TESTIMONIALS
Hear what Our Clients Have to Say
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"I can actually say I am looking forward to working with them."Her patience in explaining my situation with my case was comforting. No one really explained it in a way I could ever understand. She gave me a sense of hope that I may actually get the help needed under her watch.- Nakia D.
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"They restored my dignity."This law firm accepted my bogged down nine-year-old Worker's Compensation case from another law office. In less than 12 months, I was awarded a just compensation package. Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld not only fought and won my case, but they restored my dignity.- Former Client
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"They are amazing."I love Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld. They are amazing, and the case workers are amazing. They understand and hear me in every aspect of my situation, thank you so much.- Maria G.
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"I honestly could not have done it without them."This is the second time I have used Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld for different types of cases. This is the second time I have received a settlement. I am very grateful for the team. Everyone involved is kind and amazing. I honestly could not have done it without them. I highly recommend!- Former Client
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"When I needed an attorney, I chose Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld."I am a (former) Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster, so I know when an attorney is representing their client well. Being injured on the job has given me a keen appreciation of having a smart, compassionate, and proactive attorney in my corner.- Samuel L.
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"You made me feel comfortable, welcomed, cared for, and accepted in an uncertain time."ou are what I was waiting for. With you, I feel like we are a team. We will win this case together, and I’m certain about it because of you.- Nestor S.
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"Made me feel like I mattered."Candi made me feel like I mattered. She was very nice and helpful. She made everything so easy, which took away the stress of the issue.- Carl N.
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"They were very dedicated to my case."Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld law office was professional and amazing. They were very dedicated to my case, and through their persistence, they won my case for disability. I highly recommend them as your advocates and lawyers.- Scott S.
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.