Ft. Lauderdale Disability Attorney Launches Innovative Database to Handle Booming Practice

Jan. 31, 2011 - PRLog -- The persisting economic downtown has meant a surge in applicants for disability programs such as Veterans’ Disability, Social Security disability and private long-term disability benefits. As Mr. LaVan assessed the growth rate at LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A., it became clear that traditional ready-made database systems couldn’t get the job done in a manner that would ensure that the financially needy would get the fastest, most accurate assistance possible. In general, a disabled person who applies for disability benefits can expect to encounter months and months of wait time. As a disability advocate and entrepreneur, LaVan knew that having a fast, more reliable intake system would be a win-win for his clients and the firm.

LaVan spent months researching the available software systems and found that none of them could satisfactorily handle the shear amount of data and related documents that accompany the standard disability claim. When he couldn’t find a system that matched the firm’s needs, he decided to team with GROUP Business Software (GBS) to create a customized database that would reduce errors, increase productivity and simplify the process for clients and his employees.

“VA cases are especially complicated and none of the software available addresses that issue,” LaVan said. “With the new database, we can spend more time on building a file and less time on the procedural elements.”

The project began on Oct. 1, 2009 and LaVan estimates that it took “at least” 1,000 hours of his own time, plus an additional 1,000 hours of his staff’s time to develop, test, revise and re-test all of the elements of the new database, which has been dubbed EZ Claim.

Beyond simplifying things at LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. and allowing his firm to nearly triple its list of clients (they went from more than 5,000 clients in early 2009 to more than 15,000 in late 2010), LaVan said it has cut down significantly in errors and meant less need to hire additional staff.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to focus on building a database,” LaVan said when asked about why others in his field hadn’t beaten him to the punch in developing and marketing a similar system. “It’s expensive to do this, both financially and in terms of a time commitment.”

LaVan said the software could have bigger implications for the legal community and beyond, especially for businesses that handle a large volume of data and documents and are in need of a system that can organize a multitude of tasks.

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Kenneth LaVan and Adam Neidenberg combine focused knowledge in federal and private disability claims, litigation experience, and a constant commitment to their clients. This personalized attention and expert representation enables them to pursue the best outcome for their clients in the timeliest fashion.

GROUP Business Software (www.GBS.com)

GBS is the world’s #1 provider of IBM Lotus business software and services. More than 3,000 customers with more than 3 million users have already deployed GBS solutions. Their customers include Allianz, BASF, Bayer, Deutsche Bank, DuPont, Ernst & Young, Honda and Michelin.

GBS’ unique level of Lotus expertise and capabilities allows them to deliver value by providing a wide selection of innovative, customizable applications through standardized, up-to-date development; they have the industry-leading professional service team in size and expertise; and they offer long-term reliable support and maintenance.