Pittsburgh SSDI Denied Claim Attorney

Pennsylvania Social Security Appeals Lawyer

People with a certified disability are often surprised and frustrated to learn that their initial application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits has been rejected by the Social Security Administration. Some reports indicate that as many as 80 percent of initial claims are denied, often on a minor technicality, or because the SSA Disability Determination Services Department is unsure that the level of injury or illness will prevent the applicant from working in a former profession, or new job, if training is provided.

Encouraging News for Denied Claims

At Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., with offices in New Castle, Hermitage, Butler and Erie, Pennsylvania, we don’t give up. If you have had your SSDI initial application denied, contact us to arrange a free consultation to evaluate your circumstances. We will explain the reasons for the denial and show you how we can help you with a successful appeal. We handle all cases on contingency. It will cost you nothing to retain our services, and you will not pay attorneys’ fees if we do not help you receive the SSDI benefits you are seeking. Even the amount of attorneys’ fees we charge after you are successful is capped by federal law. You will never pay more for our services than the amount you receive every month.

The Appeals Process

Here is a shortlist of what the appeals process requires and what we will do for you:

Request for hearing or reconsideration: We will file a formal petition to request a hearing for reconsideration of your application. Your request will include details and specifics about why the SSA should reconsider its decision, including testimony and reports from medical experts and disability experts. The deadline for requesting a hearing is 60 days.
Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ): Your formal hearing will be held in front of an administrative law judge from the Social Security Administration. This is your first opportunity to tell your story face-to-face. We will coach you in the appropriate way to present your evidence and be there for you throughout the entire hearing to answer legal questions as they arise. The ALJ hearing is often the place where most denied claims are overturned and benefits are approved. Following the hearing, it may take several months for the judge to make a decision.
Appeals Council: If the administrative law judge denies your appeal, you have the option to continue the process through the SSA Appeals Council. Again, your Dallas W. Hartman attorney will handle everything to prepare your case for the council presentation.
Federal district court: Your final option for appeal includes taking your case before a judge in the federal district court in your region. We handle all investigation and case preparation for presenting your case.

Don’t Give Up

If you have suffered a disabling injury or illness, you have the right to receive the SSDI benefits you have paid for through your employer payroll deduction. Don’t let a rejection letter stop you. At Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., we will work aggressively to help you get the benefits you need and deserve.

Learn more about SSI and SSDI at these information pages:

Free Consultation · No Attorneys’ Fees Unless You Receive SSDI Benefits

We represent clients in communities throughout the Greater Northern Pittsburgh metro region and throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. Call us toll-free at 1-800-777-4081 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh SSDI denied claim lawyer today.