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Bankruptcy

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy and is it right for you?

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common and usually the fastest form of consumer bankruptcy. The Law Offices of Siles and Foster, P.C., offers a free consultation for individuals or couples considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  The Law Offices of Siles and Foster, P.C., also accepts payment plans.  Contact […]

Required Bankruptcy Courses – Chapter 7

Bankruptcy courses Individuals filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy must complete 2 courses.  The first course that an individual who is filing Chapter 7 must participate in is an approved credit counseling course.  This must be completed prior to filing for bankruptcy. The second course that an individual who is filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy must take […]

What type of bankruptcy should I file?

There are different types and we should meet with you to determine the best one for you.

Personal Injury

How soon should I see a lawyer after my accident?

You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.  

Social Security Disability

What happens to your Social Security Disability Benefits when you reach maximum retirement age?

When you reach the age at which you are eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits, also known as your “full retirement age” (FRA), your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits. Your Social Security retirement benefit amount will be based on the same formula that is used to calculate […]

How to Find Out About the Judge Assigned to My Social Security Claim?

A Social Security Judge normally can only issue three types of decisions: dismissed, approved and denied.  The Social Security Administration keeps statistics on all of their judges which allows you get an idea of what to expect from the judge that has been assigned to your case.  You can use the link below to easily […]

How to find out if I have been assigned a good or bad social security judge?

A Social Security Judge normally can only issue three types of decisions: dismissed, approved and denied.  The Social Security Administration keeps statistics on all of their judges which allows you get an idea of what to expect from the judge that has been assigned to your case.  You can use the link below to easily […]

Will Workers’ Compensation Affect My Social Security Disability Payments?

Workers’ Compensation In California, workers compensation is a state benefit for workers who suffer work-related injuries.  On the job injuries can include a one-time traumatic event (such as suffering an injured knee from a fall or a back injury from lifting a heavy object) or a repetitive use/cumulative trauma injury that has developed over time […]

Does Your Child Qualify for SSI Benefits?

Does your child qualify for SSI benefits? It is almost a law of nature that a child’s illness impacts a family’s income. Medical bills, time off from work, extra housekeeping or childcare needs add up quickly. SSI (Supplemental Security Income), a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides some relief for families through […]

SSA expands my Social Security online services

Today SSA announced that they are expanding “my Social Security” online services to allow people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and their representative payees to report wages securely online. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to learn more about my Social Security features and how to sign up. Note: This service is not yet available for […]

All Medical Records are Now Due 5 Business Day Before a Hearing

Effective October 5, 2017, SSR 17-4p requires that all medical evidence be submitted by you 5 business days prior to your hearing with the Administrative Law Judge. It is important to obtain copies of your medical records and provide them to Social Security throughout the entire process.  It is your responsibility to make sure Social […]

Social Security checks to increase 2 percent in 2018

Social Security recipients will get a 2% increase in benefits in 2018. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) covers more than 61 million Social Security beneficiaries and more than 8 million recipients of Supplemental Security Income benefits. The boost is the highest since a 3.6% bump in 2012. The average person will get about $25 more a […]

How to Collect Your Benefits

This article will walk you through the steps of collecting your social security benefits.  This can be a difficult and time consuming process.  It is best to meet with a lawyer who can guide you through the process.

How long does it take to get my first check?

The amount of time it takes to get your first check depends on when your claim was submitted.

What conditions qualify for disability?

There are a number of conditions that qualify for disability.  It is best to come into our office for a free consultation so we can work with you to begin the process.

How long can I stay on disability?

This amount of time you can stay on disability varies as you are reevaluated every year.

Workers Compensation

Can I file a Petition to Reopen my claim?

In California, a “Petition to Reopen” is a legal document that an injured worker can file with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) to request that a previously resolved workers’ compensation case be reopened. The purpose of a petition to reopen is to request that additional benefits be awarded or that an earlier decision be […]

How does the minimum wage increase effect temporary disability benefits?

The state of California just increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour as of 01/01/2023. This increase in the minimum wage may lead to an increase in the temporary disability (TD) rate, as TD is typically based on a percentage of the employee’s average weekly wage. In California, the rate of TD benefits is […]

How important is the QME to your case?

The QME is a Qualified Medical Evaluator and is the most important doctor you will see in the course of your workers’ compensation claim.  The QME is assigned to address all workers’ compensation benefits.  The QME will address: 1) if you have suffered a work injury, 2) suggests necessary medical care you need (but their […]

Q: Does workers comp insurance need to pay TD benefits if they terminate the employee while they are on modified duty?

I have an accepted workers comp claim in California. I’ve been on modified duty since the injury last October. I was fired in December. I’ve been looking for work in the same industry but I am being told I don’t qualify for the jobs because I’m on modified duty. I’ve been told by the work […]

Should You Apply for State Disability Benefits If You Are Receiving Temporary Disability Benefits?

If you miss any time from work, you should immediately file a claim for State Disability Insurance (SDI) with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Your SDI payments are based on your recent quarterly earnings. Filing for SDI preserves the earning quarters that the SDI payment amount is based on. If you wait too long […]

New Medical Mileage rate for 2019

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has announced an increase in the mileage rate for medical and medical-legal travel expenses by 3.5 cents to 58 cents per mile effective January 1, 2019. This rate must be paid for travel on or after January 1, 2019 regardless of the date of injury. You are entitled to […]

Will Workers’ Compensation Affect My Social Security Disability Payments?

Workers’ Compensation In California, workers compensation is a state benefit for workers who suffer work-related injuries.  On the job injuries can include a one-time traumatic event (such as suffering an injured knee from a fall or a back injury from lifting a heavy object) or a repetitive use/cumulative trauma injury that has developed over time […]

Delaying Filing a Work Injury Claim Can Have Serious Consequences

No one expects to get hurt at work. However, it may someday happen to you, a loved one, or a friend and you should know your rights if you are injured on the job. Under California Law, work place injuries can happen two ways. First, an injury can be “specific” in nature. For example, when […]

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY EMPLOYER DOESN’T HAVE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE?

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY EMPLOYER DOESN’T HAVE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE? All employers in California are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It is a crime in California for an employer to not carry workers’ compensation coverage. If an employer is illegally uninsured they are putting themselves and their employees at risk. If an injured worker […]

Return-to-Work Supplement Program

The Return to Work Supplement Program is a fund that will pay injured workers $5,000.00 if they are issued a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit.  Unfortunately, many injured workers do not know they can apply for this extra money. The application for this one-time supplemental payment is available online (http://www.dir.ca.gov/RTWSP/RTWSP.html).  An injured worker must have a […]

Workers’ Compensation Abbreviations

Workers’ Compensation Abbreviations A workers’ compensation claim is already a difficult process, but beyond the stress of injury and paperwork you will also need to navigate a new world of legal and medical abbreviations. The Law Offices of Siles & Foster, P.C., law experts are here to help. If you or a loved one has […]

How important is the QME to your case?

The QME is a Qualified Medical Evaluator and is the most important doctor you will see in the course of your workers’ compensation claim.  The QME is assigned to address all workers’ compensation benefits.  The QME will address: 1) if you have suffered a work injury, 2) suggests necessary medical care you need (but their […]

What is Independent Medical Review – An Overview in the CA Work Comp System

What is Independent Medical Review – an overview in the CA work comp system Are all treatment requests subject to UR and IMR? As of July 1, 2013, if you do not agree with a denial, delay, or modification of a medical treatment request that has gone through Utilization Review (UR), an appeal must be […]