and only law firm I contacted after being injured. Everyone there has been on point concerning my case and extremely professional. I highly recommend contacting workers comp first if injured. It will be as if it's the most important case they have and they will not disappoint. Thank you to the entire team."

Stephen H.

“Wonderful Experience under difficult circumstances. They helped me understand my rights and options under the law. Mr. Edwards took the time to help and meet with me whenever I had questions. He is highly recommended for his expert advice and service. "

Ashley M.

“This is the place to go if you get hurt on the job Ashley and his paralegal Janet are really nice and super easy to talk to and they take the time to really listen to your problems and get you the help you need and deserve."

Anthony R.

“They came out took out time to listen very smart he knows what he's talking about he heard me out and took my case under difficult sircumstances and i highly advise this is the law firm to consider."

Marlo C.

“Sherman is one of the best mediators that I know---he is extremely proficient in Workers' Compensation Law and he is an outstanding communicator. I give Sherman my highest rating!"

Peer Review - Lawyers.com

“Great Experience with a caring lawyer who took the time to actually meet with me. He handled my case to the end and explained everything. Highly recommended."

Mitch

“Ashley is very knowledgeable and relatable to his clients, to opposing counsel, and to all parties when acting as mediator. "

Peer Review - Lawyers.com

“Ashley didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear but he always told me the truth. He is very knowledgeable and professional... I would highly recommend Ashley if you feel the need to hire an attorney. "

Julie

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Wilmington Workers Compensation Attorneys