There are many questions someone should consider when selecting the right law firm for their Social Security disability case.
• Is the firm staffed with experienced Social Security disability attorneys?
• Can I expect prompt responses to my questions and concerns?
• Can I trust the attorneys and staff to be honest and ethical?
With Keller & Keller, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding “yes.” One question someone may not consider is whether or not the firm appeals cases to federal court, however, this is an extremely important issue to consider.
Is Your Social Security Disability Attorney Able To Take Your Case To Federal Court?
If you are no longer able to work on a regular basis, you should reasonably be able to expect that once the Social Security Administration has reviewed your medical records,considered opinions from your doctors, and heard your testimony about your medical problems, your claim will be approved. Nonetheless, even meritorious claims presented by skilled attorneys can be denied by the administrative law judges who hear these cases. In fact, less than 50% of cases are approved after a hearing takes place. The fact is that, even with a valid disability claim, you may need to appeal your case to federal court.
Keller & Keller’s disability attorneys regularly attend conferences of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). At a recent conference, I was surprised to hear that, nationally, approximately 50% of the Social Security cases taken to federal court are remanded and sent back for a new decision. This means that half of the disability claims denied by the Social Security Administrations and appealed to federal court are considered to be erroneous. While most denied cases are not appealed to federal court, this is still a shocking statistic.
What this means is that you should select a law firm that will take your case to federal court if necessary. Keller & Keller can appeal your Social Security disability case to federal court.
In fact, having an attorney willing and able to appeal your case to federal court can even increase your likelihood of success at the earlier levels. Attorneys who understand the issues and nuances relevant at the federal court level can more effectively present a case at a hearing. Social Security’s decision makers know that Keller & Keller handles federal cases and that we mean business.
Many firms do not appeal cases to federal court, as doing so is an involved process requiring extensive legal expertise and briefing. In fact, many firms utilize non-attorney representatives who are not even licensed to file a case in federal court! With Keller & Keller, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by a licensed attorney with the expertise necessary for a complicated federal appeal process if it becomes necessary. Contact us online or call us directly at 800.253.5537 to get answers to your questions. We are happy to discuss your case.