Claudia08
08-27-2009, 09:32 PM
So I had my hearing in April, got my denial letter in July. The Attorney wrote me a letter stating he was appealing to the appeals council because he felt the judges decision was wrong. He never talks to me over the phone or takes my calls.
Tomorrow is the last day to send in the appeal. I called today and his secretary said he hasn't done it yet, that he will work on it tomorrow and fax it in, that he's been busy moving. Why did he waut til the last second, literally? Is this normal? I CAN"T BELIEVE the unprofessionalism. Are they joking me? What can I do? This guy sucks, I want a new attorney. What the h*11 are my options at this point?
Tomorrow is the last day to send in the appeal. I called today and his secretary said he hasn't done it yet, that he will work on it tomorrow and fax it in, that he's been busy moving. Why did he waut til the last second, literally? Is this normal? I CAN"T BELIEVE the unprofessionalism. Are they joking me? What can I do? This guy sucks, I want a new attorney. What the h*11 are my options at this point?
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littlelady2852
08-27-2009, 09:56 PM
Find a new attorney ASAP
roses4lace
08-27-2009, 10:44 PM
It's a simple form that needs filled out, here's the SSA page with instructions:
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ha-520.html
Personally, I'd print that form and add a comment stating "I need additional time to submit evidence" because that has to be stated up front. Then, I'd be sitting in the lawyer's office bright and early tomorrow morning to make sure he met the deadline. If I saw a bunch of incompetence around me, I'd fill out the form myself. It isn't really hard to fill out, but SSA likes to deny people for missing deadlines. That envelope going out must have tomorrow's date stamped on it, so don't let him send it out after the last mail, or tell you "he'll get it done". Make sure it gets into a postal box or into the hands of the post office. You are in a "must do" situation right now, don't let your attorney do you in.
And look at the form, you can do it yourself, not much more than name, address, and why you want to appeal the decision. You can even call SSA and ask them to help you fill it out (maybe they'll do it over the phone.)
I totally agree with littlelady - you need another attorney! Makes me wonder if he waited til the last minute to put your case together and didn't present a good factual case to the ALJ.
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ha-520.html
Personally, I'd print that form and add a comment stating "I need additional time to submit evidence" because that has to be stated up front. Then, I'd be sitting in the lawyer's office bright and early tomorrow morning to make sure he met the deadline. If I saw a bunch of incompetence around me, I'd fill out the form myself. It isn't really hard to fill out, but SSA likes to deny people for missing deadlines. That envelope going out must have tomorrow's date stamped on it, so don't let him send it out after the last mail, or tell you "he'll get it done". Make sure it gets into a postal box or into the hands of the post office. You are in a "must do" situation right now, don't let your attorney do you in.
And look at the form, you can do it yourself, not much more than name, address, and why you want to appeal the decision. You can even call SSA and ask them to help you fill it out (maybe they'll do it over the phone.)
I totally agree with littlelady - you need another attorney! Makes me wonder if he waited til the last minute to put your case together and didn't present a good factual case to the ALJ.
BeHappy2
08-27-2009, 11:46 PM
This is unexcusable on your attorneys part, totally uncalled for.
If this were me, i'd be at his office first thing in the morning.
I'd say its time to speak up to this attorney or Fire him!!
My many thoughts are with you, this is horrible!!!
If this were me, i'd be at his office first thing in the morning.
I'd say its time to speak up to this attorney or Fire him!!
My many thoughts are with you, this is horrible!!!
BeHappy2
08-28-2009, 12:01 AM
One more thing Claudia,
Be firm when talking to this attorney tomorrow, let him know just how you feel.
Thinking of you and good luck.
Be firm when talking to this attorney tomorrow, let him know just how you feel.
Thinking of you and good luck.
mscat40
09-02-2009, 06:25 PM
Claudia ,
had you attorney finally followed up on the paperwork? OR , are you now in the process of looking for a new attorney? I am very sorry you have to go through so much aggravation ! this only will delay your claim further , having an incompentent lawyer.
So many of the conditions you have, I also do as well. It did not take me such a fight to win my claim though. I feel badly for your circumstances.
mscat.
had you attorney finally followed up on the paperwork? OR , are you now in the process of looking for a new attorney? I am very sorry you have to go through so much aggravation ! this only will delay your claim further , having an incompentent lawyer.
So many of the conditions you have, I also do as well. It did not take me such a fight to win my claim though. I feel badly for your circumstances.
mscat.