PRACTICE AREAS
- Car Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Wrongful Death
Best Social Disability Lawyer in Knoxville tn
Jed McKeehan
Disability Lawyer
Jed McKeehan
When I first started as a Knoxville attorney in 2007, I had absolutely no clue what kind of law I wanted to practice. After many years of practice, I have found that what I love is the stuff you see on TV. Sure, I don’t mind sitting down and doing some legal research and writing for a few hours from time to time, but to go to court and negotiate, argue, and litigate – that’s exciting stuff! So when I’m meeting with clients and discussing possible courses of action, I won’t be trying to talk clients out of going to trial because I’m very comfortable handling a trial. I will only encourage other courses of action, like settlement discussions and mediation, when I believe them to be in your best interest.
At McKeehan Law Group, our attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through life’s most difficult situations, whether it be a divorce, child custody, personal injury or criminal charge. We are in your corner!
Viktoria M. Haynes (Vikky)
Disability Lawyer
Viktoria M. Haynes (Vikky) has been an employee of Kenneth Miller & Associates since 2010 and became a licensed attorney for the firm in 2021. Vikky earned her B.A. in Communications from the University of Tennessee and her J.D. from Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law in Knoxville.
Vikky is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International’s Knoxville Alumni Chapter, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), the Knoxville Bar Association, and the Tennessee Bar Association.
Vikky is admitted to practice before all Tennessee State Courts and the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Vikky enjoys helping individuals navigate the complicated process of receiving disability benefits, and dedicates her spare time working in the juvenile court system.
KAREN JERNIGAN
Disability Lawyer
I grew up in Cookeville, Tennessee where both of my parents worked in factories. I saw my parents work hard to get by. I began working at the age of 15 and continued to work at nights and on weekends while earning a college degree.
I graduated from Maryville College with a degree in Sign Language/Interpreting and worked in this field for a few years. While going with my hearing-impaired clients to see their lawyers I noticed my clients were not treated with the respect and dignity they deserved.
I wanted to do things differently. After I got my law degree from the University of Tennessee I began representing people on their claims for Social Security disability benefits.
I have represented thousands of clients at hearings before the Social Security Administration for over 25 years and I know what is required to be found disabled.
I am a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), the Tennessee Bar Association, and the Knoxville Bar Association.
I have been married for over 30 years to my husband, Kevin, and we have one grown son.
Emma Drozdowski Webb
Disability Lawyer
Emma Drozdowski Webb, managing attorney in our Knoxville office, is a Certified Disability Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She has been named a Top Attorney in North America in 2018-19. She has also been named a Top Attorney in Social Security Disability law by her peers in the Knoxville Bar in Cityview magazine on multiple occasions. Emma has lectured nationally on Social Security law. Emma has been recognized by local and regional bar associations, and community groups, as a leading advocate in this area of law.
She has been working on behalf of Social Security disability claimants since 2008, and is a graduate of Tulane University and Loyola University Chicago College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the United States Eastern District of Tennessee and the United States Middle District of Tennessee.
Emma is a Sustaining Member of the National Organization of Social Security Representatives and serves on the Executive Council for the Tennessee Bar Association’s Disability Law Section. Emma is involved in local community organizations in the Knoxville community, including the Rotary Club of Knoxville.
In her office, Emma has a framed picture from a 4th grade school project. It says, “The kind of lawyer I want to be helps other people that don’t have a lot of money.” Emma lives in Knoxville with her husband, Mark, and 3 kids, and dog.
Tony Farmer
Disability Lawyer
Tony Farmer practices law in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received his undergraduate (Economics) and Law degrees from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the Knoxville and Tennessee bar associations, The American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, the Tennessee Association for Justice (formerly the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association), the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, and the Hamilton Burnett Chapter of the American Inns of Court. He was selected for inclusion in 2011 Mid-South Super Lawyers and in 2012 was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for his work in the practice area of Workers’ Compensation.
Mr. Farmer is a Past President of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and also served that statewide Association as Vice-President, Chairman of the CLE Committee, Chairman of the Amicus Curiae Committee, and Chairman of the Publications Committee. Mr. Farmer was Editor of Tennessee Trial Lawyer Magazine from 1987 through 1991. He has been a member of the TTLA Board of Governors since 1986.
Mr. Farmer is a regular lecturer/presenter in the areas of civil litigation, products liability, workers’ compensation, and damages, and has participated as a speaker in these areas on programs sponsored by the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association, the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Tennessee State AFL-CIO Labor Council.
M. Hallie Dyer
Disability Lawyer
Hallie Dyer grew up in McMinnville, TN where she graduated from The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN. Ms. Dyer attended and received her Bachelor of Art from Birmingham Southern College in Studio Art with a Painting Concentration. Between her time in undergrad and law school Ms. Dyer was a volunteer for the Peace Corps in the West Indies and taught school in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. She was a Bilingual Literacy Education Facilitator for the Nashville Public Library Foundation, and a paralegal during her time in Nashville, TN. Ms. Dyer attended the University of Tennessee College of Law where she was part of the Order of the Barristers, received the Cali Awards in Legal Process and Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, and was chosen as the Best Oralist and received the second-best brief in the Advocacy Idol Competition.
Education
Birmingham Southern College, B.A., Studio Art with a Painting Concentration, 2008
University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D., 2018
Court Admissions
Tennessee, 2018
Professional Bar Associations & Memberships
Knoxville Bar Association
Ralph Brown
Disability Lawyer
Firm founder and senior partner Ralph Brown has more than 34 years of legal experience representing Tennesseans in a wide range of cases and has been named to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Starting in 1979, he handled criminal, domestic, personal injury, and insurance defense cases. By 1993, Ralph had focused his practice exclusively on Plaintiffs’ personal injury cases—representing victims of truck, car, and boating accidents; industrial and on the job accidents; and accidents caused by dangerous products and machinery. He uses engineers, computer scientists, doctors and other experts to analyze and reenact accidents and assess injuries, disabilities, and other damages. He has obtained substantial recoveries for thousands of clients with catastrophic injuries, including paralysis, brain damage, and traumatic amputations; put his experience to work for you!
