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27 Nov, 2023 by Chris
Hi,
I would absolutely not recommend Scott as a disability attorney to anyone. We have been working with him since January of 2021 and he was highly recommended for his services. He was absolutely awful!! We couldn't get him to respond to our emails for weeks, sometimes a month at a time and when he did he just apologized saying he had nothing to share. What? What professional doesn't respond back promptly to the customer he is serving to let them know where they are and what's going on, even if there's not much happening. We finally decided to fire him in October 2023 and have yet to receive our medical file back or even get an email respond to the four emails I've sent since October. Unbelievable!
Do not use him if you want prompt action taken on your claim and even his assistant Michelle couldn't respond to us on his behalf. I'm not sure how he stays in business with this kind of poor service. We will find an attorney that actually wants to work and make money for us and for themselves.
Extremely Disappointed. Chris
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05 Oct, 2022 by Jill
Though I had a written contract in hand for Kolligian to handle my disability case he dodged emails and phone calls for 10 months before he called me and confessed like a child that he had simply never gotten around to doing any work at all on my case. He admitted Covid was not a factor and that he could not offer a defense (that in itself doesn’t say much about an attorney). I hired a new attorney and my disability was awarded without contention, but my backpay was 10 months short because I was given a small contractual bonus that changed my disability date. The effective date is determined by the last time a person is paid by their company and Kolligian delayed my case so long that it resulted in my receiving over $15,000 less in backpay. This comment won’t be removed, evidence that it is absolutely factual.
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30 Apr, 2022 by Arnold
Hired him in 2021 for a child support case, took $1000 from me, says he is buddies with the judge and the ladies in the judges office, acts like he is going to do something for me, never returns phone calls, didn't show up for a court date and didn't update me with what is going on with my case. he is part of the criminal organization called Child support, they have been scamming, harassing and extorting money for years. I am filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the whole organization and everyone involved.
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11 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Don't hire this lawyer. He doesn't return calls and doesn't show up in court for a hearing. Worst decision I've ever made.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
If I could give her zero stars, I would. Was not educated enough to represent my case so I switched lawyers, nickel and dimed me for every cent to practically do nothing at all for the same amount that my new lawyer charged to finish up the entire case and do all the work. Spoke over me, did not follow through with what I told her I wanted to do, did not believe in me or my case, and had to be told what do by me asking my a friend of mine who is a lawyer. Do not hire.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
This lawyer was friendly at first but after we hired her she was rude, could not keep up with facts and would all but call you a liar when she remembered facts wrong. She does not like you to ask questions and doesn't explain
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27 Jul, 2018 by Shirley
RUN, RUN. Leslie Thomas was recommended to us by two different attorneys. Neither had worked on any cases with her. For two and a half years Leslie was still not familiar with the case and we were continuing to be billed for non performance by Leslie. Leslie was provided a detailed binder with all pertinent information in order and she did not have to do any research.
Whenever; we would receive correspondence there was always typos, the wrong spelling of parties involved, and the wrong names provided in legal documents.
Leslie refuses to provide the services in which she was contracted to perform, but goes behind her clients back and make deals with the opposing attorney and their clients which is not in the best interest of her client.
Leslie Thomas has no morals when it comes to representing her clients. We were caught off guard by attorney who told us we were having a meeting with the magistate. Upon arrival Leslie and the opposING attorney had created an agreed entry for signature. As the client, we should have been advised and included in the wording of the document. We were blindsighted by the attorney representing us. This document has caused us a tremendous amount of money, stress and unnecessary health issues.
Over the past 2.5 years I have binders of documents we have done at her request. We should have been on her payroll for all the man hours performed. Did I mention this was a trust matter. How many heirs to a trust have you known, who has to pay the trust. We have had to pay dearly. We would have been better off representing ourselves with the legal representation she provided.
We original went to her requesting the property being held in trust be transferred to the heirs. Simple according to the magistrate. Leslie Thomas never once did this. She dragged this out for years and never once provided a win for us on anything. Leslie Thomas is an attorney who can't be trusted by her client to perform for them. She is always in a hurry and her favor phrase is "I haven't had a chance to dive into your case." How can a attorney represent you, if they don't know the elements of the case they are representing. Leslie Thomas looks for easiest way to settle a case and not in the best interest of her client. If you are in search of an attorney, I would advise not to use her as your representative, you will regret if you hire her.
