Guided by David W. Batchelder, ESQ. DWB LAW, LLC
Social Security Disability for Working People
Serving Miami-Dade and Monroe, Florida-wide by phone or Zoom.
From the first application through appeals, we handle the process so you don’t have to.
More than 30 years focused on disability law. Straight talk. No runaround.
Florida Bar member in good standing
30+ years representing working people
(police, fire, nurses, teachers, union & port workers)
Local to North Miami
remote representation available statewide
WHAT WE DO
We Battle the
Bureaucracy for You
We guide your claim from the initial filing through every stage of appeal, keeping the strategy, evidence, and deadlines on track. We take the burden of dealing with the Social Security Administration off your shoulders by handling communications, paperwork, evidence requests, and hearing preparation, so you can focus on your health while we manage the process.
DWB LAW, LLC
David W. Batchelder, Esq
David W. Batchelder, Esq, Attorney brings decades of experience representing disabled workers and families, with a practice built around SSDI/SSI claims and appeals. From his early work advocating for hardworking people across many backgrounds to building a focused, boutique office in South Florida, he is known for handling cases with care, preparation, and professionalism.
HOW WE CAN HELP
You focus on your health.
We’ll focus on the process.
Start → Initial Application
Then → Reconsideration
Then → ALJ Hearing
If needed → Appeals Council
Select cases → Federal Court
HOW WE CAN HELP
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this going to take?
The average processing times that we typically see: 8 to 12 months for SSA/DDS to process the initial application filed online; 6 to 8 months to process the first appeal – the “Request For Reconsideration”; and 6 to 8 months to get a hearing decision from the Hollywood – Fort Lauderdale hearing office and the Miami hearing office.
Can’t you make this go faster? I heard if I hired a lawyer I will get a hearing faster.
We will do all that we can to push your case ahead as hard and as fast as we can. We work hard to see that your paperwork is returned to SSA as soon as humanly possible, and your appeals are filed immediately upon receipt of a denial of benefits. However, there are very few instances where we can have the judge’s office “expedite” your appeal, or move your case ahead to the front of the line. A well developed medical record and supporting opinions from treating physicians can certainly help to move your case along faster in the system. However, beware of attorneys or “disability advocates” who promise that they can get you a hearing date or disability decision faster. We are all dealing with the same government agency and the same hearing offices. The average processing times are published by SSA because those processing times hold true for all cases, and not just a select unfortunate few. I can not, and will not ever promise you something that is outside of my ability to provide. What I will promise you is that we will diligently monitor your file to ensure that your case does not “fall through the cracks”, the medical evidence is fully developed, and you are prepared to provide the best testimony possible when you sit before the judge and have to answer questions under oath.
Why does it take so long to process my claim/appeal?
Remember, we are dealing with a government agency that is mired in inefficient bureaucracy. SSA obviously does not warrant a reputation for their speedy disposition of cases. With the aging of the “BabyBoomers”, SSA has been inundated with new applications for benefits and there are literally millions of claims pending. That, complicated with less money allocated to SSA for personnel and resources, and events like “government shutdowns”, the backlog of cases at hearing offices around the country is unworkable.
What about expenses? Do I have to pay an “expense deposit"?
No. If I decide to undertake representation in your case, I do not require an expense deposit. I will advance reasonable case costs, such as medical records, postage, and copy fees. If we are successful, you will be asked to reimburse these costs after you receive your retroactive benefits. If we are not successful, you will not be asked to reimburse any costs, and you will not owe us anything.
I am not working and I don’t have any money to pay for an attorney, how are you paid?
Our initial consultation to determine your eligibility for benefits is free. If you are not currently receiving benefits, and you hire us to appeal a denial of benefits from SSA, we work on a “contingency fee” basis, meaning our fee is contingent upon a successful award of benefits to you. In that case, if we are successful in proving that you are disabled, SSA has to back up and pay you for all the months that we can show you have been wrongfully denied. At the end of the case, you would be entitled to a retroactive benefits payment, or “back pay”, and my fee is a one time fee of 25% of your retroactive benefits. If we are not successful in winning your case, then 25% of $0 is $0, and we will not charge you a dime for our services. Attorney fees in SSDI/SSI cases are established by federal statute and are authorized by SSA.
That’s given me a lot to think about. I’m not sure I can stop working, what do you suggest?
I think you should think about it, very carefully. I think you should consider how you are going to survive throughout the lengthy appeals process, and I think you should look yourself in the mirror and decide whether or not you can work. Since we pride ourselves in representing “disabled workers”, we also recognize that this may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make. Discuss all of this with your spouse, your friends and family. Remember, the issue here is not whether or not any one will hire you, the issue is whether or not you can work due to a medical condition, or a combination of medical impairments. If you have struggled with this decision, but finally admitted to yourself that you are no longer able to work, DO NOT WAIT to file your application for disability benefits. The faster you get the process started, the faster you will have this process completed. Most importantly remember, if you have already had an application or appeal for benefits denied, you only have 60 days to appeal that denial of benefits, and there is no time to waste. SSA can be very strict with their appeal deadlines, and if you miss the appeal date you will probably have to start all over again and file a new application.
WHO WE HELP
Do you qualify?
DWB LAW, LLC focuses on SSDI/SSI disability applications and appeals for people who have built long careers and can’t work due to a serious medical condition. The practice screens cases carefully and concentrates on claims with a strong chance of success under Social Security’s rules.
You may be a fit if you:
Have worked for a significant number of years, specifically 30 years or more
Stopped working because of a medical condition, or you’re about to resign for medical reasons
Feel overwhelmed by the SSA process
Need help with a denied application or appeal
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"We strengthen your appeal with clear documentation and focused preparation so your voice is heard."
Atty. David W. Batchelder
Contact Us
Ready to move forward?
If you need help with Social Security Disability or Workers’ Compensation in Miami Dade County and beyond, contact DWB LAW, LLC to request a free consultation. We also offer virtual appointments.