Episode 133: Kentucky social security disability attorney Jeff Roberts discusses how the current shortage of judges might impact your disability hearing. The courts are taking steps to handle the situation, but it might mean delays and additional travel for you and your attorney. Find out why in this episode.
If you’re watching this episode, welcome to our video podcast format. We’re still publishing the audio-only version, but we’re excited about this new style for Jeff Roberts and the Roberts Law Office Injury Podcast.
Your Kentucky SSDI Claim Might Be Held in a Different State
Jeff begins discussing the situation in Paducah, which is a hearing site, but the number of judges there have been slowing decreasing. Recently, Jeff has been required to go to Evansville for his Western Kentucky client hearings. Other hearings have been transferred to Tennessee. As of today, there are no longer judges in Paducah who can hear social security disability cases.
Jeff explained, in Episode 110, why he strongly urges his clients to attend their disability hearings in person, rather than via video conference or over the phone.
Social security disability is a federal claim. This is why the federal court system can have judges in other states hear claims from clients filing in Western Kentucky. Jeff has handled these cases in several different states. He explains that he still needs to determine how federal court appeals will happen, given the current situation.
The process and timeline for getting a decision in your social security disability claim has never been quick. Unfortunately, with the decline in the number of judges available to hear your case, it may mean decisions are facing extended timelines. This can increase the financial stress claimants are already feeling.
The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication
A key reason Jeff urges his clients to appear in person for the hearing is because much of the communication we have is non-verbal. This is your day in court and it’s also a chance for the judge to see how your disability is impacting your life.
Your attorney will also ask to have the official court record reflect if you have to stand during parts of your hearing, to relieve your pain. This is important in case your claim goes up on appeal to a different court. The record will indicate what was going on during the initial hearing, to add context to the situation.
Jeff recounts how one of his clients had extreme difficulty walking into the hearing, and was not able to sit for an extended period of time. The judge was able to see this first-hand. This valuable evidence may have been less obvious had the client decided to have a video or telephone hearing.
In Episode 116, Jeff was joined by a client has his spouse to discuss why they fired another firm for not wanting an in-person hearing. While the client understood the importance of the in-person hearing, the firm representing him was going to do a video conference. The client and his spouse were not happy with this level of representation.
Are More Judges Being Hired to Handle Disability Claims?
It’s unclear what the long-term solution is going to be. Fortunately, if another judge wants to transfer into an area, such as Paducah, there is a process to allow that. Unfortunately, this hasn’t happened.
What this ultimately means is that resolution of your social security disability claim might get significantly delayed. Again, this doesn’t mean you should necessarily opt for a video hearing. As Jeff’s explained, that might actually harm your chances. However, everyone’s circumstances are unique. Both you and your attorney will have significant time invested in pursuing the claim. Waiting for an in-person hearing might be the better long-term option.
Jeff offers free, initial consultations to ensure you have the information you need to decide you best options.
We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.
Thank you for listening!
What Do Other Clients Think About Jeff?
We always encourage listeners to read the Google Reviews Jeff Roberts has received from many of his clients. A 5-Star rating and the comments are earned recognition and demonstrate Jeff’s commitment to his clients. As a solo attorney, he has more Google Reviews than some firms with multiple attorneys. Jeff shares the credit with his staff at the Roberts Law Office. Successfully representing injured clients is a team effort. It’s why Jeff likes to say his firm offers “Small Town Service with Big City Results.”
Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky
With offices located in Calloway County (Murray) and now in Christian County (Hopkinsville), Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers’ compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state. He’s represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations. He’s not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.
Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Social Security Disability Claim?
The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice. Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson. This is an advertisement.
