smiling woman in office

Case Spotlight – March 2022

In July 2021, Disability Law Group was contacted by a woman for help with her disability claim. She was feeling defeated after recently suffering back-to-back personal tragedies, including the loss of her son and the complete debilitation of her husband as a result of an accident. To make matters worse, she was dealing with her own medical conditions and getting nowhere with her disability claim for almost two years. She was facing what seemed like yet another insurmountable obstacle in a long of adversities. She knew she needed help, and began looking for a disability attorney who specializes only in disability benefits.

When she called Disability Law Group, she was met with compassion and encouragement, giving her the confidence that she was at the right place for help with her disability claim. We immediately got to work reviewing her file. Our team requested the updated medical records and supportive evidence and submitted everything needed to Social Security in a timely manner. When assessing a Social Security case, the judge will look at both objective and subjective evidence which can be from a variety of different sources.

Objective evidence is evidence that is backed by science – such as medical testing, including MRIs, x-rays, and EKGs, as well as physical examination findings completed by a doctor. Subjective evidence is opinion evidence such as your own testimony at your hearing, letters in support from friends and family, and a journal or diary of symptoms, for example. While both types of evidence are sought, subjective evidence is often met with more scrutiny as it is based on opinion. On the other hand, objective evidence is much less heavily scrutinized. This is why taking the time to ensure that the medical record is complete, from all relevant sources, is essential to winning your disability claim.

In this case, we did just that! The claimant had also done her part by keeping up with her medical appointments and treatment and we worked together to ascertain what needed to be ordered, as well as additional supportive evidence that could help her case. Once the records were in, Attorney Lutfi reviewed the entire file, prepared her client for the upcoming hearing, and submitted a written memorandum to the judge outlining the claimant’s treatment and arguments in support of her disability.

By the time of the new hearing, the claimant was prepared to testify, knowing that all pertinent records had been submitted and reviewed. However, shortly prior to the hearing, Disability Law Group learned that the judge would be granting what is called an “On the Record” decision in the matter. This is a fully favorable finding of disability that a judge makes without a hearing needed. Upon reviewing the medical file and memorandum, the judge agreed that the claimant was in fact disabled and was issuing an expedited decision confirming the same. She could not be more ecstatic and now could devote her time to her own healing process, as well as the care of her family after having gone through so much unimaginable tragedy in such a short time. She felt relieved, validated, and thankful for our help.

If you or someone you know has chronic pain, suffered loss, or other serious problems that keep you from being able to work and affect your ability to function normally, contact Disability Law Group today for your free consultation. Our attorneys and staff specialize strictly in disability benefits, and we will fight to help you win every benefit you deserve. We pride ourselves on helping disabled individuals receive disability benefits as quickly as possible. Whether you have been denied, or if you would like advice from the very start, contact us today to understand your rights and get the representation that you deserve.

Author: Erika A. Riggs

Attorney Erika A. Riggs, a partner at Disability Law Group, is a renowned legal advocate and community leader. A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, Erika co-founded The 313 Project, a non-profit providing scholarships and pro-bono legal advice for at-risk youth. She actively contributes to community well-being as a board member and community activist, spearheading pro bono events and volunteer initiatives. Erika specializes in Social Security Disability and Veterans’ disability benefits. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Erika has received accolades such as the ‘Oakland Together 40 Under 40’ Class of 2023, 2022 ABA On the Rise Top 40 Young Lawyer award, eight consecutive Avvo’s Client Choice awards, and the esteemed 2023 Rising Star award for the sixth consecutive year by Super Lawyers (extended to less than 2.5% of attorneys practicing in Michigan). Her multifaceted achievements showcase her commitment to excellence, community service, and advocacy for those in need.