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16 Oct, 2011 by House
Hiring Leslie Thomas as my attorney has been been the worst legal decision I have made. Her total disregard of responsiveness, aggressiveness, and doing what's in the clients best interest makes this rating a logical one. Not only does she not take control in court, she also makes the client do all the work, and she does take the clients information into consideration. Not only was hiring her a bad choice financially - because of her lack of persistance, dedication, and hard work she not only did she talk to me as if I were the person at fault, the defendant I filed against was and still is able to get away with obvious contempt of courts simply because this attorney did not get the job done right the first, second, or third time, yet I am still being charged for services which were not even done.
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06 Apr, 2016 by Enrique ugas
David was proffesional, but instead of hiring him you should just hire his paralegal heidi; because she is likely the only one you will ever speak with.
Not only that but knowing that i required more than 1 surgery and after 6 weeks on the case; as soon as my first surgery was scheduled-and the employer protested-he was so quick to drop the case after NO EFFORT WHATSOEVER.
THIS GUY WILL ONLY WASTE YOUR TIME
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04 May, 2012 by Anonymous
He is the worst lawyer that i have ever hired, he is in no way worth minium wage. He is a little salesman who lets he office girls run the show and he has no clue on whats going on there, he out if you know what i mean. So for anybody who was looking to hire him you better take a second look he is a joke. He did"nt help me at all on this case, i did all the foot work and he office girls did nothing but hang the phone up on me , for asking whats really going on with my case. David small is not a good attoreny and anybody who hires him is going to find out the hard way
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20 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I obtained Ms. Palmer February of 2016, I've have only seen her twice since I've paid her the money for my son. He has not yet been to court and just like the previous review , my son too is just sitting there doing time. He Has Not Been To Court OR Anything Something Must Be Done About this!!!!
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14 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
I have been working with her for the last two years going on three with the case of my son, who has been incarcerated the whole time even before the hearing and he was actually sentenced. Nothing has been done. I have talked to her maybe 5-6 times over the phone and called over a thousand times just to hear her voicemail. I thought I was getting an advantage and doing something good by going out and hiring a lawyer instead of getting an appointed lawyer by the state, but it seems thus method with this lawyer on leaded to my dimise. It has been several times where she has not even showed up to the court hearing when my sons has had to go before the judge, she has not shwn up or called or said "Hello,I'm not makimg it today". And on top of that the only time my son has seen his lawyer was the day of court,she never went to check on him never called never gave him a status update on his case, she just collected the money and said to hell with the case or my son for that matter. Now after the two year wait for my son's court appearance, and all the promises from her that he will get around this time of the year, I only go to find out that he has been sentenced 6x the years he has already served for a petty non violent crime. I feel that as a lawyer she did not do ANYTHING IN HER POWER TO HELP US, after all the attempt to reach out and contact her the cries for help, the money that we didn't have to pay missing bills and almost getting a foreclosure on our house just to pay her because of my fixed income and my sickness she did nothing but apologize after the sentence, just a "I'm sorry" 2 years of hurt and pain from my family being broken up because my son was in jail and that's all I was rewarded with was apology. And I know that you may say I should have fired her a long time ago, but we had already invested so much into her that we wouldn't have been able to just pull out and find another lawyer and start payments all over again. And I know I can't compare the other defendants with my sons but every single last one of the people that was with him on trail was able to be at home with there families while my son was the only one that had to stay in and serve time. I'm not saying this to not recommend her as a lawyer or talk down or defame her by anyway, maybe she just had a lot going on or more on her plate then she could bear, but I just wished she would have told us our case would have been to much for her because she had other various things going on that needed more attention then she thought my son's case did.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Brendan
I had a consultation with this guy, and he was quick to anger. He was rude, and would interrupt me mid sentence with lines like, "I think you have a misunderstanding of situation" I would attempt to explain and he would again cut me off. After I said something, he would then use like like, "So what you're telling me is. . ." and then he would insert argumentative statements that were not what I just said or a correct summary of my talking points. I would stay away from this guy, he seems verbally abusive to his clients, which might result in him putting blame on his clients when he failed them.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with him but he was so rude, interrupt me many times and doesn't even listen carefully to what I said. I regret talking to him.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
July 2013 we started this divorce. No fighting , simple non contestant . It's February 2015 and our case was done in January, I still don't have a copy of the decree. She rescheduled , and forgot many things, Got a lot of information wrong. I'm scared to get the final paper back because I have feeling it is wrong. During the process of us being told our court date 1 business day in advance , and
that's because I called or she would have forgot . Her receptionist is not professional at all, and very rude even considering all the mistakes. I still don't have answers to all our questions like the attorney general I was told " they will call you". No it shouldn't work that way. I'm very unnerved and would NEVER recommend her for anything!!!
