These days it’s becoming more and more common to see adults at our Dr. London getting their teeth straightened with London Family Orthodontics office— that is, if you can see them! Treatment with Invisalign is effective and aesthetically pleasing for all ages, but adults have certainly taken to them.

For some it may be to overcome the stigma that “braces are just for kids,” but for others it may be the displeasing appearance and discomfort of traditional braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, from 1994 to 2010 the number of adults 18 and older getting braces increased by 58 percent, from 680,000 to 1.1 million annually. Many of these adults opt for Invisalign because of how discreet they are and since they don’t need to avoid any foods or make dietary changes like you do with traditional braces.

The benefits of getting your teeth into proper alignment are many, and so are the advantages of Invisalign. By following your individual course of Invisalign treatment, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits over traditional braces:

The total treatment time is more precise with Invisalign since your treatment is modeled by a computer, as compared to traditional braces where it is really just an estimate.

You’ll need to make fewer trips to our Houston, TX office since you can change your trays on your own every few weeks or as prescribed.

There’s less risk to the health of your tooth enamel since there is no need to place brackets on your teeth.

Invisalign aligners are clear and practically invisible, so most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment, please let Dr. London know. We’d be happy to help you on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile!

If you find yourself involved in a pedestrian accident in Mississippi, the immediate actions you take can significantly impact the outcome. From seeking Medical attention to understanding your rights, each step holds importance in safeguarding your well-being and ensuring a proper resolution. Remember, the decisions you make in the aftermath can shape the direction of any potential claims or legal processes that may follow. Stay informed to navigate the post-accident procedures effectively and protect your best interests.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Mississippi, promptly seek medical attention to assess and address any injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure your well-being.

Delaying medical care could worsen underlying issues and affect your insurance claim. Remember, your Health is the top priority. By seeking medical attention promptly, you’re taking proactive steps to safeguard your physical well-being.

Whether it’s a minor ache or a more serious injury, getting checked by a healthcare provider is crucial. Don’t hesitate; prioritize your health and well-being by seeking immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident.

Contact Law Enforcement

After seeking immediate medical attention following a pedestrian accident in Mississippi, the next step is to contact law enforcement. It’s crucial to report the accident to the authorities promptly.

Call 911 or the local police department to inform them of the incident. When contacting law enforcement, provide them with accurate details about the location of the accident, the vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained. Stay on the line until the dispatcher has gathered all necessary information.

Law enforcement officers will arrive at the scene to assess the situation, document the incident, and create an official report. Cooperation with the authorities is essential for ensuring that the incident is properly handled.

Document the Accident Scene

When documenting the accident scene, ensure that you capture detailed images and notes to provide a comprehensive record of the incident. Take photographs from different angles to show the positions of vehicles, traffic signals, and any relevant road signs. Make sure to include close-up shots of any damages or injuries.

Additionally, write down key details such as the date, time, and weather conditions. Note the names of witnesses and their contact information. Document any statements made by the driver or any admissions of fault.

These records can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Remember, the more thorough your documentation, the better you can protect your rights and build a strong case.

Exchange Information With Involved Parties

Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident promptly to facilitate the claims Process and ensure all necessary details are accounted for. Obtain names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, and vehicle details from the driver and any witnesses. Be sure to provide your own information as well.

Take note of the accident location, time, and any specific circumstances that led to the incident. Additionally, gather information about the responding law enforcement officer, including their name and badge number. Having accurate and comprehensive information exchange will help streamline the insurance claim process and any potential legal actions.

Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney

Consider seeking advice from a Mississippi pedestrian accident attorney to understand your legal options and protect your rights after a pedestrian accident. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process, help determine liability, and assist in pursuing any compensation you may be entitled to.

By consulting with a personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that your best interests are represented and that you have the support needed to navigate the complexities of a pedestrian accident case. An attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to strengthen your claim, and advocate on your behalf in court if necessary.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney to receive the guidance and representation you deserve during this challenging time.

