TESTIMONIALS
Hear what Our Clients Have to Say
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"Experienced the Utmost Professionalism"They are well organized, very knowledgeable of the workers' compensation industry, and have had an excellent reputation for many years.- Nadine
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"They Make You Feel Like Family"Ben Feld was a terrific attorney as he guided me through the disability process. Most importantly, he would return my calls or my texts very quickly. I cannot recommend GG&F more highly. They make you feel like family.- Kellie D.
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"It Was a Miracle! I Am So Thankful and Grateful!"Mr. Feld got me my SSDI in 2 month on contingency, which was greatly appreciated! That was 2 years faster than the nightmares that everyone hears about. I was crying! It was a miracle! I am so thankful and grateful!!! Thank you so much Benjamin Feld!!!- Kathy G.
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"Very Professional And Very Helpful"All staff members are very professional and very helpful. They are the best. Thank you very much for all your help.- Daniel B
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"Very Professional"Very professional. Kept me updated throughout the process. Highly recommended!- John D.
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"Informative, Helpful, And Patient"My overall experience with this firm has been outstanding. From the very beginning, Ben was incredibly informative, helpful, and patient with me and my situation. He, and the rest of the team, helped to make a stressful and long process so much easier. Inc- Kimberly S.
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"Excellent Services"Excellent services from the staff to the lawyers! Thank you for helping me!- Imelda P.
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"Truly Care About Their Clients"All amazing attorneys, who truly care about their clients! It’s great to have a law firm that you can count on for so many different kinds of cases! I recommend them 100%!- Sara A
How Santa Barbara Social Security Disability Lawyers Stand Up for You
When you become disabled, you should receive benefits to help keep you financially stable despite your inability to work full-time. If you suffer from serious disabilities, there is no waiting period, and you can be approved immediately. A compassionate attorney who understands how important your benefits are to your livelihood can represent you if you aren’t receiving the compensation you deserve. The attorneys of Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld have been fighting for workers for over six decades, and we are ready and eager to help you, too.
It’s not always easy to reach out and ask for help, but going through the process with an attorney by your side can be a weight off your shoulders. We have a long history of helping clients navigate this complex process and we’re proud to serve our community. And not only do we help you apply for your benefits, we’re here to help you appeal your case if your claim has been denied as well.
What is the First Step a Lawyer Takes to Appeal My Case?
After you receive the notice of a decision regarding your Social Security Disability case, you can initiate the appeal process. This comes in four stages:
- Reconsideration
- A scheduled hearing with the administrative law judge
- The Appeals Council review
- The Federal Court review
Your attorney will first walk you through the reconsideration. They will ask you why you believe that you deserve compensation and inquire about the nature of your disability. Once you answer them honestly, they will find out why you were denied or provided a smaller amount by analyzing the paperwork. If they spot errors, they can fix this when they submit your appeal for reconsideration. The reconsideration requires new medical evidence that demands a redetermination. There are also non-medical reasons for filing an appeal.
If the reconsideration does not help, then you can request a hearing. Because you have the right to representation, your attorney can argue your case and point out key evidence to the judge. If you are dissatisfied with the hearing results, you can request an Appeals Council review if the administrative law judge dismisses you. Again, your attorney can represent you and clarify why you deserve compensation or an increase in benefits. If you are still denied benefits, you can file an appeal for a Federal Court review.
Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld is by your side every step of the process. We promptly answer your questions via email or phone or by welcoming you into our Santa Barbara office. We exhaust our resources to obtain justice for you. You can read our client testimonials to find out how we take the stress out of the process for our clients who have been denied their rightful Social Security Disability benefits.