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26 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
This lady reschedule my court date with out even telling me. I had court Monday morning at 8 am and she called monday at 8:45 am bearly giving me a notice that she had rescheduled. She also never called me to ask any question about my case i had never even met her i only met her receptionist. The day of the other court day she did nothing for me I had to pay a court fee, had to take deffensive driving and will be on probation for 4 months.
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19 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Having researched Michael after my experience with him, including the experiences of other clients, it appears as if he makes his living by doing the absolute bare minimum required (if that). He’s handsome, charming, and very good at seeming like he cares in every regard EXCEPT actually doing his job. He would become extremely defensive and annoyed whenever questioned or pushed back on why he wasn’t doing his job. This even extended to remembering simple details, something you would expect of an attorney, but which he was very inept at. Do not hire Michael, and if the court appoints him to you, ask for another lawyer.
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19 Oct, 2020 by Mark
I have a sick wife who is an addict. Her sickness became an issue in our relationship, so i seperated from her around October 2019. Covid pandemic hit in March of 2020 and she returned to me pregnant. I cred fornher and insisted she go to rehab if not for just her sake the babies health as well. She went but still had issues with her recovery. When the time came to deliver there were issues with hospitals in Austin violating our rights so we left those institutions against medical advise. Doing so is a right that we are all afforded when we feel the care provided is inadequate and unconstitutional. Fast forward and the baby is born into a respectful institution professional and appropriate. CPS was called. I had fought off officers verbally for over a week and was emotionally and physically drained fefending my and my sick wifes rights to bear our child in any way we saw fit. CPS provided an attorneys to represent each of us. I was given this one. CPS's commissioner sent me a letter clearing me of any wrong doing. This "attorney" who claimed he was representing me would not defend my constitutional rights. He would side with the CPS in just about every matter. Being an attorney provided by the state of Texas, employed through the state of Texas, his interest and loyalties fall there. He wouldnt defend me from his own employer(the state), while misrepresenting himself as "my" attorney. If you want to be misrepresented, lied to and colluded with the opposition in your child case then by all means he is your guy. I wouldnt recommend him to represent anyone for as much as a parking ticket. Good luck to whoever uses this "attorney".
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30 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Beware! I had a total of three phone calls with this firm, all with different lawyers over a five month period. The first call was when I asked them to represent me and the third was in response to a letter I sent, requesting information about my claim. At the time of my phone conversation with Alan Shapiro on 9/28/23, no movement had occurred and I was unaware of any action they pursued with my case. I had never worked with a workman's comp lawyer before and I wanted to get a general understanding of the case procedures and their plan moving forward. From the onset, Alan Shapiro was irritated that I was asking questions and was replying with one word answers to my inquiries. When I asked him about the plan for my case and what a lawyer's responsibilities were to a claimant, he became very angry and hostile. He began yelling and telling me he was insulted that I questioned what he could do for me. It was unsettling and very awkward. He threatened to shut down the case and leave me to figure out the system on my own, since I had the audacity to question him. I was unable to communicate with him because he continued to interrupt and talk over me repeatedly and his hostility was formidable. In the end, I agreed with him that ending his representation was in my best interest. I suggest that if you are looking for a firm that works hard for you to receive results and treats you with professionalism, that you look elsewhere and not waste your time.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Darin
I had the displeasure of speaking with Geoffrey Shapiro. He was both rude and condescending. I explained I was not 100% familiar with the OWCP system, but my injury was severe and the resulting surgery required the fusion of three vertebrae. (for reference-very rarely will a neurosurgeon conduct a three-level fusion) He did not seem interested in the fact the operating neurosurgeon strongly disagreed with the IME report. He told me, "OWCP is not a retirement system" and made reference to my injury date as if I were on OWCP for too long. He never arrived to the point OWCP took more than one year to approve the surgery. He was smug when I addressed his rudeness and was patronizing when asking, "Then what's your question?" At this point, the only question I could muster was, "Why are you such an ****?" Find anyone else to represent you!
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13 Sep, 2023 by Uwanna
It had my name on it Uwanna VAUGHN, said for me to get in touch with my lawyer. What's this about?
