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Personal Injury, Disability, and Workers’ Compensation
Adjusting to life after a suffering a serious illness or being diagnosed with disability is never easy. Not only are the challenges physical and emotional, but financial pressures often add even more stress. That’s where Social Security Disability benefits can help. They are designed to provide much-needed financial relief. At Daggett Shuler, a Charlotte social security disability lawyer is here to guide you through the system, protect your rights, and help ease the burden during this difficult time.
Navigating the Social Security process is rarely straightforward. Applications can be confusing, deadlines are strict, and many valid claims are initially denied. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side makes a world of difference. Our legal team has handled countless disability cases, including appeals for clients who were previously turned down. Your first consultation is always free, and you never owe us anything unless we win your case.
We understand unique local procedures and have strong experience with Charlotte-area judges and hearing offices. Our disability team is led by our Board-Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law, which means your case is in the hands of an attorney recognized for extensive experience in this field. From gathering medical evidence to representing you at hearings, we handle the legal details so you can focus on your health.
We know that living with a disability changes nearly every part of your life. Our mission is to shoulder some of that weight by offering personalized legal representation with no upfront costs. When you work with us, you gain a partner committed to helping you move forward with dignity.
Hiring an attorney with deep knowledge of both North Carolina law and the local Social Security system can give you a crucial advantage. Lawyers without that background may miss details that could impact the outcome of your claim. At Daggett Shuler, we know how the local system operates and use that insight to strengthen your case from start to finish.
When you hire Daggett Shuler to handle your SSDI or SSI application, we take on the full responsibility of managing your claim, including:
We recognize how overwhelming it can feel when you can no longer work due to a medical condition. Everyday expenses don’t go away, and the uncertainty of the future can weigh heavily. The Social Security system was created to provide relief, and we’re here to help you access the SSDI benefits you need.
When you contact Daggett Shuler, we’ll listen carefully to your concerns, explain your options, and evaluate your eligibility for benefits. Your first consultation is free, and because we work on a contingency basis, you will never owe us attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our priority is to give you peace of mind while pursuing the benefits you deserve.
Applying for Social Security Disability is a complicated process. It can take years and often involves multiple appeals. Our Charlotte disability lawyers are here to fight for your rights from day one. With our experience and dedication, you can feel confident knowing professionals are handling your case, focused on achieving the best outcome possible.
The SSA recognizes many health conditions, including:
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet specific requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA):
Most workers need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years.
Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
You must be unable to perform substantial work.
The condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
The SSA’s “Blue Book” lists impairments that can qualify, but even unlisted conditions may be eligible if severe enough.
SSDI: Based on work history and Social Security contributions.
SSI: A needs-based program for individuals with limited income and assets.
Some applicants may qualify for both programs.
Online at ssa.gov
By phone (1-800-772-1213)
At your local Charlotte SSA office
Applications require detailed medical records, work history, and financial information.
A skilled disability attorney can strengthen your application, meet strict deadlines, and represent you during appeals.
Legal guidance significantly improves your chances of a successful disability claim.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) isn’t just a matter of completing a form. It’s entering a system with strict rules, complicated requirements, and multiple decision-makers along the way. Whether you’re submitting your first application or trying again after a denial, having an experienced professional on your side can make the process far less confusing and greatly improve your chances of success. Below is an overview of the main stages of the SSDI process and how we stand beside you at each step.
Everything starts with your disability application, which becomes the foundation of your claim. Accuracy and completeness are critical here. You’ll need to provide:
Detailed medical conditions, diagnoses, and when symptoms first appeared
A list of doctors, clinics, and hospitals involved in your treatment
Test results, imaging, and other medical documentation
A thorough work history, including job duties and physical/mental demands
Information about income, resources, and living arrangements
Even a small oversight, such as omitting a provider or misreporting job tasks, can significantly slow your case or even lead to denial. Our team ensures your claim is well-prepared and comprehensive from the start.
