Checking in
 

I have n't been here in a while just want to post that my hearing was scheduled for November 27 but it was continued by the Judge because My attorney hadn't updated my file since July 06 and I have had 3 more operations since that time. I was so distraught that I wound up in the psych ward for 9 days. I can't believe that his happened I was able to find out from the Judge that h e received a file 3 inches thick of records the day before my hearing date. To make a long story short I was so desparate and upset I just fell apart and my attorney's office didn't call to tell me of the delay until 4:57 the day before. My husband was so upset he told the attorney that he was going to the hearing because we had nothing from Social Security saying it had been postponed. The attorney was furious but my husband went to the hearing sight the next morning and I was to be heard at 8:30 my husband knocked on the door and the Judge came to the door and was very nice to my husband and told him what had occured. The Judge said that my attorney had missed getting my records in on 3 occasions The judge said that he was retiring but that he would get it taken care of and re scheduled with another judge. My husband left and then went to the attorneys office where he was told by my attorney that he didn't represent me anymore and he was escorted off the premises by a police officer. Needless to say I just broke and was hospitalized the next day. Now my hearing is rescheduled for February 25 at 1:00. I went to my neck surgeon for a follow up visit and I was told today that the disc above the 3 level fusion with titanium plate has now ruptured and that the severe burning pain I have had for the last year is coming from this disc problem and that I will have to undergo more surgery. I just don't know how much more I can take the financial stress of not having my social security disability income is overwhelming I don't know how much more I can take. Please pray for me I am in so much pain I can't even think I don't know what to do anymore.

Beverley

so sorry to here of this bad situation and your pain, I hope things turn around soon.:grouphug:

Hi Beverly,

I came over here to follow a post from the TOS forum and was really moved by your story.

I want you to know you are not going to be in this really difficult situation forever. Soc.Security is almost ALWAYS an ordeal of the worst kind. I had to wait about three years and was financially freaked out and physically overwhelmed with pain. The future was impossible to imagine.

Attorneys don't get much out of these cases and there are plenty of flakes who start something like this because they think it is an easy few bucks for them. When a case becomes too time consuming, well...that is what seperates the men from the boys in the legal/ethical world.

It sounds as though the Judge is sympathetic to you and wants you to have the best shot at attaining the criteria He must follow before granting a judgement in your favor.

I see two additional factors in your favor. You have a supportive husband who will fight for you and is with you in your struggle. The other thing is that, even though it is not good news, you at least now know why you have been in so much pain and the physicians can address this.

Most of the legal 'work' has been done now and a new attorney just has to bring your file up to date and submit some paperwork. No money out of pocket.

I suppose you could take action againt that inept attorney, but that would not likely be a worthwhile endeavor. It may be the best thing that he 'released' you as there are many, many other lawyers who can bring this to a close for you.

The judge was very kind indeed to speak with your husband and let him know what happened and what is required to wrap this up.

Now you can concentrate on getting your pain and depression under control. It sounds as though it won't be much longer before you have a favorable judgement.

When you get that big check, all of this will fade to a distant memory. Medicare will kick in too. The future is much brighter than it seems right now. I promise.

Warmly,
Anne

some resources for you
 

WOW Bev!
 

That is amazing! The attorney really dropped the ball, but that really isnt going to shed a bad light on you since you have made contact with a really nice judge!!!

I wouldnt worry to much as it seems the judge is sympathetic to your situation. Just make sure your attorney does what he needs to do, and when you get into court remember to address all your answers to the judge no matter who asked the question.

Dress comfortable, but not like your goin to a job interview. I dressed in jeans and a tshirt, what I wear most everday. I did show them I had my shoes in a double knot so the laces wouldnt come undone, and I could slip them off and on with a minimum of effort.

I know it is very difficult to keep a positive attitude, or even just feel normal at all after living so long in the pits, and in terrible pain. I was nearly ready to call it quits this last time, but glad I went cause it was the victory lap! Keep your chin up, and dont let those worries get to you too much.

I will be prayin for ya ;)

Oh and bring your husband, or someone along with you. Just maybe they will call them in to tell how it has effected them, and what impact they see on your life. At least you know the judge is nice, that is waaay more than alot of us knew before going in.

:hug: