When Your Back Is Against The Wall

North Carolina Social Security Appeals Attorneys

Was Your SSDI Claim Denied? We Can Help.

Although the denial of an initial Social Security disability (SSD) application is not uncommon, it can be devastating to learn that the benefits you were expecting will not be paid. Many individuals who have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) fail to take advantage of the appeals process, which can result in a claim's approval.

Lanier Law Group provides skilled representation in social security appeals and can provide the aggressive, dedicated representation you need and deserve. We have years of experience advocating for SSDI benefits on behalf of our clients; we can explain your options and the best way to challenge the denial.

Contact a North Carolina SSD appeals lawyer at our firm today for assistance. We are intimately familiar with SSDI laws and procedures, and we can seek the benefits you deserve with unwavering persistence.

Why Was My Social Security Claim Denied?

If you were injured and, as a result, became disabled, you may seek Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income as long as you have an accepted condition and meet all other eligibility requirements. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) frequently denies applications, even ones that are perfectly valid.

Based on years of experience spent handling various types of Social Security disability matters in North Carolina, we at Lanier Law Group can help you determine why your claim may have been denied and file an appeal if applicable/appropriate.

The following are common reasons for social security claim denials:

Your income is too high: One of the primary reasons applicants are denied is that their monthly income is too high. As of 2019, you have to earn no more than $1,220 (if disabled) or $2,040 (if blind) a month to qualify for SSDI. For SSI claims, you cannot earn more than $771 (individual) or $1,157 (couple) a month.
The SSA cannot find you: If the SSA cannot contact you, your application for Social Security disability benefits may be denied.
Your disability is temporary: To qualify for SSDI benefits, your disability must last/be expected to last at least one year (12 months) or result in your death. An exception is made for applicants who are blind.
You do not follow your doctor’s orders: If your physician prescribes you a certain therapy or treatment and you refuse to follow it, your application may be denied.
You do not cooperate with the SSA: To assess your case, the SSA needs your medical records and other pertinent information. Failure to allow the SSA access to these documents can result in your application being denied.

Remember: just because your initial claim was denied, this does not mean there is no hope. You can often file an appeal, and Lanier Law Group can help. If you need help at any stage of the Social Security disability process, our North Carolina SSD claim denial attorneys are here to offer you personalized guidance and support.

Understanding the Social Security Appeals Process in North Carolina

If you’ve been denied Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI), it's important to know that you have the right to appeal the decision. If you choose to file an appeal, then your claim may go through the following steps:

Reconsideration

In most states, the first step of the appeal process is to request that the initial denial of benefits be reconsidered. During the reconsideration, a medical consultant and examiner who were not part of the denial of your first claim will review your case at the Disability Determination Services level. A slightly different process exists if you are appealing the termination of disabilities. In this case your reconsidered appeal may need to be discussed in person with a Social Security representative.

Hearing Before an Administrative Judge

If your request for reconsideration is denied, the next step in the appeals process is requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. Your request must be filed within 60 days of receiving your appeal’s denial. The administrative law judge will decide to uphold or overturn your denial or termination of your benefits.

Appeals Council

Should your case continue to be denied, the next step is the appeal process is requesting a review from the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council has the authority to select which requests it reviews. If the Appeals Council believes the previous denial of your benefits was correct it may deny a review of your request.

Federal court

Should the Appeals Court decide not to review your case, or should you wish to appeal its decision, the next step in the appeal process is to file a lawsuit in a federal district court. Your claim will be reviewed by a federal judge, who will decide on your case.

Contact a Social Security Appeals Attorney Today

Regardless of which steps you need to carry out, our firm can help manage the entire appeals process and vigorously pursue the benefits you are owed. We are passionate about our work and can be depended on for fierce advocacy throughout your case. Our North Carolina SSD appeals attorneys will keep you updated on the progress we are making and promptly return your calls if you have questions or need assistance.

When you need compassionate and dedicated legal representation for an SSDI or SSI matter, look no further than Lanier Law Group. We have numerous offices located throughout North Carolina, including in Asheville, Burlington, Durham, Piedmont Triangle, Greenville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Raleigh, and Fayetteville. We offer legal services in both English and Spanish and you owe us nothing unless you obtain a settlement.

If your SSDI or SSI claim was denied, contact us at (855) 757-4204 for legal advice and advocacy.

Continue Reading Read Less

We Won't Back Down

When Results Matter Most, Work With Lanier Law Group

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
- Sign up for our Newsletter
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$5.95 Million Permanent Brain Failure
Our client had a brick fly off of a utility trailer and go through their windshield and hit her on the face.
$4.8 Million Settlement
A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.
$4.3 Million Head-On Collision
Personal injury litigation settlement for a client who was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial tractor-trailer.
$3.1 Million Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury
The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.
$1.8 Million Litigation Settlement
Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a meat truck.
$1.375 Million Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence
Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

View All Results

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."
There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it's interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don't have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.
"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.
"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.
"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.
"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.
"Great experience"
Great experience. Tish was very helpful as my case progressed and explained all of the steps to me, leaving me with very few questions. Shea was also very helpful during the negotiation process.

- Nyesha B.

View All Reviews

Don't Hire Just Any Firm

Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group

We Never Back Down
Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.
We're Here For You 24/7
Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.
We're In Your Corner
Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.
We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.

Work With Lanier Law Group