Marc Whitehead - April/May 2021

Marc Whitehead - April/May 2021

DISABILITY DIGEST

888-497-9061 | DisabilityDenials.com

April/May 2021

WHYWE TAKE CARE IN ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS

As a law practice dedicated to helping those with disabilities receive the compensation they deserve, many of our first interactions with clients are fraught with complex emotions. We are often their last resort for assistance. They are disabled, can no longer work, and are often tired and exasperated. What’s worse, the departments that were created to protect and help them have broken their promises to pay out the disability insurance when they need it the most. Simply put, understandably, many of our clients don’t call us for good reasons. My goal is for my team and me to be as accommodating and empathetic as possible. This starts with the very first interactions our clients have with us. We have three options for communication to accommodate our clients’ comfort. The first option is a phone call. Our phone system operates over the internet, so even when staff members are working from home, they are a simple transfer away from the appropriate party. We also have an email system, in which every email sent or received is logged in a client’s file. This allows for easy access to pertinent digital correspondence. Finally, we now offer text messaging. This is an easy way for us to stay in touch with our clients without disrupting their day. Much like the email system, each text message exchange is logged in a client’s file.

with our clients’ best interests in mind. We work hard to never forget that. As we continue to grow and evolve, your feedback and experiences help us. We cherish and celebrate every good review we receive on Google, but we also recognize the bad reviews or feedback we receive are opportunities for us to grow. That’s another reason why continual contact with our clients is so vital. We welcome client feedback regularly. After all, we cannot fix what we don’t know exists. Our job is to represent you, your families, and your needs. Thank you for trusting us to do that, and if you have any questions about your case, please do not hesitate to contact us in the way that best suits your needs. We’re ready, willing, and determined to help you.

possible. This area of law isn’t easy, and often, scheduling a hearing takes a long time. Some clients can wait more than 18 months! This can fuel frustration and anxiety over the progress of their case, so we make it a priority to make them feel like

they are more than a number to us. We contact each client as often as

appropriate. Even if we do not have updates, we want our clients to know we are and will continue to be their advocate. We have not quit working on their case, and they are not forgotten. As our client, we know you are a living, breathing human being who deserves assistance; you’re a person with a life you’re just trying to live fully. That’s why we also spend time in empathy training. As legal professionals, we can get bogged down with the legal minutiae of briefs and filings, but these trainings remind us of the greater purpose this work serves. Every single word we write, phone call we answer, and hearing we schedule is done

My team’s goal with every phone call, email, or text message is to be as compassionate and supportive as

– Marc Whitehead, Esq.

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Timing is critical when you a assistance from insurance co Security Administration (SSA (VA). Unfortunately, these ag way, and as a result, some di take nearly two years to com Insurance companies are leg to your claim within 150 day Retirement Income Security will respond sooner, but som extensions that could last the governmental agencies like t have the same time restrictio a few months, but the agenc same 150-day rule. ‘HOWLONG Here’s What You

CONTINUING TO GROW Paralegal Heather West Adds to Her Knowledge Base

Heather West first began working professionally as a bookkeeper while going to school to earn her creative writing degree. That experience led to work as an office manager, but the work didn’t fulfill Heather’s goals and dreams. Instead, she found that while working as an intake specialist for a law firm.

Since 2016, Heather has been working as a paralegal after earning her certification that same year. She’s been with Marc Whitehead & Associates since December 2019 and currently serves as the firm’s mass torts and Veterans Affairs (VA) paralegal and case manager. “I really enjoy analyzing a particular case or situation and thinking about the big picture of what needs to be done or what we need to do to help this person get what they deserve,” Heather says. “We’re trying to fight for the client, and I really like that I’m helping to do the best we can to get them what they deserve.” As someone who loves puzzles, Heather says she’s always ready to take on a new challenge. Specifically, she was assigned to our VA cases in March 2020, and while this is a new area of practice for Heather, she carves out special attention for each case with diligence and meticulous planning. She also has experience in probate and civil law. As she’s taken on this new role, Heather says she often looks to our VA team to help her learn something new or to acquire new skill sets needed in this position. “I think we all work together to get everything done … instead of having an ego about everything,” Heather observes, adding, “Everyone puts their heads together for each client.” Beyond her talent and expertise, there’s another reason we appreciate Heather: Her 1-year-old Victorian bulldog, Dexter, makes regular appearances on our video calls! Heather also has a 23-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. (Heather’s husband is going to teach their daughter how to drive soon!) Heather and her husband enjoy escaping to his family’s place near Brenham, Texas, for a chance to unwind. We’re proud to have someone like Heather working so hard for our clients. Thank you for all of your dedication, Heather!

