Best Social Disability Lawyer in Knoxville tn
Kenneth Miller
Disability Lawyer
Kenneth Miller has dedicated his practice to representing disabled individuals in Social Security Disability Claims since establishing his law practice in Knoxville in 1978. Mr. Miller is certified as a specialist in Social Security Disability Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He was among the first attorneys nationwide to receive certification by the National Board of Legal Specialists. Ken has been recognized as a Top Attorney for his work in Social Security Disability law by his peers in the Knoxville Bar Association. He received his law degree from the University of Tennessee and was licensed to practice law in 1977.
Kenneth is also a Sustaining Member in the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
In April 2014, Mr. Miller was named Tennessee’s “Big Brother of the Year.”
Mr. Miller enjoys helping those whose lives have been devastated by medical disability. When not at work, Mr. Miller enjoys gardening and snow-skiing.
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.
Jennifer McKinnish
Disability Lawyer
Jennifer McKinnish began her legal career with a boutique domestic relations firm in Memphis before returning to East Tennessee in 2006. Since returning to East Tennessee, Jennifer has focused on helping her clients through the challenges of divorce and child custody proceedings. Her focus is on complex, high asset divorce cases and child custody cases.
A seasoned litigator, Jennifer expanded her knowledge base to begin service social security clients as well over in the last decade. Her vision for the firm is to serve families across East Tennessee which has led to the firm’s expansion to offices throughout East Tennessee with associate attorneys whose expertise in a variety of practice areas permit Jennifer’s clients to maintain close ties with her firm as their needs change over the years.
Jennifer and her family reside in the greater Knoxville area where she is an active member at First Baptist Concord. An alumni of the University of Tennessee, Jennifer and her children spend their free time cheering on the Vols, enjoying the mountains of East Tennessee and traveling together to explore different areas of the country when school and courts are on break.
Education
- University of Memphis School of Law, Memphis, Tennessee
- Juris Doctor
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Bachelor of Arts
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association Family Law Section
- Knoxville Bar Association
- National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), Member
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!
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, 1979
U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
Knoxville Bar Association
Blount County Bar Association
Tennessee Association for Justice
American Trial Lawyers Association
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Broadway United Methodist Church, Maryville, TN: Sunday School Teacher and member of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Former member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Endowment Committee
- Planning Commission of Alcoa, TN: Former Member
Wayne Wykoff
Disability Lawyer
Wayne focuses his practice in the areas of social security disability and 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.
Devin S. DeVore
Disability Lawyer
Devin S. DeVore practices law in the areas of Social Security Disability, IRS and Tennessee of Resolution Tax Resolution, Criminal Defense, and General Civil Litigation.
Mr. DeVore received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a concentration in advocacy and dispute resolution. While at Brigham Young University he was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society and played the electric bass for his alma mater’s Young Ambassador Show Band. Between receiving his undergraduate degree and entering law school, Mr. DeVore assisted thousands of disabled claimants throughout Tennessee and Florida with getting approved for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. During law school he was on the editorial staff for the Tennessee Journal of Law and Policy and participated in the law school’s Public Defender Externship program.
Since graduating from law school Mr. DeVore has continued to represent disabled and injured individuals throughout East Tennessee. He is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).
The Smoky Mountain Strength You Need: Why Top-Tier Disability Lawyers Matter in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, Tennessee, nestled amidst the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Yet, for those living with disabilities, navigating daily life and securing financial security can present significant challenges. If you have a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from working, applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can feel like climbing a daunting mountain peak. However, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Here’s where a top-tier disability lawyer in Knoxville, TN, steps in as your trusted guide and fierce advocate throughout the Social Security disability benefits process. This comprehensive guide explores the invaluable benefits of retaining a skilled disability attorney who will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the financial assistance you deserve.
Demystifying the Social Security Disability System and Your Rights
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two primary disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Understanding their differences and your eligibility is crucial:
- **Know Your Path: **SSDI is for individuals with a work history and a disability that prevents them from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). SSI is for individuals with limited income and resources who are blind, disabled, or over 65. A knowledgeable Knoxville disability lawyer can help you understand which program best suits your situation and guide you through the specific application process.
- Gathering Compelling Evidence: Building a strong case for disability benefits hinges on a comprehensive medical record that demonstrates the nature and severity of your impairment. Your lawyer can assist you in obtaining documentation from doctors, specialists, therapists, and hospitals, strengthening your claim.
- Navigating the SSA’s Sequential Evaluation Process: The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims. Your lawyer walks you through each step, ensuring your application addresses the SSA’s specific criteria and emphasizes its impact on your ability to work.
- Undeterred by Denial: Appealing a Rejected Claim: Unfortunately, initial SSDI or SSI applications are often denied. However, you have the right to appeal. Your attorney will represent you throughout the appeals process, advocating for your rights and presenting compelling evidence to support your claim.
- Understanding Time Limits: Federal laws mandate specific deadlines for filing applications and appeals. Your lawyer ensures you meet all deadlines and submit the required documentation within the designated timeframe.
Beyond Legal Expertise: Qualities of a Top-Tier Disability Lawyer in Knoxville
Not all disability lawyers are created equal. Here’s what sets the best Knoxville disability lawyers apart:
- Deep Expertise in Tennessee Disability Law: In-depth knowledge of Tennessee-specific disability laws, Social Security Administration regulations, and the complexities of the application and appeal process in the Knoxville region is crucial. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success handling cases similar to yours in Tennessee.
- Focus on Disability Law: Experience matters. Seek an attorney who specializes in disability law, ensuring they possess the specific expertise and resources needed to effectively manage your case and navigate the complexities of Social Security disability claims in Tennessee.
- Understanding of Medical Conditions: A good understanding of various medical conditions and their impact on work capacity is crucial. Your lawyer should understand how your specific disability affects your ability to perform past work or any other type of work.
- Empathy and Understanding: Living with a disability can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Your lawyer should approach your case with empathy, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the process.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is vital. A top-tier attorney keeps you informed on the status of your case, answers your questions promptly, and addresses your concerns openly and honestly.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Many disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case and secure benefits for you. Discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial circumstances.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Knoxville
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have applied for disability benefits and inquire about their lawyers.
- Tennessee Bar Association: Contact the Tennessee Bar Association for referrals to qualified disability lawyers in Knoxville.
- Disability Rights Organizations: Several organizations in Tennessee offer legal assistance or referrals to disability attorneys, such as the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) or the Tennessee Justice Center.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA website offers resources and information on the disability application process and legal representation options.