Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
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Read what our clients say about our work
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LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients
Here’s what our clients have to say…
Terry was extremely helpful. I only wish I had found him much sooner! I actually had another previous attorney, which I dismissed due to negligence and incompetence, but Terry restored my confidence and helped me win my case without having to appeal. Terry and his team did a great job!
Arlene R.
Terry went above and beyond to get my brother approved for his Social Security benefits — jumping through many hoops in what should have been an easy process that was complicated by the unusual circumstances of the case. He fought through red tape and managed to get a successful outcome. His integrity and work ethic are fantastic!
Debbie Klahr
During the most painful and vulnerable time in one’s life, it is comforting to have LaPorte Law Firm providing security and guidance in an arena that is so stressful and confusing. It’s always done with extreme grace, calmness, and respect for those who need it most in their trying times. I can’t thank them enough for taking care of me and reminding me that people do care. I feel blessed to have found them, especially Mr. LaPorte. What a gentleman in a sea of gruffness.
Elizabeth Rafietari
I was referred to LaPorte Law Firm several years ago by another lawyer who was not able to help me with my case. After meeting Terry LaPorte, I understood why he had been recommended. From the very first visit, he showed a genuine interest in who I am as an individual and was compassionate in helping me accomplish what I needed. Terry is a good listener and made me feel immediately comfortable. His knowledge of his business and the laws and regulations surrounding it gave me the confidence that I was at the right place. The process turned out to be very timely, made things incredibly easy for me, and was a great success. What I still find gratifying is that years later, if I have a question, I can call Terry, and his willingness to help is just as awesome as it was the day I hired LaPorte Law Firm.
Daunell S.
Dear Laporte Law Services,
I am writing this letter to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to your esteemed firm, with special attention to Maria, for the outstanding assistance and support provided during my disability case.
When I first approached your firm, I was overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the complexities of the legal system. However, from the very beginning, Maria’s exceptional expertise and compassionate approach instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance in me. She listened attentively to my concerns, thoroughly analyzed my case, and diligently worked toward achieving a positive outcome.
Throughout the entire process, Maria displayed unwavering dedication, professionalism, and an unparalleled commitment to ensuring my rights were protected. Her in-depth knowledge of disability law, attention to detail, and strategic approach were instrumental in building a strong case. I was continually impressed by her ability to anticipate challenges and proactively address them, all while keeping me informed and involved at every stage.
Thanks to Maria’s exceptional legal skills, tireless efforts, and unwavering support, we achieved a victorious outcome. Winning my disability case would not have been possible without her expertise and guidance. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the outstanding job she did, and the profound impact it has had on my life.
In addition to Maria, I would also like to extend my appreciation to the entire team at Laporte Law Services. Your firm’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and client-centered approach is truly commendable. The exceptional level of service I received from everyone involved in my case, including the support staff, reflects the high standards and values of your organization.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your outstanding legal representation and for helping me navigate the complexities of my disability case. I am forever grateful to Maria and the dedicated team at Laporte Law Services for their unwavering support, exceptional expertise, and ultimately securing a favorable outcome.
Please convey my appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Maria for her outstanding work. I will wholeheartedly recommend Laporte Law Services to anyone seeking exceptional legal representation.
With sincere gratitude,
Sean Schnoor
You are nothing but the best and have changed my life . I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Laporte Law firm 😁😁😁
Sean Schnoor
We went to LaPorte Law Firm for a Social Security-related issue for my son, as he was denied on two applications. After the initial consultation, Terry took over and kept us in the loop throughout the process. A month before the hearing, we were informed that the hearing would be changed to a virtual one due to the pandemic, but Terry made sure we understood the process. Everything went great, but the icing on the cake was that we were able to continue to check in with him regarding parts of the process well into a year after winning our case. He was so responsive and always made time to talk to us and guide us. Without any hesitation, I will recommend Terry!
Thyg N.
LaPorte Law Firm helped me with my case from start to finish. They explained every detail to me and answered every question I had. They were on top of my case and helped me get through it with much less stress on my part. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for professional help on their claims.