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF NONALCOHOLIC BEER

And Why It’s Making a Comeback

In the U.S., the 100-year history of nonalcoholic (NA) beer is closely linked to Prohibition and the adoption of the 18th Amendment in 1919. It was illegal to sell, transport, or consume alcoholic beverages, which were defined as any drink with more than 0.5% ABV, or alcohol by volume. Beer with less than 0.5% ABV was considered nonalcoholic and

could be consumed, if not enjoyed, by teetotalers. That standard has informed a new and growing wave of NA beer in the U.S., which pulled in about $100 million in 2018. Sales of NA beer worldwide, however, are projected to jump to almost $6 billion by 2023. Millennials drink less than their Gen Z and baby boomer counterparts, and periods of giving up booze, like Sober October and Dry January, are becoming more popular in general. If you want to see what all the buzz is about without getting buzzed, crack open an NA beer from your favorite local bottle shop.

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GWILL MY CASE TAKE?’ u Can Expect

are seeking disability ompanies, the Social A), or Veterans Affairs gencies don’t see it that isability claims cases can mplete. gally required to respond ys per the Employee y Act (ERISA). Most me may implement e full 150 days. However, the SSA and VA don’t ons. Most applications take cies are not bound by that

In addition, the result may not be deserving. It’s not uncommon to appeal a decision once or twice after the organization makes a decision. Your disability claim may enter multiple phases of an approval process before the final result is accepted. This includes reconsideration after the initial decision and a general hearing with an administrative law judge. After that, you could face a hearing with an appeals council and possibly a federal appeal. This entire process can take upward of 18 months, but none of this should deter you from pursuing the justice you deserve. These processes are thorough, but insurance companies and governmental organizations are tasked with deterring or further stymieing a person’s right

to compensation simply because these agencies rarely want to “give out” money, even when it is deserved. That’s why our team fights as hard as we do. We know our clients deserve this justice, and we will continually work with them so they know we will not back down from this fight. Our team will be available to answer your questions and will regularly provide you with updates. We can also connect you with resources that will help you in the interim during the course of your case. Don’t fear fighting against the insurance company, SSA, or VA. If you have questions about your case or its timeline, please call the number on the bottom of this page.

PUZZLE TIME!

RHUBARB OAT BARS

Ingredients

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and

cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

6. In a large bowl, combine

oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly.

7. Press half of the oat mixture

into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture.

8. Bake 25–30 minutes until

golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!

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403 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 888-497-9061 | DisabilityDenials.com A National Disability Law Firm

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INSIDE

1. 2.

You’re More Than a Case File to Us Meet Our Mass Torts and VA Paralegal, Heather West! ‘How Long Will This Case Take?” Nonalcoholic Beer, Then and Now Rhubarb Oat Bars Our Clients Say It Best

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ANATIONAL DISABILITY LAWFIRM

Social Security Disability Claims | Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims | Veterans Disability Benefits ERISA & Employee Benefit Claims |Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation

"The entire staff of Marc Whitehead and Associates is excellent in every way! All calls, emails, and messages are returned promptly. Kevin Raney and Chris Stevenson worked with me over several months, guiding me each step of the way, answering any and all questions, and explaining the process. They both are so very knowledgeable and professional and interacted with me with the utmost patience and kindness. My attorney, Mr. Vessel, spent time (as long as I needed) with me to prepare for my ALJ hearing. He extended such encouragement, support, and kindness throughout! He demonstrated such professionalism and knowledge; I just knew I was in excellent hands! He won my case! I am so thankful, so grateful, and so blessed with working with you all! " – Joy (Avvo)

WHY PARTNERWITHUS?

• Office visits are not necessary.

• We gather all evidence needed.

• We don’t get paid unless you do.

• We solicit the opinions of medical and vocational experts.

• We build the strongest case possible for a favorable outcome.

• We give you a dedicated case manager to coordinate all the aspects of your case.

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