- No Upfront Costs Or Fees
- Free Case Evaluation
- 24/7 Access
-
-
-
-
-
Hours
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Urgent calls anytime
Karl Truman: Trusted Social Security Disability / SSDI Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Offices in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN
The Social Security Disability Insurance system is designed to help people who cannot work because of a serious medical condition. It is also notorious for denying legitimate claims, often multiple times, before benefits are approved. Most initial SSDI applications are denied. Most denials are appealed. And most people who ultimately receive benefits do so only after fighting through a bureaucratic process that can take years.
We have a team at the Karl Truman Law Office which focuses specifically on Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation claims. Our team handles the entire SSDI process, from initial applications through reconsideration, hearing, and beyond. You do not have to navigate this system alone.
Our legal team handles:
- Initial SSDI applications for individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition
- Reconsideration requests when an initial SSDI application is denied
- Hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) when reconsideration is denied
- Appeals Council reviews and federal district court appeals in appropriate cases
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) claims for individuals who meet financial need requirements
No fees unless we win. Available 24/7 throughout Louisville, Southern Indiana, and all of Kentucky and Indiana.
Count on the Colonel
Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army
Karl Truman: Trusted Social Security Disability / SSDI Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Understanding Social Security Disability / SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify, you must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity. You must also have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient period, typically five of the last ten years.
The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability. It evaluates whether you are working, how severe your condition is, whether your condition meets a listed impairment, whether you can do your past work, and whether you can do any other work given your age, education, and work experience.
DENIAL RATES
The SSA denies approximately 65 to 70 percent of initial SSDI applications. Reconsideration denials run even higher. The best odds of approval come at the ALJ hearing level, where claimants with legal representation have significantly better outcomes than those who appear without an attorney.
Why Social Security Disability / SSDI Cases Are Different
-
1
Work History Requirement
SSDI requires that you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient period. This is measured in work credits. In general, you need 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
-
2
Medical Evidence Is Everything
The SSA makes its decision based on medical records, treating physician opinions, and functional assessments. Gaps in treatment, poorly documented conditions, and missing records are among the most common reasons legitimate claims are denied.
-
3
The Appeals Process
SSDI has four levels of appeal: reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most successful claimants win at the ALJ hearing stage. Having an attorney at that hearing makes a measurable difference in outcomes.
-
4
Back Pay
If your claim is approved after a period of denial, you may be entitled to back pay for the months you were disabled but not receiving benefits. This can be a substantial amount. Our fee comes from a percentage of that back pay, capped by federal law.
How We Handle Social Security Disability / SSDI Cases
From the moment you call, we take over the legal fight. You focus on recovery. We handle everything else.
-
Thorough Investigation
We move immediately to build the strongest possible case: gathering records, securing evidence, consulting experts, and documenting every aspect of your situation before anything is lost or altered.
-
Handle All Paperwork
From insurance claims to medical records, legal filings, and demand letters, we manage every detail so you can focus on healing. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
-
Fight for What You Deserve
The party on the other side of your claim has professionals working to minimize what they pay you. We deal with them directly and protect you from every tactic designed to undervalue your claim.
-
Trial-Ready Representation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. The other side knows we will not back down, and that gives us the leverage to secure maximum compensation.
Knowledge Center
Social Security Disability / SSDI Resources
Free educational guides and resources to help you understand your rights, the legal process, and how to protect your claim.
-
FREE BOOK: 7 Costly Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim
When livelihoods are at stake, it’s best to be as informed as possible. This book covers several critical questions people...Learn More -
Does Having a Lawyer Help With Social Security Disability?
Navigating the intricate world of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a challenging journey. If a disability prevents you... -
Do You Need a Lawyer for Social Security Disability Benefits?
There are roughly 10 million people in the United States who receive social security disability benefits, making it an important... -
How Much Does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Cost?
While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a crucial safety net for millions of disabled Americans, receiving the benefits you...
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers about personal injury law in Kentucky and Indiana. Find the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
-
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
SSDI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that pays monthly benefits to individuals who cannot work due to a qualifying medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Benefits are based on your Social Security earnings record, not financial need.
-
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security contributions. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. A person can potentially qualify for both simultaneously. We handle both types of claims.
-
My initial SSDI application was denied. What should I do?
Request reconsideration immediately. SSDI appeals have strict deadlines, generally 60 days from the date of denial. Contact us right away. Missing this deadline can require you to start the entire process over. We handle reconsideration requests and all subsequent appeals.
-
How long does the SSDI process take?
Initial decisions typically take three to six months. If denied and appealed, the process can take one to three years through the ALJ hearing stage. The backlog at the SSA is significant. Having an attorney who knows how to build a strong initial record and move efficiently through appeals matters enormously.
-
What medical conditions qualify for SSDI?
There is no definitive list. Any physical or mental condition that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity for 12 or more months may qualify. The SSA maintains a listing of impairments that automatically qualify, but many claims succeed even for conditions not on the list by demonstrating that you cannot perform any work given your age, education, and functional limitations.
-
How much does an SSDI attorney cost?
Nothing upfront. Social Security disability attorneys are paid on contingency under a fee structure regulated by federal law. If we win, our fee is a percentage of your back pay, currently capped at 25% or $7,200, whichever is less. If we do not win, you owe nothing.
-
Can I work while applying for SSDI?
You can work and still apply for SSDI, but earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold will generally disqualify you. In 2024, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most claimants. We help you understand how work activity affects your eligibility.
Still Have Questions About Your Social Security Disability / SSDI Case?
Get personalized answers from Colonel Karl Truman and our experienced legal team during your free consultation.
Serving Personal Injury Victims Across Kentucky & Indiana
Karl Truman Injury Law represents clients in Louisville, Jeffersonville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and throughout Kentucky and Indiana. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall cases, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability, and all types of personal injury claims. Available 24/7 for free consultations.