According to disability lawyers in Augusta GA, in some situations, it might not be possible for certain lay witnesses to provide live testimony at a disability hearing. In that event, it is permissible to submit a written statement from the lay witness or witnesses.
As with live testimony, a plain letter with very little detail, signed by several people is not useful as evidence. The same is true of several photocopies of the same letter that have been signed by different people.
A Helpful Letter
As disability attorneys in Augusta GA will tell you, the best letters will be unique and contain ample details. The letter should include the following information:
- The relationship between the claimant and the witness;
- How long the witness and claimant have known one another; and
- An explanation of how the witness has specific knowledge regarding the claimant’s disability.
A Sample Letter
The following sample letter has been provided by disability lawyers in Augusta GA. It demonstrates the kind of witness letter that can be very effective.
“My name is John Smith and I live next store to Larry Jones who, I have become aware, has filed an application for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. I have known Mr. Jones for 11 years and worked with him for eight years at the transistor factory. In fact, I was working with him on the day he was injured in a forklift accident.
Since he has been injured, I make a point of stopping by his house every day. My wife cooks extra food to send over to his family. I go over and mow his yard and try to help around the house since Mr. Jones is not able to move around much. I know that his wife has to help him do everything including bathing, getting dressed and driving to doctor’s appointments. Mr. Jones hasn’t been driving because he says the pain medication makes him sleepy and dizzy and he is afraid of having an accident. I have also noticed that he stays in bed most of the time.”
Contact Disability Lawyers in Augusta GA
If a witness needs help with a letter, disability lawyers in Augusta GA, may be willing to provide tips and instructions on what to include in the letter. If you have become disabled due to a workplace accident or an illness, you might want to speak with disability attorneys in Augusta GA. Please call us today.