How is disability defined?

The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to do a “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. SGA requires significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both, while working either part-time or full-time. Generally, if an individual earns more than $1310 per month (unless they are blind) they are considered to be performing SGA. In order to meet the definition of being disabled, disability, your medical conditions must prevent you from performing work activities. “Gainful” means that the work can be done for pay or profit. There are two types of Social Security disability benefits: Supplementary Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

How is SSI different from Social Security Benefits?

A recipient of SSI can also receive Social Security benefits, and can apply for both programs with the same process. However, the two programs are different in a number of ways. SSI benefits are not determined by work history – meaning how long the recipient worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI and Social Security are funded differently. SSI financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury, collected from personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes. Social Security taxes collected under FICA do not fund the SSI program. SSI recipients may be eligible for other federal benefits. In most States, SSI recipients also can get medical assistance under Medicaid for expenses such as hospital stays, doctor bills, and prescription drugs, as well as food assistance.

Omaha Personal Injury Lawyers

When someone else’s negligence disrupts your life, the consequences can feel overwhelming. From mounting medical expenses to lost income and the emotional strain of recovery, personal injuries affect every aspect of your well-being. These challenges are made even more difficult by the complexities of filing a personal injury claim and dealing with insurance companies.

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, we are dedicated to standing up for injury victims in Omaha. With decades of experience, our team has the knowledge and resources to guide you through the legal process. We fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, we handle many types of injury cases to help Omaha residents recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident. Some of the most common case types we handle include:

Car Accidents: Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impaired drivers, car accidents often result in serious injuries. We’ll fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation you need.
Truck Accidents: Because of their massive size, commercial trucks can cause devastating damage in collisions. Our team has the expertise to handle the challenges of these cases and pursue maximum recovery.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle riders often face severe injuries in accidents caused by other drivers’ negligence. We advocate fiercely for injured motorcyclists to ensure they receive fair compensation.
Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are highly vulnerable to negligent drivers. We work to protect their rights and pursue justice for injuries caused by reckless or inattentive motorists.
Dog Bites: Animal attacks can lead to painful injuries and emotional trauma. We help victims hold pet owners accountable and seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, and more.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. If you’ve been injured in a fall caused by negligence, we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Wrongful Death: Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a tragedy. We provide compassionate representation to families seeking justice and financial security during this difficult time.
Workers’ Compensation: Workplace injuries can leave you unable to earn a living. Our attorneys navigate the workers’ compensation process to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
Construction Accidents: Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but preventable accidents still occur due to unsafe practices. We hold employers and third parties accountable for injuries sustained on the job.
Social Security Disability: If your injuries prevent you from working, we can guide you through the Social Security Disability claims process, helping you secure the benefits you need for long-term stability.

No matter the type of personal injury case, Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling is dedicated to providing personalized, results-driven representation to help you move forward.

What to Do After an Injury in Omaha

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

Seek Medical Care Immediately

Your health should always be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, seek medical attention right away. Timely treatment not only ensures your well-being but also creates an official record of your injuries, which is essential for building your case.

Document the Incident

Gather as much evidence as possible while the details are fresh. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information, and be sure to file an official accident report if applicable.

Notify Relevant Parties

Inform the responsible party or entity about the incident as soon as possible. This could include property owners, employers, or others who may bear liability. Prompt notification is often required for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Avoid Insurance Traps

Insurance companies may pressure you to give statements or accept a quick settlement. Be cautious—these offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to. Avoid signing anything or speaking with adjusters until you’ve consulted an attorney.

Contact Our Attorneys

Early legal involvement can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, our Omaha personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation.

How Our Omaha Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, we provide experienced, compassionate representation to guide you every step of the way and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

We begin by thoroughly assessing the details of your case, including the extent of your injuries, the financial impact of your accident, and the long-term consequences for your life. This allows us to determine the full value of your claim and develop a tailored strategy for pursuing compensation.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Building a strong case requires detailed evidence. Our team collaborates with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and witnesses to gather critical information. We leave no stone unturned, ensuring that every aspect of your case is supported by solid evidence.

Negotiating With Insurers

Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over your recovery, employing bad-faith practices and offering low settlements. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to counter these tactics and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Trial Representation

While many cases are resolved through settlements, we are always prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our experienced trial attorneys will present a compelling argument to ensure your rights are upheld and you receive the justice you deserve.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that addresses both the financial and emotional toll of your accident. This might include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible costs of your injury, helping you recover financially from the accident. These may include:

Medical Bills: Expenses for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as diminished earning capacity if your ability to work has been permanently impacted.
Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other necessary treatments to aid your recovery.
Property Damage: Financial support for repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle or other belongings.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the less tangible but equally significant impact of your injuries on your quality of life. These may include:

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
Emotional Distress: Financial relief for the psychological effects of your accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of Companionship: Damages awarded for the impact of your injuries on personal relationships, including the loss of support and intimacy with loved ones.

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, we understand how deeply an injury can affect every aspect of your life. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, helping you rebuild your life with dignity and financial stability.

Our Team Is Proud to Represent Omaha

Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling is proud to call Omaha home. We’re deeply invested in our clients’ well-being and equally passionate about contributing to the safety and growth of this vibrant community.

Getting to Our Office

Our Omaha office is located at 1402 Jones St, Omaha, NE 68102. Here are driving directions from some of the main surrounding roadways:

Heading North on I-480 E

Use the right lane to take exit 2A toward Harney Street/Dodge Street
Use the right lane to merge onto S 28th St
Turn right onto Harney St
Turn right onto S 14th St
Turn right onto Jones St.; our office will be on the right

Heading West on I-480 W

Use the 2nd from the right lane to take exit 4 for US-6/Dodge St toward Event Ctr-Ballpark/Eppley Airfield
Turn left onto S 10th St
Turn right onto Jackson St
Turn left onto S 13th St
Turn right onto Jones St.; and our office will be on the right

Heading West on I-80 W

Use the right lane to take exit 454 for 13th St toward Henry Doorly Zoo/Lauritzen Gardens
Turn right onto S 13th St
Turn left onto Jones St.; our office will be on the right.

Parking Options

Parking is available at our office, and we encourage you to take advantage of our parking lot. However, there are also many parking options in Omaha if you’d like to use those instead. Learn more on Park Omaha’s website.

Government Offices

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, we guide our clients through every step of their injury claims, from filing paperwork to attending hearings. While we inform clients in advance if a visit to a government office visit is necessary, here are key Nebraska government office locations for your reference:

Civil Division of the Douglas County Court – 1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183
Omaha-Douglas Civic Center – 1819 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183
City Clerk’s Office – Also located at 1819 Farnam Street, Suite LC-1, Omaha, NE 68183

Contact Our Omaha Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the challenges ahead alone. At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, and Cooling, we are here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Time is critical when it comes to personal injury claims. Don’t wait to take action—schedule a free consultation with our experienced Omaha personal injury lawyers today. Let us provide the support and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. Contact us now to get started.