Expert: Kyla Kelim - 8/1/2008

Question
My husband and I survived a Motorcycle accident in sept of 2007. My right ankle was shattered and put back together leaving me with limited movement.  After all of that was taken care of..surg.etc.  I am now having reconstruction of my right new..PCL severed, Lateral Collateral Ligament severed (they will be reconstructed from cadaver ligaments and reattachment of the hamstring.  I applied with urging for disability 7 months into all of this I still cannot walk and leave the house on my own.  I am in the reconsideration phase of my appeal.  I am still looking at 6 months rehab after the surgery date and possible further surgery of my ankle.  My question is this..do I need a lawyer at this point?  Do I contact social security?  I gotten copies of everything for them myself and will be picking up papers from new surgeon to give them as well.  I am "over educated" lol...and 45 I feel as though I am being turned down for those reasons and I cant even walk without my walker??? Is this possible.  It has been almost a year now and financially we are going down the tubes.

Answer
Angela, contact social security, who has some procedures in place to expedite some matters.  You won't need a lawyer unless they turn you down.  Typically, they turn you down quick.  Have you been turned down and appealed?  If so, then you do need a lawyer, right away.  These are the only things that come to mind, other than charitable organizations that can help with very small, very short term things.

I hope this helps,

Kyla Kelim