Many people with legitimate, serious disabilities that keep them from working complete their applications for Social Security benefits honestly and to the best of their ability, only to suffer the shock of a claim denial.
While we know this is a serious setback, it is not the end of the battle. Many denials are a result of the applicant not knowing what examiners at the Social Security Administration (SSA) look for when evaluating claims. At Friedman & Downey, P.C., we have in-depth knowledge of these criteria and how to handle hearings and appeals.
Assessing Your Claim and Preparing Thoroughly for Your Review Hearing
In Alabama, the next step after a Social Security disability denial is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This SSDI appeals hearing — typically a year or longer down the road — provides us with an in-person opportunity to tell your story, focusing on medical evidence of your condition (or multiple conditions) and its impact on your ability to work.
Your chances of obtaining benefits at this point may be greatly enhanced by our lawyers' experience:
- Ensuring that you worked and paid into the system long enough to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or that your disability and income level entitle you to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead
- Assembling additional medical evidence if needed to strengthen your case and combining that with relevant information on your education and work history
- Preparing you to provide compelling testimony at the hearing, emphasizing key factors such as your age, physical and/or mental limitations, and side effects of medications
Serving Statewide Alabama: Tuscaloosa Area Denied SSDI Claims Attorneys
We have experience obtaining benefits for people with a vast range of totally and partially disabling conditions, from back injuries to fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions, arthritis to diabetes and heart disease, and from clinical depression to bipolar disorder.
If you qualify for disability benefits under Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements, our lawyers can offer caring guidance and take action for you after a claim denial — or, ideally, prior to submitting your initial application.
We will not offer false hope if your claim was denied for a legitimate reason, and you will pay no attorney fees unless your appeal succeeds. To request a free initial consultation, contact our respected Birmingham law firm today.
