How a Social Security Attorney Can Help Get Your Claim Approved

July 25, 2025

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits isn’t easy, and unfortunately, many people get denied on their first try. That’s where a Social Security attorney can make a big difference. If you live in Detroit, MI, and need help understanding why your claim was denied or how to avoid mistakes, Gordon & Pont is here to help. Contact us today at 248-395-4100 for a free consultation and guidance on your next steps.

Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied

Understanding why disability claims get denied is the first step toward getting approved. A Social Security attorney helps you avoid these common mistakes and build a stronger case.


Insufficient Medical Evidence

One of the most common reasons people get denied is a lack of medical documentation. If your application doesn’t include detailed records that clearly prove your disability, it’s unlikely to get approved. A Social Security benefits attorney knows how to gather and present the right documentation to support your claim.


Incomplete or Missing Work History

The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your work history to determine if you qualify. If your job history is missing, unclear, or not up to date, it could cause delays or denials. A Social Security attorney helps organize your employment records to avoid this problem.


Failing to Follow Prescribed Treatments

If you’re not following medical advice, like taking prescribed medication or attending therapy, it may appear to the SSA that your condition isn’t serious. A Social Security disability lawyer can explain how to document your efforts and avoid being penalized unfairly.


Errors in the Application Process

Even small mistakes, like entering the wrong date or omitting important details, can lead to denial. A skilled Social Security benefits attorney will help you complete your application thoroughly and correctly.


How a Social Security Attorney Prevents Denial Errors

When you work with a Social Security attorney, you’re not just getting legal help, you’re gaining a partner who understands the entire disability claim process from start to finish.


Gathering Strong Medical Documentation

An experienced Social Security attorney knows which medical records the SSA expects. We help gather notes from doctors, test results, hospital visits, and treatment plans to build a strong, clear case.

For example, if your doctor has not clearly outlined how your condition affects your ability to work, we can request detailed letters or updated reports. The stronger your medical file, the better your chances.


Ensuring Accurate Work History Reporting

Your work history matters, especially in determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). A Social Security disability lawyer ensures your employment records reflect your full work contributions, dates, and job types.

This step is critical when filing or appealing your claim. We can also help you submit updates if your work status has changed recently.


Representing You During Hearings and Appeals

If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal. This is when having a Social Security attorney becomes even more important. At Gordon & Pont, we represent clients during disability hearings and administrative law judge appeals.

We understand the process, prepare you for questions, and make sure your voice is heard. For more info on appeals, check out our guide to the SSDI appeals process.


Handling Complex Legal and Procedural Issues

Filing a claim isn’t just about filling out forms. There are laws, timelines, and legal standards that must be met. Our Social Security benefits attorneys know how to manage these steps without missing deadlines or important documents.

If you're unsure where to begin, visit our page on qualifying for disability benefits to learn more.

Two people shaking hands over a blue work document on a table.

Why You Need a Social Security Benefits Attorney in Detroit, MI

Living in Detroit comes with its own challenges, and understanding government systems can be one of them. Having a trusted Social Security attorney in your corner makes all the difference.


Expertise in Disability Laws and Regulations

Our team at Gordon & Pont understands the SSA’s requirements, the Michigan court system, and how local factors impact your case. With decades of experience, our Social Security disability lawyers help Detroit residents get results.


Personalized Case Management

No two disability claims are the same. We take time to understand your specific condition, work history, and medical treatment. Our hands-on approach helps avoid generic errors that lead to denial.

Looking for legal support in Southfield? Explore our Social Security lawyer services in Southfield as well.


Maximizing Your Chances of Approval

Hiring a Social Security attorney can greatly increase your chances of success. According to government data, applicants who work with attorneys are significantly more likely to get approved.

If your claim was already denied, we can help with the disability appeals process to turn things around.


Taking the Next Step With Gordon & Pont

Don’t wait until your second or third denial to get help. The sooner you involve a Social Security attorney, the better your chances are of securing the benefits you deserve. At Gordon & Pont, we’ve helped thousands of clients in Detroit, MI, get through the application and appeal process with clarity and confidence.

Call us at 248-395-4100 now for a free consultation, or click here to get started today in Detroit, MI.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS • If it’s complicated applying for Social Security benefits, or if a disability claim has been rejected, you can enlist an attorney for help. • Be sure to identify lawyers with special knowledge and expertise in Social Security claims and know their way around the system. • Make sure the lawyer you choose has a solid reputation, track record, and ethical grounding. • Many of these lawyers will take a retroactive fee based on Social Security benefits received from a successful case—limited to 25% of your past-due benefits up to a maximum of $9,200. Pre-Qualify Yourself Before even looking for a lawyer, know the basics of Social Security. Most cases that may need the help of a lawyer involve disability claims. Social Security disability is for people who have a medical condition that fits Social Security’s definition of a disability. And to qualify, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. In other words, if you never paid into Social Security, you’re not going to get anything out. If you have not worked enough or recently enough to “insured” for social security disability benefits, you may still qualify for SSI if you meet both the medical and non-medical (meaning financial) requirements. If you do qualify, you can get monthly benefits checks only if you are unable to work for at least one year because of a disability. What a Lawyer Can and Can’t Do A lawyer can speed up your application or appeal because can help you avoid mistakes and can submit needed documents faster. However, the SSA is woefully understaffed which means everything is taking longer than it should. While a lawyer can’t guarantee that you’ll win, your chances of success improve greatly. Because we are paid only once we win, experienced lawyers are skilled in identifying strong cases. How to Find the Right Lawyer You can find Social Security disability lawyers in a variety of ways. The internet has plenty of lawyer referral sites. Legal aid clinics and referral services operated by state bar associations are also sources for the names of people to interview. Be careful. Just because you find an attorney by searching one of these sources doesn’t guarantee they’ll be good, ethical lawyers. A better way to put together a list of lawyers to interview is probably through word of mouth, in person, or through social media, from people who have had good experiences with a Social Security disability lawyer and by reading reviews from former clients. Red Flags Make sure you speak to and hire a real lawyer and not an “advocate” or the like. Be cautious of “case managers” and insist on speaking with your lawyer. Although disability lawyers are busy, you want to hire one who has a staff of people who will answer any questions you have accurately and promptly. How Much Will It Cost? Cases will cost you nothing upfront. Lawyers take their fees from any retroactive benefits you’re awarded from Social Security. The fee is limited to 25% of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $9,200. The attorney will have you sign a document that allows Social Security to pay the law firm directly. If you get nothing, you owe the lawyer nothing. Because the lawyer will likely have to request medical, school, work, and psychological records that come with a cost, they might pass on that fee to you. This should be a couple of hundred dollars at most. Setting up a patient portal with our doctor or hospital is an excellent way to avoid that cost. Since it costs you nothing unless and until you win, consider talking to somebody if you file a claim and get turned down initially. The Bottom Line You should get an attorney’s help if you’re having trouble applying for Social Security benefits or if a disability claim has been rejected. Identify lawyers with special knowledge and expertise in Social Security claims and who know their way around the system. Make sure your lawyer has a solid reputation, track record, and ethical grounding.
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