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28 Nov, 2023 by Cynthia
He was very unprofessional. He barley reached out to me. He didn't not explain to me that I would have time to tell my side of the story and when the judge asked I had nothing prepared. He said just say yes or no. When I got my disability not because of him but because of my work history and medical records, he didn't even reach out to say anything like ...you won! Hope it turned out the way you wanted! Good luck...nothing! He texted me "we can talk Monday"...that was over a month ago! His office was dirty. You can tell he eats on his keyboard. I will not recommend him!!
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18 May, 2020 by Anonymous
This is the worst lawyer you could possibly imagine. I used her for my disability case. She was supposed to contact me a week before the hearing. I never heard from her. I called the office and they told me she would contact me Thursday about my case to discuss it. Then on Thursday the office told me she was busy and would call me next Thursday and my case was on Monday. The office called back and said she won't be able to make the call and to meet her a half hour before the hearing. I had a friend with me that is an RN to give testimony in front of the judge. As for me, I had about 12 concussions and I had some notes with just a few words that were on a couple sticky notes that would mean nothing to anybody else. They had just one or two words to remind me of the different incidents where I got concussions. She got directly in front of me while I was sitting next to my nurse friend, stood above me and demanded twice the 2 sticky notes and told me "you can not go into the hearing with the notes." She didn't know anything about me or my case. We went into the judge's chamber. The judge asked Rachael King, the attorney, questions about me. After about a half I stood up, asked to be excused to use the washroom briefly. I walked out after a minute or two and Racheal told my friend the nurse to tell me that they were done. I didn't have a chance to speak my case to the judge myself. It was suddenly over. I believe this shyster cut me short because she had another client coming in at that time. After hearing this from my nurse friend I was so upset by this I asked the receptionist if I can have a copy of the hearing. I called the law office to complain and was informed she no longer works there. I will be calling the bar association about her and I will try to get her disbarred after they listen to the recording of the hearing. I was easily awarded disability benefits with a fine lawyer at Disparty law firm.
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03 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
A relative referred me to Mr. Galesburg after he represented her in a worker's comp case against a Fortune 500 company and a separate Social Security Disability case--both of which were decided in her favor. She cautioned me that he was "gruff." After speaking to him three times by phone, I assume by gruff she must have meant "sarcastic" and "belligerent."
I asked Mr. Galesburg to represent me in a Social Security Disability appeal for a condition I was hospitalized for nine times in eight years. I had an attorney, but he seemed to be overloaded with cases, returned my calls a week late, and (according to a Social Security administrator) failed to submit a required form naming himself as my legal representative. I explained this to Mr. Galesburg.
Mr. Galesburg explained what burden of proof might influence the Appeals Board. He suggested I contact my last physician, who treated me for four years—dispensing medications which failed to keep me cycling in and out of inpatient hospital care five times during those four years (including three times in one year). The medications caused many seemingly disconnected side effects (uncontrolled weight gain, early onset menopause symptoms, etc.) that were inconsistent with my prior health history. I attributed these as drug side effects that my doctor failed to predict or explain to me.
Despite my abundance of hospital records, Mr. Galesburg felt I needed a current letter from my physician stating my disability was permanent to win my appeal. He advised me to call my physician (whom I had stopped seeing, due to the side effects and failure to improve the underlying condition) to request the letter. Mr. Galesburg also suggested I that apply for food stamps and a "medical green card" (never heard of it) while waiting for my Disability appeal to go to a hearing. He directed me to call him again after accomplishing these two tasks.
I left the voicemail for my doctor, who screens his incoming calls through his voicemail. I applied for welfare assistance at Mr. Galesburg's suggestion and was told I might not qualify unless the Social Security administrators decided I was disabled. Twenty-four hours passed…during which time, while conducting Internet research on disability law, I discovered that another of my doctor's patients had filed a recent lawsuit against him alleging that he gave the wrong diagnosis and drugs, leading to permanent injuries. When I called Mr. Galesburg again, I told him I that I thought this new information meant that support from my former doctor for my Disability appeal was highly unlikely.
Mr. Galesburg began screaming at me for not informing him that my doctor was (quote) "a bad doctor." I told him I had only just learned about the other patient's lawsuit. Mr. Galesburg then began berating me for failing to find "unskilled work," implying that I wanted the Disability income only because I was *shirking* work. (It is hard to hold any job--skilled or unskilled--when you go in and out of the hospital five times in four years, and three times in one year. In fact, I did hold temporary, short-term skilled jobs during that time. I recently signed up for volunteer work because I can’t find paid work. That does not mean my disability is not permanent and recurring.)