Wayne Wykoff
Disability Lawyer
Wayne focuses his practice in the areas of social security disability, bankruptcy, domestic law (including divorce, child custody, child support). Wayne was admitted to the practice of law in 1993 and his practice continually in east Tennessee since that time achieving good and just result for his clients on a regular basis. Wayne enjoys mediating and is a rule 31 listed family mediator in Tennessee. Wayne can give you value as a mediator whether you are negotiating retirement accounts and other complex financial issues or dealing with the much more important issues of who will raise the children and under what circumstances.
Wayne graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1980 with a degree in computer science and graduated from the University Tennessee law school in December 1992. Wayne was admitted to the Tennessee bar in April 1993 and was admitted to the federal courts in the Eastern District of Tennessee in 1993 also.
Wayne was born and raised in Johnson City, but has called Knoxville his home for the last 25+ years. Wayne enjoys his family consisting of his wife and 2 boys and playing tennis and golf on a regular basis.
Facing a disability can be an emotionally and financially draining experience. During such trying times, having the right legal representation can make a world of difference in securing the disability benefits you rightfully deserve. In Knoxville, Tennessee, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, you can find some of the best disability lawyers who specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the disability claims process. In this article, we’ll explore the essential qualities and top choices when seeking the best disability lawyer in Knoxville, TN.
Understanding the Role of a Disability Lawyer:
Before diving into the best disability lawyers in Knoxville, it’s important to understand the pivotal role they play in assisting individuals seeking disability benefits. Disability lawyers are legal professionals with expertise in disability law, particularly in the context of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Here’s a glimpse of their crucial roles:
- Application Assistance: Disability lawyers help clients prepare and submit comprehensive disability benefit applications, ensuring all necessary information is included to increase the chances of approval.
- Evidence Gathering: They work diligently to gather medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence that supports their clients’ disability claims, providing a strong foundation for their case.
- Appeal Representation: In cases of initial denials, disability lawyers play a critical role in representing clients during the appeals process. They navigate the complex administrative procedures, prepare clients for hearings, and advocate for their rights before Administrative Law Judges.
- Legal Expertise: Disability lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of disability laws and regulations, allowing them to interpret the law and its application to individual cases accurately.
- Stress Reduction: Their guidance and expertise reduce the stress and uncertainty often associated with disability claims, ensuring clients have the support they need.
The Best Disability Lawyers in Knoxville, TN:
Now, let’s delve into some of the standout disability lawyers in Knoxville known for their dedication, expertise, and commitment to helping clients secure the benefits they deserve.
- Dale Buchanan & Associates:
- With decades of experience in disability law, Dale Buchanan & Associates is a renowned name in Knoxville. They have a team of skilled attorneys who specialize in SSDI and SSI claims.
- They take pride in their client-centered approach, offering personalized attention and ensuring clients receive the guidance they need throughout the claims process.
- The Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser:
- Tony Farmer and John Dreiser are respected disability lawyers in Knoxville. They have successfully handled numerous disability claims and appeals, earning a reputation for their dedication to their clients.
- This law firm’s commitment to clients is evident in their willingness to go the extra mile to secure the best possible outcomes.
- Brown & Roberto, PLLC:
- Brown & Roberto, PLLC, is a full-service law firm in Knoxville with a dedicated team of disability lawyers. They have a strong track record of obtaining disability benefits for their clients.
- Their approach is marked by compassion, legal expertise, and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals with disabilities face.
- James R. Omer & Associates:
- With a focus on disability law, James R. Omer & Associates provides top-tier legal representation to clients in Knoxville. They understand the nuances of the disability claims process and work tirelessly to achieve success.
- Their commitment to clients’ well-being extends beyond legal matters, reflecting a genuine concern for those they represent.
- Greg Coleman Law:
- Greg Coleman Law is a prominent Knoxville law firm known for its comprehensive approach to disability claims. Their team of experienced lawyers helps clients from application to appeals.
- They are recognized for their tenacity in pursuing clients’ rights and securing the benefits necessary for financial stability and well-being.
Qualities to Look for in the Best Disability Lawyer:
While these are some of the top disability lawyers in Knoxville, it’s essential to know what qualities to look for when seeking representation. Here are the key characteristics that set the best disability lawyers apart:
- Experience: Look for lawyers with a proven track record of success in handling disability cases similar to yours.
- Communication: Effective communication is paramount. The best lawyers keep clients informed at every step, addressing questions and concerns promptly.
- Compassion: Disability lawyers should demonstrate genuine empathy and understanding of the challenges clients face.
- Resources: Assess their access to resources, including medical experts and support staff, which can bolster your case.
- Client-Centered Approach: A client-centered approach ensures that your needs and priorities are at the forefront of legal strategies.
- Transparency: The best lawyers are transparent about their fees and provide clear explanations of the legal process.
Conclusion:
In Knoxville, TN, securing the best disability lawyer is the first step toward gaining access to the benefits you deserve. These legal professionals are not just representatives but advocates who stand with you during challenging times, ensuring your rights are protected and your path to justice is paved with expertise and compassion. Whether you’re applying for disability benefits or navigating the appeals process, the best disability lawyers in Knoxville are there to guide you every step of the way.