As personal injury attorneys, we fight to get justice for clients whose lives have been upended by serious injuries. But what happens when a client’s injuries leave them permanently unable to work long after the case is resolved? For many, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a crucial safety net. Yet, far too many eligible individuals never apply or give up after being denied.
As attorneys, we have a professional duty to identify and inform clients of their potential eligibility and recommend they apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. Many clients simply don’t realize they qualify.
Despite being lifelines for people who can’t work due to illness or injury, SSDI and SSI have become more difficult to secure. Nearly 80% of initial SSDI applications were denied last year. However, a knowledgeable SSDI attorney can help. According to a 2023 Social Security Administration study, represented applicants were approved at a rate of 71% compared to just 29% for those without help.
Hidden SSD Cases:
Social Security Disability cases can be found in existing Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Workers Compensation, and Product Liability cases where the injured party is unable to work for a minimum of 12 months.
The crossover between personal injury and disability cases is significant. By proactively addressing this, you comprehensively serve your clients and open an additional revenue stream for your firm. Be alert to clients who have suffered serious injuries, are unable to work, and face ongoing or chronic medical issues.
How to Spot an SSD Case
Clients who fit the following criteria are eligible to apply for Social Security Disability:
- Age: All adults under 65 are eligible for benefits if their impairment is severe enough.
- Disability: The individual must be unable to work because of an illness or injury. For example, a trucker or construction worker that is required to lift heavy loads, but can’t due to their condition.
- Current Work Status: To be disabled, a claimant must be unable to work for at least 12 months or expect to be out for 12 months.
- Work History: To be insured, a claimant must have worked 5 out of the past 10 years and paid taxes to SSA. If not, they may qualify for benefits if they have a very low income and assets valued below $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a family.
- Medical Treatment: We use medical records to prove the existence and severity of a claimant’s conditions. An individual who is not getting treatment will have a difficult time proving their case, as there won’t be an abundance of relevant evidence to work with.
Specialization is Key to Our Success:
In 2024 alone, we helped over 4,000 clients recover more than $80 million in past-due benefits from Social Security Disability, resulting in $20 million in fees. Morgan & Morgan wins more than the national average in recovering Social Security benefits for clients who were denied. 60% of our clients' claims that are initially denied are approved after the appeals process.
The Federal Government caps Social Security fees at 25% of backpay owed to clients or $9,200 per case. Many law firms find it difficult to form profitable groups that specialize in this area because of this, but Morgan & Morgan’s SSD team is uniquely positioned to service these cases.
Our group consists of 150 attorneys, case staff, and intake agents trained specifically for and solely focused on SSD and SSI claims. Our 15 specialized attorneys give each claim the best possible chance of success. From intake to the appeals process, our clients’ claims are handled by seasoned SSD professionals.
Morgan & Morgan’s specialized Social Security attorneys tap into their extensive experience to recover maximum funds for claimants in the application and appeals processes. They work to ensure that assistance gets to those who need it most. And they have a proven track record.
OUR NOTABLE WINS
2024 | $153,326 | Florida
2022 | $114,395 | Kentucky
2024 | $113,453 | Texas
The power of Morgan & Morgan’s social security practice is our singular focus and familiarity with the claims system's complexities, regulations, and processes. Our size has allowed us to scale without compromising the personalized care and exceptional results that made us who we are, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. We also accept claims from anywhere in the country at any stage - from application to appeal.
The Importance of Appeals:
As so many initial SSD and SSI claims are denied, a representative who understands the appeals process is essential. Approval rates can vary significantly depending on the judge, so having an attorney experienced in appellate work in the circuit and federal courts can make all the difference. These attorneys know how to present a case strategically and are often familiar with the tendencies of judges in different jurisdictions.
At its core, the appeals process is about convincing a judge that the client is sufficiently disabled to qualify for Social Security benefits before reaching retirement age.
Unfortunately, this process can take up to two years. For many clients—especially those applying for need-based SSI—these benefits are a financial lifeline. The financial relief they provide can be life-changing during a time when it’s needed most.
Referrals Process:
Morgan & Morgan’s referral process is simple and seamless. Our referral partners can submit cases in the portal, and our concierge service will take it from there. The turnaround on case evaluation is fast; our dedicated SSD intake agents will typically reach out to the client the same day, and the client has answers within a day or so. There’s no need to follow up to make sure someone has spoken to your client about their case.
Compared to other practice areas, SSD referral cases have much higher case acceptance rates. Referral partners are highly valued, and the referral fee system is automated to avoid confusion and delays.
If you’re interested in learning more about the SSD referral process, please reach out to your referral manager or email info@themorganconnection.com
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