Mr. Galesburg then demanded to know why the appeals board should care about my case when "they are getting thousands of disability cases like never before!" The credibility of other Disability petitioners doesn't affect my credibility.
Avoid Stuart Galesburg like the Ebola virus. He’s a belligerent old man who screams at his clients. Can't imagine how badly he comes off in court. No doubt he’ll be looking for someone at another Fortune 500 company with some mysterious, ill-defined back injury real soon. It’s a bigger and easier payday.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Dorothy
The Woods Family hired Michelle to represent us regarding my father’s estate. We personally paid her $1500. She was always last minute and rarely returned telephone calls, messages, or emails. We had to notify the Disciplinary Office regarding her lack of attention to this matter.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
This lawyer was arrogant, condescending, and full of himself. Because I had enough common sense to get some disability on my own without a lawyer he was unable to help me get the maximum amount in the disability. The reason he doesn't know how to get benefits as well as he claims. SSA told me to get a lawyer to get more money because I wasn't getting enough. Mark claimed that was folk lore. He is not as smart as he "thinks" he is...go with someone who is more knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and regulation regarding SSA. He can get the least amount and I am suppose to praise his efforts because I'm poor and believed to be automatically stupid. He is not very nice.
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09 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
She was very blunt and to the point, not a bad thing. But the tone of her voice (telephone consult due to virus) was not good. She had reviewed the papers I had dropped off, but said that there was no case and refused point blank. She also said there was no way case would go anywhere, even though new diagnoses and doctors notes indicated that medical issues very much impacted daily activities and would interfere with daily life. She didnt even want to get and review new doctors notes, or even help. I would not recommend her if you are going for SSDI/SSI, as it seems unless there is very little work to do, she will not help or take the case!!
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03 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
She was my attorney and i gave her documents that were crucial to my case and she didnt admit to the court till too late. She was unprepared every time we went to court. She the worst attorney I've ever met. Not ignorant just seems to me that she doesnt prepare at all for the cases she represents
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28 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I went to Greenman and Toomey for my court case, and they asigned me to Ryan Miner. He was by far the worst attorney, I ever came acrossed. Although Greenman and Toomey were just as bad, you can't even get questions answered they throw you aside and do absolutely NOTHING! So Before you sign anything know this! IF YOU WANT TO LOSE, SIGN AWAY!!!!!!!!
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29 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
This attorney did not listen to our needs. He did not file things in a timely manner, so they were not accepted in court. Kaiser was not honest with the options that we had regarding trial or motions that could have been filed. He required us to do his work (ex. phone calls regarding the case, gathering information for exhibits, doing his Bate's stamping, photocopying, purchasing his office supplies etc.) He not only lost our lawsuit that was a 100% sure win, (we filed to recover from an employee who was fired for embezzling for a number of years) Kaiser turned it into us losing our company, home, property, financial assets & retirement. We are in the process of going after him for misrepresentation. Kaiser told us one thing and did the complete opposite on at least a half dozen occasions without ever presenting it to us what he was doing in court. Then he tried to have his actions sealed in court so we couldn't discover it. Our trial never went to trial because he told us it was thrown out 15 minutes before the trial was to begin, which we found out later was not true. This whole process was dragged out over a 3 year period. He made grave mistakes that cost us everything and we have proof of every wrongdoing he made. Read this and run.
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04 May, 2016 by Anonymous
He failed to show up to work on a day that our appointment was scheduled on. No calls to reschedule and zero calls to follow up. The office is extremely unclean, dis-organized, and Mr Fischer's unprofessional behavior should be enough to deter anyone from giving him a chance at representation.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I did everything she told me too , gout the proof she needed but on the day of my hearing she hasn't turned in my paperwork as well as an order from the judge to assist me was disregarded, then I received a letter from her saying she quit and I'd have to find another lawyer.
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27 Aug, 2019 by Brian
Since I can’t put on here what really happened when I hired this guy and his law firm, I will make this short and sweet to the point. After this guy put a rookie attorney on my case for disability without my permission, it got denied. Help u every step of the way is false advertisement because he or his law firm would not appeal my case to the appeals counsel, re-apply for me, or appeal it to the federal court. These are the ways to help every step of the way which him and his law firm chose NOT to do at all for me. If I could, I would give him and his law firm a negative star rating if I could.
