Stewart Atcheson
Atcheson & Kepler
1901 First Ave.
Suite 184
San Diego, CA 92101
Map
Phone: (619) 231-7074 | Fax: (619) 231-7079
http://www.workinjury-sandiego.com
Legal Topic
Government
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Sub-Topics
Social Security Disability
- Individual Disability
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
Bar Admissions
CA, Jul 1979
Bar Number: 87098
Specialty Certifications
Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation
Other Court Admissions
California 4th Circuit Court of Appeal; All California Superior and Municipal Courts; Southern Federal District Court; 9th Federal Circuit Court of Appeal
Association Memberships
California State Bar, San Diego County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I attend over 20 hours a year in continuing education classes to stay current with Workers' Compensation Law and Social Security Disability Law. Significant case decisions are reviewed as they are published.
Example Cases
100% Permanent and Total Award to a Yellow Cab mechanic who developed Parkinson's disease from exposure to chemicals at work.
$350,000 settlement to a worker who suffered serious burn injury at work.
Numerous claimants have been awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits following hearings before Administrative Law Judges. We recently concluded a seven year old claim successfully before the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for a Social Security Claimant that received adverse decisions at four lower levels of adjudication.
Education
University of Florida
J.D.
Gainesville
FL
1974
Eckerd College
Bachelor of Arts
Saint Petersburg
FL
1968
Psychology major
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California, Florida
Firm Focus and History
Our firm consists of two attorneys: David Kepler and myself. We have worked together for nearly 20 years and quit counting after our 5000th California workers' compensation client.
For the last 10 years, we have been trying Social Security disability claims before local federal Administrative Law Judges and have an extremely high success rate. If we agree to represent you for a Social Security Disability claim, it's because we believe you are 'disabled' within the meaning of the Social Security Act.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to focusing on California Workers' Compensation Law assisting injured workers and later Social Security Disability Law assisting the disabled, I worked for a large law firm in Florida that represented public and private employers on Labor Law issues.
In the 1980's, I worked in law enforcement as a Federal U.S. Postal Inspector. During the Vietnam War era, I was an officer in the U.S. Army. I have also been a licensed real estate broker for over 20 years.
Activities and Awards
We attend monthly meetings of local attorneys who also practice Workers' Compensation Law and Social Security Disability Law to learn about recent developments in case law and any changes in the local administrative courts that may affect our cases.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Knowledge is power and understanding.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We have a responsibility to review each client's documentation and will do so in a timely fashion.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
It is unwise for a lawyer to coach a client. Many times critical information is omitted by a client. Clients run the real risk of serious adverse decisions or consequences by representing themselves. The attorney fees in workers' compensation cases and federal Social Security Disability cases are contingency fees and regulated by law to a modest fee amount. We sometimes advise individual claimants to go through the early stages of the Social Security Association (SSA) disability application process on their own with a recommendation to contact us again if they receive a repeat denial of their claim. This is done on a case by case basis.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I grew up in a military family with little exposure to attorneys. My college political science professor repeatedly encouraged me to apply to law school. I am glad I took his advice and encouragement. I have been a licensed attorney for over 30 years.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Years of daily work with injured or disabled clients has given me a wealth of experience. The work flow is a constant source of additional education on legal issues, medical disabilities, and the human predicament.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I started as a young associate in a personal injury law firm in the 1970's. Later, I turned to the workers' compensation area of law, because I found the area to be personally rewarding. A life altering accident or medical disability can happen to anyone. I branched into Social Security Disability law when I realized that injured workers who miss work for a year or more can often receive both workers' compensation and Social Security Disability benefits.
What do you like best about your career?
Work injury benefits or Social Security Disability benefits are often an individual's last hope or safety net. A successful case outcome can truly have life changing effects upon individuals and their families. I have a caregiver-type personality.
Tell us about your law firm:
My partner at Atcheson & Kepler is David Kepler. His major practice focus is California workers' compensation law, and he has over 15 years experience in this field. David is married to Deanna, who also works at the office in an administrative capacity. They have two kids who are accomplished athletes and musicians.
Visit us on the web at www.workinjury-sandiego.com.
am the guy with the grey hair. We try to have fun while doing very serious work.
What are your strengths and style?
I am able to recognize the critical and pivotal issues in your case and take appropriate action. I have a working professional knowledge of a majority of the local Administrative Law Judges which helps immensely. Over the years, I have handled many cases involving medical conditions that range from common to rare and have accumulated in a great deal of understanding and empathy about the impact disabilities can have on physical and mental health.
Patient. A good listener. Intuitive. I try to answer my clients' questions and give them a road map on where our case is going and what to expect. Every case involves at least one tough decision by the client or a critical issue that could have an adverse decision on the case and working through that moment as a team is very important.
Personal Interests:
In my free time, I like to spend time with my family or close friends and will occasionally venture onto nearby golf courses.
Office Manager/Assistant
Deanna Rogers
Fax
(619) 231-7079
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Spanish, ask for David
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
If a Social Security case results in a favorable outcome and retroactive monetary benefits, the maximum fee allowed by SSA is 25% of the retroactive amount, to a limit of $5,300. California workers' compensation settlements generally involve attorney fees of 12% to 15%. All fees must be approved in advance by a Judge.
Hourly Rates
Anywhere between Zero (Mr. Pro Bono) and about $250 an hour; however, the vast majority of our cases are contingency fee cases that require winning the claim to collect a fee.
Free Initial Consultation?
99% of our clients begin with a free consultation, either on the phone or at the office.
Typical Retainer
We do not use retainer fees in our practice.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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