Divina Mendoza
From the moment I met Kevin LaPorte, I felt at ease. He was friendly and courteous; he went over everything and didn’t talk down to me at any time. Everything went according to the time line he presented and all documents arrived on time. His staff were a great help to us as well, especially Sylvia, who was friendly and helpful. I want to thank Kevin and his team for making what could have been a very difficult process seem like a breeze.
Mark P.
Professional Empathetic and works with Integrity
I had the absolute pleasure to work with Terry LaPorte. He was professional, understanding, efficient and put my needs first. I would highly recommend him to anyone. I have never met a better lawyer or a better man.
Anonymous
I had excellent service from LaPorte Law Firm. I highly recommend them for all your needs.
John Spooner
Hopefully, there will only be a few times in your life when you will need an attorney. If you do, Terry LaPorte meets the highest standards. I was in a grueling situation with a disability; if I hadn’t had the good fortune of finding Terry, my life would be a shadow of my former life. I recommend seeing Terry if you have an SSDI problem. He will take you through the process step by step.
Karen W.
I have known Terry LaPorte for over 20 years. When I had to have back surgery in 1998, Terry was highly recommended by a friend that Terry had also represented in a successful manner. From the moment I met Terry and his staff, I knew that I was in good hands. Within a short time, I was receiving my disability benefits. I was able to return to work five years after surgery; however, in 2017, I required Terry’s services once again, and within three to four months I was again receiving my disability benefits.
Ernie Zito
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Receive your free case evaluation from our experienced team, who can review your medical history and discuss how Social Security law applies to your situation.
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Begin the onboarding process with LaPorte Law Firm if your case is taken on by the legal team.
Frequently Asked Questions
SSDI is a disability insurance program financed by your Social Security paycheck deductions. Unless prohibited by your age, you must have worked a total of 10 years (40 quarters), 5 of which must be within the last 10 years (20 of the last 40 quarters). In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have earned FICA-taxed wages during this work period.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, no work time is required at all. There are, however, limits to eligibility based on how much property you own or money you have in the bank, as the SSI program is aimed at individuals who lack income or resources and are disabled. Benefits are paid as a flat rate, and the amount may be reduced if you receive any money or assistance from any source.
With both SSI and SSDI, you must be found disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees both programs and defines disability as being unable to perform any “substantial gainful activity.”
No, SSDI can be seen as a safety net. It will pay monthly benefits to you based on the amount of money that you have already paid into the system through employment taxes.
If your claim is approved upon the first attempt, the process should take just a few months. However, it should be noted that only approximately one-third of claims are approved on the first filing. As such, most applicants need to go through the appeal process to secure their benefits. If your claim is then approved after an appeal to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, delays of a year or more before benefit payment commences are also common.
Attorney’s fees are 25% of the first retroactive payment to you by the SSA; however, the fee is capped at US$7,200 regardless of the amount of money you are owed by the SSA. After November 30, 2024, the maximum attorney’s fees are capped at $9,200. There is no one-off or ongoing fee after you win your case. As the SSA can take several years to adjudicate a disability claim, disability claimants are often entitled to a large check for retroactive benefits for the period in which they were waiting for their claim to be decided. Our fees automatically come out of that first retroactive check, so our clients never have to pay us directly.
If your application is rejected on your first attempt, as is the case for many first-time applicants, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An appeal must be filed using the proper forms within 60 days of the date of the denial decision. Your chances of winning an appeal are greatly enhanced by retaining a firm that specializes in Social Security law.
The monthly amount you will receive depends on factors such as age, past earnings, and type of benefit. The law allows retroactive pay up to 12 months prior to the month of a disability application. To get a better idea of your situation, it is advisable to consult the SSA’s benefit calculator.
How it works:
- Complete the form so we can learn more about your situation.
- We will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.
- If your case can be pursued, we’ll start working on it.
- We only get paid if your case is approved.
How we can help:
- Free case evaluation by an attorney
- Social Security Disability Insurance application
- Social Security Disability Insurance appeal
- Disability hearing preparation
NO FEES UNLESS YOU WIN.
At LaPorte Law Firm, we only receive a fee if you win your case – so you have nothing to lose. We’re with you every step of the way.
Award-winning service
Equipped with years of experience and thousands of successful cases, LaPorte Law Firm is the leading disability attorney in the Bay Area, and we have the awards and certifications to prove it.