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27 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
I paid him money and the plea agreement remained the same every time. I continued to pay him for his services and he did not do anything, my original plea agreement was still unchanged. I do not recommend this lawyer as he over promises and under delivers.
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24 Nov, 2021 by John
I employed attorney Dant to file a disability application on my behalf. He did so in early January 2021 and I could never get hold of him again. I e-mailed and called his assistant who told me on three occasions someone would be talking to me. They never did. It actually took me calling the office to even get them to review an e-mail and prepare a letter of withdrawal.
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24 Dec, 2009 by Chris
Mr Muller has cost me $15,ooo through bad representation. I was rear ended and mr muller was my attorney and he didn't inform me of settlent offers. This resulted in the other guys insurance company suing me and receiving a judgment against me. Remember, I was the one that got rear ened and the other guy got a citation for it.When the case started going sour Mr Muller sat back and shrugged his shoulders....not his problem. HE IS A HUSTLER AND DO NOT TRUST THIS GUY AS AN ATTORNEY.
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04 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Left me without any preparation for the first time seeing the judge. Did not help me at all. Horrible experience and my mother said the same in her case.ty
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30 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
He does not return calls and many many times does not answer calls. He rarely answers emails and seems to always have excuses as to why he has not done this or that in a timely manner. It took him more than 5 months to file my suit and then we sat at square 1 for months and months while he procrastination and continued to not communicate. He continued to ask for more money and did not ever give me an invoice of any kind. My case had to be moved out of state and he was to find an attorney in that state, and he asked for even more money to pay the new attorney and for himself, yet after 2 months he still had done nothing about hiring the out of state attorney. Instead all I got was excuses that he had been ill, his wife had been ill , his computer was giving him problems and on and on. I fired him, asked for a return of the money I sent him for the out of state attorney and for the extra he wanted for himself. I had to fire him via phone message and email. I have not heard back from him. Save yourself grief and pass this attorney up. He wasted my time and charged me many thousands of dollars. I have never dealt with an attorney who drug his feet and was so hard to contact as this man.
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07 Oct, 2021 by David
This person is not an attorney who can represent claimants because she works for the school districts.
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14 May, 2015 by Dana
Ms. Benedict was the most unprofessional lawyer that I have ever had any dealings with. I had to initiate contact. She constantly ignored contact. She has very poor relationships with most judges that she has come in contact with. She cancelled hearing after hearing causing my case to drag on years longer than it should have only to quit and place such a high lien against my claim it was hard to find another attorney. I would not recommend her to represent a gnat.
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What a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Can Do for You
A Social Security and Disability lawyer specializes in helping individuals navigate the complex process of applying for and securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These lawyers assist clients in filing applications, gathering necessary medical evidence, appealing denied claims, and representing them in hearings before administrative law judges. A lawyer can help maximize the chances of approval by ensuring that the paperwork is accurate, deadlines are met, and legal standards are addressed.
If you are disabled and unable to work, or if your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, a Social Security and Disability lawyer can guide you through the legal process to obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
When Should I Hire a Social Security & Disability Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer in the following situations:
- Applying for SSDI or SSI benefits: The application process for disability benefits can be complex, with strict requirements and documentation. A lawyer can assist in completing the application correctly and submitting the required medical evidence to improve your chances of approval.
- Denied disability claim: If your initial claim for SSDI or SSI benefits has been denied, a lawyer can help file an appeal and represent you in hearings. Many claims are denied initially, and having legal representation during the appeal process significantly increases the chances of success.
- Requesting reconsideration: After an initial denial, you have the right to request reconsideration of your claim. A lawyer can help present new medical evidence or correct any errors in your original application.
- Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration request is denied, you may request a hearing before an ALJ. A lawyer can represent you during the hearing, preparing you to answer questions and presenting a strong case based on your medical and work history.
- Proving medical conditions: If your disability involves complex medical conditions, a lawyer can help gather expert medical testimony or additional evidence to demonstrate that your condition meets the legal criteria for disability.
- Overpayments and cessation of benefits: If the Social Security Administration (SSA) claims you were overpaid or attempts to terminate your benefits, a lawyer can assist in challenging the decision and protect your right to continue receiving benefits.
