Western Kentucky Social Security Disability (SSD & SSI) Attorneys
Don’t Let a Denied Claim Stop You from Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Most people assume that if they are truly disabled, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will approve their claim. The reality is that most initial applications are denied. At Housman, Garatt, Duncan & Mann, we help you navigate the system, avoid common mistakes, and fight back against unfair denials.
With over 95 years of combined experience in disability and injury law, our Western Kentucky team provides the local, face-to-face representation that large national firms simply cannot match.
Our Promise: No Fee Unless We Win. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you are awarded benefits.
Understanding Your Options: SSDI vs. SSI
Navigating federal benefits is confusing. We help you determine which program, or both, you qualify for:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Your benefit amount is based on your earnings history.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for individuals with limited income and assets who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI.
The "Definition of Disability": How We Prove Your Case
The SSA uses a strict formula to determine if you are disabled. To win, we must prove:
- Work History: You cannot perform the work you did previously.
- Transferable Skills: You cannot adjust to other types of work due to your medical condition.
- Duration: Your condition has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death.
Appealing a Denied Claim: The Four Stages of Justice
If your claim was denied, you only have 60 days to act. Our firm handles every stage of the appeal process:
- Reconsideration: A complete review of your claim by someone who did not take part in the initial decision.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: This is your best chance to win. We prepare you for testimony, gather medical evidence, and present your case directly to an administrative law judge.
- Appeals Council: We request a review if the ALJ’s decision was legally flawed.
- Federal Court Review: If necessary, we are prepared to file a civil suit in federal court to fight for your rights.
Why Choose a Local Paducah Team Over a National "Disability Mill"?
When you hire a national firm, you often don’t meet your representative until minutes before your hearing. At Housman, Garatt, Duncan & Mann, we believe your case deserves a local face and a combined century of legal firepower.
- 95+ Years of Combined Local Expertise: Our partners—Craig Housman, Geordie Garatt, Clay Duncan, and Michael Mann—bring nearly a century of collective experience to your file. We aren't just researchers; we are local fixtures who know the Western Kentucky legal landscape inside and out.
- A "Face-to-Face" Advantage: You are a person, not a case number in a database. You will meet directly with your attorneys to prepare for your hearing. We take the time to hear your story, ensuring your testimony is powerful and that your file is full of all of your medical records.
- Seamless Medical Coordination: We live and work in the same community as your healthcare providers. We work closely with Western Kentucky doctors to ensure your medical records reflect the specific impairments and clinical evidence the Social Security Administration requires for approval.
Contact an experienced Kentucky attorney for help obtaining Social Security Disability benefits
At Housman, Garatt, Duncan & Mann, PLLC, we represent people throughout Kentucky who need assistance with claims for Social Security Disability benefits. We draw on extensive experience helping clients secure the benefits they deserve. Call us at 270-444-6644 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Paducah office.