Once your file is submitted, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your information. They’ll check:
If you’ve earned enough work credits and paid into the system
Whether your medical condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability:
Is the condition severe?
Does it prevent your past work or any type of work?
Is it expected to last at least a year or end in death?
The SSA may request medical records, but they don’t always gather everything needed. Many denials occur because the submitted evidence was insufficient or failed to clearly demonstrate work limitations. We step in to collect, organize, and submit the documentation necessary to prove your claim.
If your medical records don’t fully answer SSA’s questions, they may send you for a Consultative Examination (CE):
Conducted by a doctor contracted with SSA, not your treating physician
Usually short, sometimes only 15–30 minutes
Focused strictly on work capability, not ongoing care
These exams can carry weight in the decision, but don’t always reflect the daily reality of your limitations. We prepare you beforehand, ensure the examiner has essential context, and challenge unfair reports when needed.
After the review and any exams, the SSA will issue a decision.
If You Are Approved For Benefits:
You’ll receive monthly disability benefits based on your work record
Back pay may be awarded from your established onset date to the date of approval
Medicare eligibility begins after 24 months of benefit payments
We verify your onset date, check payment amounts, and ensure family members receive auxiliary benefits if eligible.
If Your Application Is Denied:
Don’t be discouraged. Most disability claims are denied initially. SSD appeals are possible, and many people ultimately win benefits through persistence and strong representation.
If denied, you can challenge the decision through several appeal levels:
Reconsideration:
A different claims examiner reviews your file
New evidence can be submitted
Most are still denied, but it’s required to move forward
Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ):
You testify about your symptoms and limitations
A vocational expert may give input on your work ability
This stage is often the best chance to present your full case
We prepare you thoroughly, question vocational experts, and argue for approval. The Appeals Council may uphold, reverse, or send your case back for another hearing.
Federal Court:
As a last resort, a lawsuit can be filed in federal court.
This is a formal legal action requiring skilled representation.
The SSDI system is full of deadlines, technical rules, and legal jargon. Many legitimate claims are denied due to incomplete paperwork, weak evidence, or missed steps. When we represent you, we:
Living with a disability is challenging. You shouldn’t also have to fight a complicated federal system by yourself. From endless forms to strict deadlines and confusing medical requirements, the Social Security Disability process can feel overwhelming and discouraging. Many people give up after their first denial, not realizing that appeals are common and often successful with the right help.
That’s where we come in. Whether you’re filing your first application or fighting through the appeals process, our team will stand with you every step of the way. We know how to gather the medical evidence the Social Security Administration is really looking for, how to present your work history and daily limitations clearly, and how to challenge decisions that don’t accurately reflect your circumstances.
Our goal is to relieve you of the stress and uncertainty that comes with navigating the system alone. We communicate directly with the SSA, handle your paperwork, and represent you at hearings so you don’t have to carry that burden yourself. When you work with us, you gain an partner who is deeply familiar with the process, understands the obstacles you’re facing, and is committed to fighting for the benefits you deserve.
With Daggett Shuler on your side, you can focus on your health and your future while we focus on your case.
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. The paperwork is lengthy, the requirements are strict, and the system often feels stacked against applicants. Many people are denied the first time simply because of missing information or technical errors—not because their disability isn’t real or serious. That’s why having professional legal guidance matters.
If you live in Charlotte or the surrounding areas, working with a local disability attorney gives you more than just representation. You gain a trusted ally who knows the ins and outs of the Social Security Disability process, local judges, and the strategies that can make a real difference in your case. With a dedicated disability attorney at Daggett Shuler by your side to prepare strong medical evidence, meet deadlines, and represent you at hearings, you don’t have to carry the weight of this fight alone.
At Daggett Shuler, we are honored to serve the Charlotte community with both compassion and proven legal skill. Our team is dedicated to making the process less overwhelming, standing up for your rights, and pushing for the benefits you need to move forward. While we take care of the legal side of things, you can focus on what matters most: your health, your recovery, and your future.
Contact the attorneys at Daggett Shuler today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can depend on us.