- SSI for low-income individuals: If you are applying for SSI, which is based on financial need in addition to disability, a lawyer can help ensure that your financial records are correctly submitted to meet SSA’s strict income and asset limits.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help you avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
What Does a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Do?
A Social Security and Disability lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals navigate the application and appeals process for SSDI or SSI benefits. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing initial applications: A lawyer can help prepare and file your SSDI or SSI application, ensuring that all necessary forms are completed accurately and medical evidence is included.
- Gathering medical evidence: A lawyer works with your doctors and healthcare providers to collect medical records, treatment histories, and expert opinions to support your disability claim.
- Filing appeals: If your initial application is denied, a lawyer can file an appeal and guide you through the reconsideration process, ensuring that any additional documentation or evidence is provided.
- Representing you in hearings: A lawyer will represent you in front of an administrative law judge, helping you prepare for the hearing and arguing your case to demonstrate that your disability prevents you from working.
- Handling deadlines and paperwork: A lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are met, and that any requests for additional information from the SSA are responded to promptly.
- Negotiating settlements (for private disability insurance claims): If your disability benefits claim involves private disability insurance (in addition to or instead of SSDI/SSI), a lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
- Fighting benefit terminations or overpayment claims: If the SSA attempts to terminate your benefits or claims you were overpaid, a lawyer can defend you in administrative proceedings or file for a waiver or reconsideration.
How Are Social Security & Disability Lawyers Paid?
Social Security and Disability lawyers are typically paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if your case is successful, either through the approval of your disability benefits or winning an appeal. Here's how it generally works:
- Contingency fee: The fee is usually 25% of your past-due (backpay) benefits, but no more than $7,200. This fee structure is set by the SSA, and lawyers cannot charge more than this amount for SSDI or SSI cases.
- No cost for future benefits: Lawyers are not entitled to any portion of your future monthly disability benefits. Their fee is strictly limited to a percentage of your backpay.
- Additional costs: In some cases, you may need to pay for additional expenses, such as obtaining medical records or expert witness testimony. These costs are usually minimal, but it’s essential to ask your lawyer about any additional expenses upfront.
It’s essential to confirm fee arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid misunderstandings.
How Much Does a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer is typically structured around the contingency fee system outlined by the SSA. General cost information includes:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is capped at 25% of your backpay, with a maximum of $7,200. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 in backpay, the lawyer will receive $2,500 (25%), and you will receive the remaining $7,500.
- No cost for future benefits: Lawyers are not entitled to any portion of your future monthly disability benefits. Their fee is strictly limited to a percentage of your backpay.
- Additional costs: In some cases, you may need to pay for additional expenses, such as obtaining medical records or expert witness testimony. These costs are usually minimal, but it’s essential to ask your lawyer about any additional expenses upfront.
Overall, there is no financial risk in hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer, as they only get paid if your case is successful.
Top Questions to Ask a Social Security & Disability Lawyer
Before hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with Social Security Disability cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling SSDI and SSI cases similar to yours, particularly if you have a complex medical condition. -
How do you charge for your services?
Confirm that the lawyer charges a contingency fee and that you won’t owe any fees unless your claim is successful. Ask if there are any additional costs for medical records or other expenses. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Disability claims can take time, especially if you’re appealing a denial. Ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what the typical timeline is for cases like yours. -
How will you help me prepare for my hearing?
If your case is going to a hearing before an administrative law judge, ask the lawyer how they will help you prepare for testimony and present your medical evidence effectively. -
What happens if I’m denied again?
Ask about the next steps if your reconsideration or appeal is denied, including the possibility of further appeals to federal court.
How to Check the Credibility of a Social Security & Disability Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable Social Security and Disability lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for Social Security experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in Social Security and Disability law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on Social Security Disability matters.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Membership in organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) can indicate that the lawyer is committed to representing disability claimants.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a Social Security and Disability lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Medical records: Bring copies of your medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, treatment histories, and any disability-related diagnoses.
- List of medications and treatments: Provide a detailed list of any medications you are taking, treatments you have received, and ongoing medical care related to your disability.
- Denial letters (if applicable): If your disability claim has been denied, bring a copy of the denial letter from the SSA, along with any documentation related to your appeal.
- Work history: Provide information about your previous jobs and work history, including details about how your disability has impacted your ability to work.
- Social Security application (if already filed): If you’ve already submitted an application, bring a copy of the application and any correspondence you’ve had with the SSA.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions you have about the legal process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect in terms of timelines and outcomes.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your situation.
