If you are looking for a disability lawyer in Newark, New Jersey, you may be overwhelmed by the number of options available. How do you choose the best one for your case? How do you compare their fees, experience, and reputation? How do you find a lawyer who understands your specific needs and situation?
To help you with your search, we have compiled a list of the top 10 disability lawyers near me in Newark, based on their ratings, reviews, and credentials. These lawyers specialize in Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, which are federal programs that provide benefits to people who are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment.
1. Maria Blancato
Maria Blancato is a certified civil trial attorney and a Super Lawyer with over 30 years of experience in disability law. She has successfully represented thousands of clients in SSD and SSI cases, as well as workers’ compensation, personal injury, and medical malpractice claims. She is known for her compassion, dedication, and professionalism. She offers free consultations and contingency fees, which means you only pay if you win your case.
2. Pamela Levine
Pamela Levine is a Super Lawyer and a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). She has been practicing disability law for over 30 years and has handled all types of SSD and SSI cases, including children’s claims, appeals, and federal court litigation. She is committed to providing personalized attention and quality representation to each client. She also offers free consultations and contingency fees.
3. Oliver Minott
Oliver Minott is a seasoned disability lawyer with 26 years of experience in SSD and SSI cases. He is a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Bronx County Bar Association, and the Essex County Bar Association. He has a high success rate in obtaining favorable decisions for his clients at all levels of the disability process. He is also fluent in Spanish and can assist clients who speak Spanish as their primary language.
4. Jay Bernstein
Jay Bernstein is a Super Lawyer and a human rights advocate who specializes in workers’ rights. He has been practicing disability law for over 32 years and has represented hundreds of clients in SSD and SSI cases, as well as workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination claims. He is passionate about fighting for justice and fair compensation for his clients. He also offers free consultations and contingency fees .
5. Alan Berliner
Alan Berliner is a disability lawyer with 34 years of experience in SSD and SSI cases. He has handled all kinds of disability claims, including mental disorders, physical impairments, chronic illnesses, and terminal conditions. He has a reputation for being trustworthy, capable, and responsive to his clients’ needs. He also offers free consultations and contingency fees .
6. Glenn Carey
Glenn Carey is a disability lawyer with 50 years of experience in SSD and SSI cases. He has extensive knowledge of the disability system and the medical evidence required to prove disability. He has helped thousands of clients obtain the benefits they deserve through hearings, appeals, and federal court actions. He is also a member of the NOSSCR and the American Association for Justice .
7. Kimberly Gost
Kimberly Gost is a disability lawyer with 24 years of experience in SSD and SSI cases. She has represented clients with various types of disabilities, including musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, mental impairments, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory diseases. She is skilled at preparing persuasive arguments and presenting compelling evidence to support her clients’ claims. She also offers free consultations and contingency fees .
8. Scott Kobler
Scott Kobler is a disability lawyer with 40 years of experience in SSD and SSI cases. He has handled complex and challenging cases involving multiple impairments, vocational factors, age issues, and credibility issues. He has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients at hearings, appeals, and federal court reviews. He is also a member of the NOSSCR .
9. Jennifer D. Armstrong
Jennifer D. Armstrong is a Super Lawyer and a certified civil trial attorney who focuses on disability law. She has been practicing for over 30 years and has represented clients with various types of disabilities, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), learning disabilities (LD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and spinal cord injury (SCI). She is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to her clients. She also offers free consultations and contingency fees .
10. Randy Grossman
Randy Grossman is a disability lawyer with over 20 years of experience in SSD and SSI cases. He has represented clients with a wide range of disabilities, including orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, migraines, epilepsy, stroke, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and vision loss. He is committed to helping his clients obtain the benefits they need and deserve. He also offers free consultations and contingency fees .
Conclusion
Finding a good disability lawyer in Newark can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible. By using this list as a guide, you can narrow down your options and choose the best one for your case. Remember to look for a lawyer who has experience in disability law, who has a good reputation and ratings, who offers free consultations and contingency fees, and who understands your specific situation and needs.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about disability law and lawyers:
Q: What is the difference between SSD and SSI?
A: SSD and SSI are both federal programs that provide benefits to people who are disabled and unable to work. However, they have different eligibility criteria and benefit amounts. SSD is based on your work history and the amount of taxes you paid into the Social Security system. SSI is based on your income and assets and the federal poverty level.
Q: How do I apply for SSD or SSI?
A: You can apply for SSD or SSI online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide information about your personal information, medical condition, work history, income, assets, and expenses. You will also need to submit medical records and other evidence to prove your disability.
Q: How long does it take to get a decision on my application?
A: It depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your case, the availability of your medical records, the backlog of cases at your local office, and the level of review you need. On average, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get an initial decision on your application. If you are denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days. The appeal process can take several months or even years.
Q: How much can I get in benefits?
A: The amount of benefits you can get depends on whether you qualify for SSD or SSI. For SSD, the amount is based on your average earnings before you became disabled. For SSI, the amount is based on the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is $794 per month in 2021. However, your actual benefit amount may be reduced by other income or resources you have.
Q: Can I work while receiving benefits?
A: Yes, but there are limits on how much you can earn without affecting your benefits. For SSD, you can earn up to $1,310 per month in 2021 without losing your benefits. This is called the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. For SSI, you can earn up to $65 per month without reducing your benefits. After that, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn.
Q: What are the common reasons for denial of benefits?
A: Some of the common reasons for denial of benefits are:
- Your disability is not severe enough to prevent you from working.
- Your disability is expected to last less than 12 months or result in death.
- You do not have enough work credits or income to qualify for SSD or SSI.
- You do not cooperate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or provide sufficient evidence to support your claim.
- You do not follow the prescribed treatment for your condition.
- You commit fraud or make false statements on your application.
Q: How can a disability lawyer help me?
A: A disability lawyer can help you by:
- Explaining the disability process and your rights.
- Gathering and submitting medical records and other evidence to prove your disability.
- Preparing and filing your application or appeal.
- Communicating with the SSA on your behalf.
- Representing you at hearings or court proceedings.
- Negotiating a settlement or favorable outcome for your case.
Q: How do I find a good disability lawyer?
A: You can find a good disability lawyer by:
- Asking for referrals from friends, family, or other professionals who have dealt with disability cases.
- Searching online for disability lawyers near you who have good ratings, reviews, and credentials.
- Contacting local bar associations or legal aid organizations for recommendations or referrals.
- Interviewing potential lawyers and asking them about their experience, fees, success