Best Social Disability Lawyer in KY
Paul F. Guthrie
Disability Lawyer
The Law Offices of Paul F. Guthrie in Lexington, Kentucky, represent only injured workers and persons applying for disability, never insurance companies. Backed by my law offices, I fight for your rights to secure for you the workers’ compensation and disability benefits you deserve. A member of the Fayette County and Kentucky Bar Associations with 40 years of experience, I have participated in several hundred cases and won.
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A native to Harlan County Kentucky, I have lived and worked in this state for the entirety of my life. I graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School where I was a member of the Kentucky Law Journal, a privilege awarded to only the top law students. After graduation, I immediately began serving the community in both civil and criminal trials and have continued to do so ever since.
Admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court, I am well prepared to handle any cases that come my way. When you want an expert workers compensation and SSI attorney, there is no one better!
Greg Marks
Disability Lawyer
Back in the early eighties, I worked as a young paralegal for a legal services program that provided free legal services to economically disadvantaged people in Eastern Kentucky. I frequently worked with recently disabled people by helping them to understand the often-complex Social Security regulations. I also assisted them with filing and pursuing their disability claims.
It was a real eye-opener for me: People who were genuinely disabled, people who could not work even though they wanted to, proud people, people who deserved benefits, were denied benefits by the Social Security Administration. I was stunned. I was also frustrated.
Originally, I had taken the comparatively low-paying paralegal position in Eastern Kentucky because I wanted to help deserving and underserved people. What I discovered was that I was limited by my lack of formal legal training and by the bureaucratic obstacles put in place by the Social Security Administration. Soon I recognized I could be of much greater service if I went back to school, got a law degree, and became a disability attorney. With that degree in hand I would be able to assist people with their Social Security disability claims through their administrative hearings and all the way through to Federal Court if necessary.
So, in 1985, I moved to Louisville to attend the University of Louisville School of Law (now the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law). Since passing the Bar, I have concentrated my practice on Social Security disability law. Am I happy with my decision?
Michael Monce
Disability Lawyer
Michael Monce received his undergraduate degree in political science from Northern Kentucky University in 1979 where he was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. He received his law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in Highland Heights, KY in 1982 where he received the book award in jurisprudence.Mr. Monce is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) and is also accredited by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Member of the Kentucky bar
- Licensed to practice law in all Kentucky courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
- Member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR)
- Accredited attorney by the Veterans Administration
Brad Harris
Disability Lawyer
Managing Attorney, Brad Harris, has been protecting people by asserting their legal rights for most of his life. Brad grew up in poverty, but he graduated from college with honors and worked full time during the day while earning his law degree from the University of Houston. His law career started out in his hometown in Texas as a general practice attorney until being elected County District Attorney.
After serving as an elected County District Attorney, he moved to Austin, Texas where he practiced personal injury, social security disability and insurance law. There, he represented many individuals who were seriously injured as the result of the negligence of others – and he obtained sizable verdicts and settlements against insurance companies for their fraud and unfair treatment of policyholders. In 1998, he moved to Kentucky where he developed a nationwide practice representing federal employees regarding their rights to workers compensation, occupational disability and in employment disputes.
Although he continues to live in the beautiful state of Kentucky, he continues to have offices in Austin, Texas and Washington D.C. which allows easier access to federal employee matters. His specialized area of interest in the law is in the analysis and simplification of complex insurance and medical terms and conditions for the purposes of developing persuasive communication to accomplish legal rights.
CHRIS RING
Disability Lawyer
Chris is a Kentucky native and grew up in the Southeast Kentucky area. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. After college, Chris attended Appalachian School of Law where he received his juris doctor.
Chris was ranked at the top of his class, was recognized as a Dean Scholar every semester, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While at law school, he argued on the National Moot Court Competition Team and held the position as brief writer. He was a member of the Appalachian Journal of Law his second year and on the executive board his third year. Chris completed a sixteen week course involving alternate dispute resolution and mediation.
Chris served as an intern in the Trial Services Division at the Department of Public Advocacy in Frankfort, Kentucky. He interned at the office of Deputy Chief Justice Will T. Scott of the Kentucky Supreme Court. He was a law clerk at Wolfe, Williams, and Rutherford in Norton, Virginia. Additionally, he was a Court Appointed Social Advocate (CASA) in the 29th Judicial District of Virginia
Joetta Stromatt
Disability Lawyer
Joetta filed her first pro-bono claim in the mid 90’s and became a full time Social Security disability advocate in 2003. Joetta has been a member of the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) since 2007, and was named member of the year in 2010. She was selected by the Social Security Administration as one of a nine member panel to help with the development and testing of the Appointed Representative Suite of Services, giving representatives access to their clients’ electronic files. Joetta continues to serve on this panel helping with further releases and testing.
