My family has always been part of the working class. My parents, uncles and aunts, and grandparents worked in factories, coal mines, manufacturing facilities, and in the construction industry. They were all hard workers who gave more than they received. Many in my family were hurt on-the-job or suffered disabilities at some point or another.

I note this because I think it is important for any person considering retaining me to know that I personally know what it's like to experience disability, to deal with the delays in bureaucracy, and how survival is so difficult while trying to establish a claim. For example, my parents, both of them, had the misfortune of getting sick before they could retire from their jobs. My father became disabled when I was getting ready to go to college, and the years that he couldn't work were rough. My mother became disabled after I had been practicing law.

Both of my parents pursued disability claims that were initially wrongfully denied. Both had to wait years under the lengthy Social Security hearing appeals process before both got their hearings. Both ultimately were approved, though my father's case took more than five years after filing. My mother's case, which was quite complex, was approved much quicker, although it was a fight to the finish.

You will rarely if ever speak with my assistant or get ignored. You primarily will speak with me throughout your case. That noted, I view all new disability client cases as a collaborative effort between my office and the client. If during the course of your case I believe additional evidence needs developing concerning one or more medical problems that impacts the clients ability to work, I will suggest the appropriate doctors and medical tests that are important to establish a successful claim result.