With Halloween around the corner, you have to watch out for more than frights lurking in the dark; they may also be haunting your personal injury or Social Security disability case. Missed deadlines, incomplete records or evidence, and failure to follow your doctor’s orders are common errors that could creep up and negatively impact the outcome of your claim. Just like a flashlight can help scare off monsters, knowing what to avoid can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. SPOOKY MISTAKES THAT CAN HAUNT YOUR CASE Keep Your Claim from Vanishing
Music, Lounges, and Midair Dancing The Rise of Party Planes
MISSING DEADLINES Timing is everything. Personal injury cases have a statute of limitations, or a legal
The 1970s were the golden age of commercial flying, and airlines went all out to make traveling by plane more than just getting from one place to another — they tried to dazzle passengers along the way. With the release of Boeing’s 747, airlines had more space to work with, so some chose to turn air travel into something closer to a night out. Air Canada was all in on the trend. On transatlantic flights between Toronto and Europe, the upper deck of their 747 became a full-on disco. Passengers danced to 8-track tunes beside mirrored walls. You could hit the dance floor even at 35,000 feet. They weren’t the only ones, either. United Airlines turned its upper deck into the “Friendship Room,” while Qantas called theirs the “Captain Cook Lounge.” Singapore Airlines had the “Raffles Lounge,” which came equipped with slumberettes for anyone looking to lie down after an in-flight drink or two. And American Airlines even had a piano in the back of the plane. It wasn’t exactly a grand piano — more of a sturdy Wurlitzer organ — but it gave fliers something to gather around. The goal of these airlines was to create a glamorous experience for passengers. But the good times didn’t last long. By the early 1980s, most airlines had traded disco lights for passenger capacity, and the lounges and passenger bars faded out. People were flying more than ever, but the party plane era quietly ended. Still, it’s fun to look back on this period of air travel when the additional space in bigger planes meant bars, lounges, and music. For a little while, at least, flying came with cocktails, conversation, and maybe even a chance to dance down the aisle.
time window to file a claim. If you miss that deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose the opportunity to seek damages. Though you can file for your Social Security disability any time after you become disabled, you need to follow
several timelines throughout the process. If the SSA denies your claim, you only have 60 days to file an appeal. If you miss that deadline, you risk losing your benefits and may have to wait a year or more for another chance.
INCOMPLETE RECORDS OR EVIDENCE Evidence is crucial if you want to win your case, and you need to keep details and records of everything from your medical treatment to your expenses. Your word and memory aren’t enough. Document everything, hold onto any information from your doctor or medical care, and collect any photos that help prove your case. When you apply for your SSDI benefits, missing key details or outdated records may prevent you from being approved. Make sure your records are as thorough and up to date as possible. NOT FOLLOWING MEDICAL TREATMENT In both personal injury and SSDI claims, keeping up with your medical treatment plan and any guidance from your doctor is essential. This doesn’t just ensure you heal and stay healthy; it also acts as a paper trail and helps prove your injuries or disability are as serious as you say they are. Stay on top of your appointments and medications, and keep records of every visit.
Don’t fear! At Packard Law Firm, we can help you avoid all the spooky pitfalls so your case doesn’t vanish into the dark!
– Michael Packard
2 PACKARDFIRM.COM
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