Your SSI Disability Attorney Serving Olympia, Tacoma, and the Surrounding Areas
Attorney Kenneth N. Gormly has been practicing SSI Disability law exclusively for over 25 years, and therefore understands the many frustrations that come along with the process of applying for disability benefits. When you’re struggling with an illness, disability or injury, it’s crucial to have a law firm that’s compassionate, knowledgeable, and responsive. At our law office, we value your individual case.
We Work to Understand Your Impairments
One of the most crucial aspects of the application process is simply understanding the ins and outs of the applicant’s disability. The Social Security Administration may approve your case on the basis of one impairment, either physical or psychological, or on a combination of several impairments. As your SSI disability attorney serving Olympia and the surrounding areas, we understand the inner workings of the courtroom. We can help you obtain the most crucial information from your doctor and work to help the Administrative Law Judge assigned to your case understand “your story.”
We Do the Difficult Work for You
At our office, we have a dedicated staff that works every day to ensure your claim is running smoothly. Different aspects of this case may feel very burdensome to you, but to us, they are routine. Some things we take care of for you include filing your appeals on time, assisting you in completing standard Social Security questionnaires, obtaining doctors’ records, reports, and interrogatories, and regularly checking in to follow the status of your claim. Although hiring an SSI disability attorney in Olympia or Tacoma may not speed up your case, it can make the process easier on you.
We Represent You at Each Stage in Your Claim
Depending on the complexity of your case, there may be several steps before benefits are awarded. Navigating the system as an individual can be intimidating and confusing, making legal support a lifeline to those seeking benefits. Our law office is prepared to help clients through every stage of the disability benefits application. We use our knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s process to advise our clients through each step, and try to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Stage 1. Make the Strongest Initial Application Possible
When it comes to being approved for disability benefits in Washington, the first thing to do is create a solid application. Your application should be able to paint a complete picture of your condition, including substantial medical evidence, work history, and other pertinent details which will help the Social Security Administration understand your situation.
While an initial application may result in approval, bear in mind that most applicants will need to file an appeal before being awarded benefits by the Social Security Administration. Working with a qualified SSI disability attorney in Olympia can help improve your chances at approval on the first try.
Stage 2. Denied Benefits? We Can Help Make an Appeal on Your Behalf
In the event that your first application is denied, you will have 60 days to file what’s called a ‘Request for Reconsideration’ (commonly referred to as a ‘Recon’). During the re-evaluation process, the Social Security Administration will take a second look at your claim. If your application is once again denied, you will have the option to file a new ‘Initial’ claim, file a ‘Request for Hearing,’ or discontinue your efforts to receive benefits. In many cases, requesting a hearing will be the most strategic move. Our SSI disability attorney in Olympia can help you consider your options and file the appropriate paperwork.
Stage 3. Support and Representation at Your Hearing
If you decide to move forward with a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), our SSI disability attorney in Olympia will help prepare you for the proceedings. These hearings typically take place at the nearest Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) or over video conference. You will be asked questions about your condition, work history, and experiences. While formal legal representation is not required, having an attorney by your side can help you feel more confident.
Stage 4. Let Us Make Your Case to the Appeals Council
Immediate decisions are rare. More often than not, those who have presented their case to an Administrative Law Judge will wait a few months for a decision. If you receive an approval, you will receive an official Notice of Decision and a Notice of Award. Those who receive a denial have one more chance to make an appeal to the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council is not known for splitting with the decision of the Administrative Law Judge, but for some clients this is still the strategic choice. Our qualified SSI disability attorney in Olympia can help you make informed choices and present a strong case—even at this late stage—for the best possible outcome.
We Understand the Calculation of Your Benefits
After many years in this area of law, Attorney Kenneth N. Gormly understands how the Social Security Administration calculates benefits. At this stage of the process, different issues can arise, for example, when a person collects both Social Security and Workers’ Compensation. If your claim is approved, as your SSI disability attorney in Olympia, we can monitor your claim to ensure you are paid accurately.
We do not collect an attorney fee unless we win your claim. Contact our office today for a free consultation.