Reviews
Avvo
Mark
30 Dec, 2024
This review is written with a heavy heart and a deep sense of betrayal. In mid-2021, facing debilitating circumstances, I filed for Social Security disability. I was vulnerable, desperate for help, and I placed my trust in attorney Shay Fugate on June 3rd, 2022. Initially, we connected over a shared love of Elvis Presley, and I dared to hope for a positive outcome.
That hope was quickly dashed. Just a month later, on July 1st, 2022, I received my denial, No surprise there, many are denied on the first attempt. What was shocking was discovering Shay Fugate did not know this and missed the critical deadline to file an appeal. Ms. Fugate's inaction, in contrast, felt like a slap in the face.
What followed was a disturbing pattern of neglect, compounded by Shay Fugate's knack for instilling false hope. She has a talent for telling you exactly what you want to hear, leading you along a path of empty promises. My calls and emails would vanish into a void, only acknowledged when I followed up with a call to her team, who would then miraculously "find" my email while I was on the phone. This happened repeatedly. Feeling like a burden, I reluctantly backed off, trusting that my case was a priority, as Ms. Fugate had assured me I was "top of her list."
Two agonizing years crawled by. Two years where I lived in limbo, my future hanging in the balance, sustained only by the false hope Shay Fugate so readily provided. Then came the devastating blow: a recent call revealed that in those two years, Shay Fugate had not filed a SINGLE document on my behalf. Two years of my life, lost due to sheer negligence and a carefully constructed facade of empty promises.
This isn't just about a missed deadline or unanswered emails. It's about a fundamental breach of trust, a careless disregard for a client's well-being, fueled by the insidious nature of false hope. It's about the profound impact that inaction and deceit can have on a person's life.
If you're seeking a disability attorney who will fight for you, who will be responsive and proactive, I implore you to look elsewhere. My experience with Shay Fugate has been nothing short of a nightmare, a stark reminder that even an initial connection over a shared interest does not equate to competence or care. Learn from my misfortune and seek representation that truly values your future.
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Katy
23 Apr, 2021
Ms. Fugate is a very well-versed attorney in her field. She comes totally prepared to fight for you. I would totally recommend her!
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Anonymous
21 Apr, 2021
Highly recommended. She answered my SSDI questions quickly during our consultation and was very kind.
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Martha
20 Apr, 2021
What a blessing to have found Ms Fugate through AVVO. She is a truly caring attorney who has empathy and wants actual justice for her clients. Currently we have only just had a consultation but shall our needs escalate, or we have other legal matters to handle that are under her umbrella of expertise, we will certainly be retaining her. She was so generous with her time, knowledge and advice regarding our issues with SSI. This is an attorney with heart and you will be very lucky to have her on your side. Look no further, this is your champion.
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James
30 Nov, 2020
Shea Fugate represented me in my appeal to Social Security Appeals Administrative Judge of Florida. All I can say is that if you need a great lawyer to help you through the process, there’s none better.
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Marlene
28 Oct, 2019
I was VERY nervous to hire an attorney for my SSD claim. I was denied on my first application. Shea immediately makes you feel comfortable and explains anything that isn’t clear patiently and politely. You always feel your call is welcome to her office, even if you’re just wondering about the process. She is very knowledgeable about Social Security disability law. Before I hired Shea, the Social Security process felt like a tumultuous gray foggy sea and Shea just shines a light straight through it. She’s very prompt with communication and very professional. My case was found fully favorable by the administrative law judge thanks to her help. I would emphatically recommend her to anyone!
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Elia
13 May, 2019
We were recommended to Ms. Shea Fugate by our physician. When we contacted Ms. Fugate, we had no idea what to expect and what needed to be done for the social security process. So, when my husband and I met with Ms. Shea Fugate, she made us feel comfortable, answer all of our questions patiently and guided us through every step of the way with ease. We were very fortunate to have been recommend to Ms. Shea Fugate and we highly recommend her to anyone who needs a top notch social security attorney and great supporting staff. Thank you again Ms. Fugate for the great work that you did for us.
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Char
20 Dec, 2018
Attorney Shea Fugate’s calming demeanor and professional approach throughout the required process, called Social Security Disibility, resulted in an awarded judgment. Her experience was obvious and her timelines were precise. I highly recommend her.
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Pia lyons
15 Oct, 2018
If you need a SSI disability lawyer, Shea is the one you need contact, my case was turned down twice, fearing I would not be heard Shea took my case and thanks to her I was approved. She was there for me for all my needs and stood by me through I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, if you need some one to help you look no further.
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Anthony
06 Aug, 2018
My brother referred me to Shea because she was able to assist him with his disability. I was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2014, after a few surgeries I tried to go back to work after 5 months. I was unable to continue working and was out of work for another 13 months. During this time Shea filled for social security disability. I was denied twice and we appealed and waited on a hearing. While waiting on a hearing I had my 5th surgery and my arm was healing well. My current employer asked if I would like to return to work in a different position. I consulted Shea, she said try it and if it doesn't work out we continue for disability, if it does we try for the period I was out of work (13 months). At the hearing Shea stated to the judge that I was originally out for 5 months, tried to go back to work and couldn't, then went back after 13 months. Well the judge granted the 5 months, and the 13 months. Shea knows the law well, she really someone I trusted, I felt comfortable talking to her. I have already recommend Shea to a few people at work.
This is a long process, stay with it, your in capable hands!
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Josie
15 Jul, 2018
I was referred to Ms. Fugate from another lawyer after I was denied for disability at the hearing level. I had a different lawyer up till that point but he clearly was no good. Shae took one look at my denial letter and found plenty of issues. She took my case and we moved forward together to the Appeals Council. She did such a great job on my appeal request that my case was remanded back for a second hearing. I was a nervous wreck but Ms. Fugate was always there to calm me down and answer questions. The day of the hearing Ms. Fugate was perfectly prepared, professional and confident enough for the both of us. She did an amazing job walking me through the hearing and got me approved. I highly recommend Ms. Fugate to anyone looking for a disability lawyer. She is hard working, caring and REALLY knows her stuff.
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Elizabeth guerra
09 Jul, 2018
Shea Fugate took my Social Security Disability case from another lawyer and after 4 years of waiting she helped me win my case. She took the time to explain the entire process. Thanks Shea for
all your help in getting my Social Security Disability and God bless you and your assistant always.
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