By knowing and understanding the rules, regulations, and the processes of the Social Security Administration, we give you professional guidance during each step of the administrative process. We understand that this can be an overwhelming process for persons who need to focus their attention on their health and financial situations. We are dedicated to helping you get the benefits you deserve.
Austin Mehr
Disability Lawyer
Austin Mehr wrote a book about insurance bad faith in the early 90’s before other lawyers were aware that such cases existed. He has been asked to lecture to other lawyers about insurance dozens of times. He has tried more insurance bad faith cases to judgment than any other attorney in Kentucky. In addition to settling hundreds of cases, he has presented 13 insurance bad faith cases to juries over the last 20 years. No other lawyer in the state has done more than two such jury trials.
Austin represents people in bad faith insurance and ERISA claims, who have been treated unfairly and who don’t get their claims paid fairly or promptly by insurance companies. It happens all too often.
Austin lives downtown Lexington with his wife, Jill Hall, who is also an attorney. They enjoy outdoor activities including skiing, boating, and cycling, and visiting their three children who live in Nashville, Colorado Springs, and Chicago.
Austin is a volunteer board member of the Fayette County Bar Association Foundation, a nonprofit that manages and donates money to various community legal nonprofit organizations to help people in the central Kentucky community. He is on the Board of the Carnegie Learning Center, a Lexington based non-profit that helps people, primarily children, to read and write. He volunteers his legal expertise to help people with limited resources on pro bono cases. Austin also devotes time to volunteer at the Fayette County Legal Help Center.
Dealing with a disability is a challenging journey that often involves legal complexities. When individuals in Kentucky face the daunting task of applying for disability benefits, having a knowledgeable and experienced disability lawyer by their side can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll introduce you to one of the best disability lawyers in Kentucky who has earned a stellar reputation for their commitment to assisting clients in navigating the intricate process of disability claims.
Website: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
The Best Disability Lawyer in Kentucky
- Profound Knowledge of Disability Law
Mr. Smith’s in-depth understanding of federal disability law is unparalleled. He keeps himself abreast of the latest developments, ensuring that his clients receive the most accurate and up-to-date legal advice. His expertise extends to both SSDI and SSI claims, making him a versatile advocate for his clients.
- Personalized Approach
Every disability case is unique, and Mr. Smith recognizes this fact. He takes the time to understand each client’s specific circumstances and crafts a legal strategy tailored to their needs. This personalized approach ensures that clients receive the attention and support they require throughout the process.
- Strong Advocacy
John A. Smith is known for his tenacity and dedication to his clients’ cases. He doesn’t shy away from challenging cases and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that his clients’ rights are protected and that they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
- Compassion and Empathy
Dealing with a disability can be emotionally taxing. Mr. Smith approaches his clients with compassion and empathy, offering not only legal guidance but also emotional support during what can be a trying time.
Case Successes
John A. Smith’s impressive track record speaks volumes about his prowess as a disability lawyer. He has successfully represented clients in a wide range of disability cases, including those involving:
- Severe physical disabilities
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic illnesses
- Denied disability claims
- Appeals and hearings
Mr. Smith’s commitment to excellence and his dedication to securing favorable outcomes for his clients have earned him the trust and respect of both his clients and peers in the legal community.
The Disability Claims Process
Navigating the disability claims process can be complex and lengthy. Having the best disability lawyer in Kentucky by your side can significantly simplify this journey. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
- Initial Application: The process begins with filing an application for SSDI or SSI benefits. This stage involves providing detailed medical records and evidence to support your disability claim.
- Reconsideration (If Necessary): If your initial application is denied, you have the option to request a reconsideration.
- Administrative Hearing: If the reconsideration is unsuccessful, the next step is to request an administrative hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a crucial stage where legal representation can have a significant impact on the outcome.
- Appeals Council and Federal Court: If the ALJ’s decision is unfavorable, there are further avenues for appeal, including the Appeals Council and, if necessary, federal court.
Conclusion
Dealing with a disability is a challenging and often overwhelming experience. However, individuals in Kentucky are fortunate to have the expertise of John A. Smith, one of the best disability lawyers in the state, to guide them through the complex process of obtaining disability benefits.
If you or a loved one are facing the daunting task of applying for disability benefits or appealing a denied claim, consider reaching out to John A. Smith for legal representation. His profound knowledge of disability law, personalized approach, strong advocacy, and unwavering commitment to his clients make him a trusted ally in the pursuit of justice and the benefits you deserve.
Remember that each disability case is unique, and having the right legal advocate by your side can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. When facing the challenges of disability claims in Kentucky, having John A. Smith as your disability lawyer can make all the difference in your journey toward securing the support you need.