u/TechnicalTowel9201

Go for it!

SSA requested from provider mid March, now it’s mid July. Asked provider (Kaiser) who said their policy is not to respond or provide documents to SSA. Obviously I can’t get beyond stage 3 w/o Kaiser providing documents and responses.

Anyone run into this and how did you get provider to respond to SSA?

Thank you!

Thanks!

Though there maybe many, name just one.

For me (Civil litigator 34 years, Business and Real Estate), it’s learning about so many diverse fields, institutions and businesses. As you know, to do your job, it’s essential to drill down and understand what those are, how they operate and lingo on to a deep level.

In my practice, I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of everything from basic particle physics, fiber optics and crystals (Defense of Federal False Claims Act case over duplicative research) to Operating a massage parlor (DA brings action to shut entire building down because alleged prostitution occurring in one massage parlor unit-fifth amendment takings). From car dealerships to funeral homes.

Since my sweat spot is fraud cases, I get into the psychology from discerning mushy intent to deceive (plaintiff side) to “How in the hell could anyone ever believe that bs”! (Justifiable reliance thing). I still can’t answer either.

Anyway. Have at it!

35 yrs practice. Civil litigation. Big firm and solo for past 28 years. Time for some reflection.

1. You don’t really get good in the practice until late 40’s, early 50’s, earliest.

2. The single most critical part of trial: Voire Dire. In turn VD is about applying street smarts and life experience and judgment over anything you remotely study in law school.

3. Fun fact: We deal day in/out with people (yes, in house counsel types equally) in the midst of likely the most stress and anxiety of their life. Yet, beyond trying to assess how they’ll fare on the stand, we must be, and are, oblivious to that and must be to do our job. Yet, dealing day after day in that environment, what psychological toll that may have inflicted on us is none or at least, unknown.

4. Arbitration is the silent killer of justice. Ok, I’m a dinosaur. Trials. Remember those? Now replaced by a business. How do you stay in any business? Repeat customers. How do you attract repeat customers (or customers who can be repeats down the road)? Ah ha! It all falls apart from there.

5. Covid. The largest game changer in my 35 years. Remember going to court for those case management/status conferences? Motions? How about in person depos? Everything short of trial. All now on zoom. What did you do after a court appearance? BS with other counsel, attorney acquaintances, judges, clerks, whoever in the hall. “Hey Bob, got any good ones? Hey, can I bounce one off you”? Those social interactions were sooo important. We took for granted. Same for remote work. “I’m gonna ask Fred down the hall what he thinks damages might be in this case. Just wanna make sure I’m not missing anything.” Those were hella important and now, very much missed.

Yours?

Every time in media where the interviewee is introduced or self-purports to be an expert who will now tell us what happens in the future and when.

In every field from predictions on markets, winner of sporting contests, elections, foreign affairs (eg “This is when and how the war in Iran will end”), next earth quake and where, egg prices, academy awards, the weather, cancer cure in ______months - limitless.

The request arises from hearing 100x/day this or that “expert” declaring future outcomes of “something.” A broad all encompassing version of Snopes and fact-checking, if you will. Perhaps the most useful tool to separate posers from those who know their sh**..

Would be most welcome! Thank you!

I just don’t follow. I mean, Shepardizing not a thing anymore? Maybe I get you’re one minute before filing deadline, but otherwise, I can’t imagine filing any brief ever without at least checking to see if the statute/case is good law.

It’s happening with such great frequency, not checking cites must be the product of more than just last minute rush. What is it?

Application arising from scoliosis. All application paperwork submitted six weeks ago. Portal informed me last week in person appointment set for next Tuesday at local office.

Ideas on what to expect? Useful items/information to bring? Likely area of questioning? What happens after meeting? How long is interview? Etc. any guidance is most appreciated. Thanks!