SSA Appeals: What Are They and When to Request One

SSA stands for the Social Security Administration, a federal agencies in the United States that manages social security benefits programs.

SSA appeals are a process through which a person who has been denied social security benefits or is unhappy with the amount of benefits received can request a review of their case. The appeals process can result in the original decision being overturned or modified.

What Is A Social Security Determination?

A determination is a decision that SSA makes for a claim. If you disagree with the SSA’s determination for your claim, you can make an appeal. If you submit a claim for your SSI payment, SSA will give you the amount they determined you are eligible for. If you think that the payment is too low, you can make an appeal.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) Appeals Process: Step-by-Step

The stages of SSA appeals are:
1.) Reconsideration
2.) Hearing by an administrative law judge (ALJ),
3.) Appeals Council Review, and
4.) Federal Court. The SSA appeals process comes in stages and timelines so that if you disagree with the second determination, you move higher up to take your case to a person of a higher position. Each stage may need you to meet requirements within 60 days to proceed. You can also have a hearing with an ALJ to discuss your case. 

Tips For Preparing For A Hearing For An SSA Appeal

When you are in a hearing, the judge will have to explain why your case has been determined as such and ask you and your representative questions about your case. You may bring a witness to answer the judge’s questions under oath. The judge may also call an expert if needed to testify.

Therefore, you can do the following for your hearing preparation:

1. Review all evidence in your case file. Submit new evidence, if available, to strengthen your case. The new evidence must be submitted within five days before the hearing. If you have less than five days before the hearing, you can appeal for a time extension to review the new evidence.

2. If you have any evidence you want the ALJ to consider, submit them as soon as possible. You can send electronic evidence through a special fax number and bar code provided by the hearing office through the Electronic Records Express (ERE).

The Reconsideration Stage: How to Request Another Review

At the reconsideration stage, a different SSA claims examiner reviews the original decision to ensure all evidence is considered and the correct decision is made. You must fill out the following forms based on your SSA appeal. Once the request is received and reviewed, the SSA will send a notice of reconsideration determination. 

During this stage, we recommend adding any additional evidence that you have available. 

Appeals Council Review: The Final Administrative Step

If the ALJ decision is not satisfactory, the next stage of appeal is to request a review to the SSA Appeals Council. The Appeals Council may review the case and make a new decision or send the case back to the ALJ for further review.

The Appeals Council can either grant, deny or dismiss your case upon examination. Therefore, you must have new evidence on or before the hearing decision. If there is reasonable cause to believe that said evidence would change the outcome, the Appeals Council will review your case. 

Upon reviewing your case, they can return it to the ALJ for another hearing. If they choose to decide your case, it can go two ways. 

1. If they make a less favorable decision to you, you will be sent a notice before issuing the decision. This way, you or your representative can respond appropriately. 
2. However, if the decision puts you in a more favorable end, they will enact it and send you a notice afterward. 

Either way, you get a copy of the review process and the reasons behind the decision-making.

Appealing to Federal Court: What You Need to Know

If the Appeals Council decision is unfavorable, the final stage of appeal is a federal court appeal. 

In this stage, you must file an action in the US District Court. The deadline will be up to 60 days after receiving your notice of the Appeals Council’s action. You are expected to receive the notice five days after the date of the notice.

The US District Court will process the presenting case and determine the final Agencies decision. You can expect the court to:

1. Send the case back to SSA for a new hearing and issue a new decision
2. Order the SSA to award the benefits
3. Dismiss the case.

Why You Need a Representative to Help with Your Appeal

Appealing claims can take a lot of time and energy that you can use for your other priorities. A representative experienced with the SSA appeals process can help increase the likelihood of a successful appeal. They can help you get your benefits by navigating the complex appeals process and qualifications. 

Many qualified non-attorneys representatives work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your appeal. This can be a helpful option for individuals who cannot afford legal fees upfront.