Houston Disability Lawyer

Struggling with a denied disability claim in Houston? You don’t have to fight this battle alone. At Daly & Black, P.C., our Houston disability lawyers go ALL IN to help clients pursue the benefits and compensation they may be entitled to. Whether you’re applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI), fighting a denied claim, or navigating long-term disability insurance disputes, we’re here to protect your rights every step of the way.

Call today to schedule your free consultation and put a proven Houston disability lawyer on your side from the very start.

Understanding Disability Claims

Disability claims are not only emotionally and physically challenging, they’re also statistically difficult to win at the early stages. Data from the Social Security Administration shows just how steep the odds can be:

Initial Decisions

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the SSA made over 2 million initial disability decisions. More than 60% were denied at this first stage. This means most applicants never receive benefits without pursuing an appeal.

Reconsideration Stage

Applicants who appeal an initial denial enter the reconsideration stage. In Fiscal Year 2024, there were nearly 496,000 reconsideration decisions, and roughly 84% were denied. The odds actually get worse at this level, underscoring the need for experienced legal guidance.

Hearings Before an ALJ

Persistence pays off at the hearing stage. About 289,000 hearings were decided by Administrative Law Judges in Fiscal Year 2024, with denial rates dropping to around 33%. Many valid claims denied earlier are finally approved here.

The Appeals Council and Federal Court

Beyond hearings, claimants may turn to the Appeals Council, which reviewed tens of thousands of requests in Fiscal Year 2024. According to SSA data, direct approvals at this stage are extremely rare—only about 1% of cases were approved. Roughly 80% were denied, and about 16% were remanded for another hearing.

If denied again, claimants may then take their case to Federal Court. In Fiscal Year 2024, Federal Court received approximately 13,514 cases. Outcomes here are mixed: about 61% were remanded for a new hearing, while 33% were denied outright. Although approvals are rare, Federal Court review can extend the fight and create another opportunity for benefits.

Why This Matters

These statistics highlight why seeking legal help early is paramount. With approval rates dropping sharply after the first two stages, and the Appeals Council and Federal Court offering slim chances of success, it is crucial to build the strongest possible case from the outset.

Most claims are denied not because applicants aren’t disabled, but because of missing evidence, technical errors, or procedural missteps.

Why Choose Daly & Black for Your Disability Case

Disability claims are notoriously complex, and denials are common. Many Houstonians who should qualify for benefits are forced to fight through red tape and insurance company tactics. Daly & Black levels the playing field:

Proven Authority

Recognized nationally for litigation excellence, Daly & Black has built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies and federal agencies. Our attorneys are not afraid to take cases to trial when necessary, and we leverage our proven track record to give clients confidence that their claims are in capable hands.

Local Experience

With deep Houston roots, we understand the local courts, judges, and administrative processes that directly impact your case. Our familiarity with Houston’s legal landscape gives us an edge when advocating for clients, allowing us to anticipate challenges and tailor strategies that work in this jurisdiction.

Client-Centered Advocacy

We know the financial and emotional strain that comes with a denied disability claim. That’s why we prioritize clear communication and personal attention. Every client gets regular updates, and we take the time to explain each step so you feel supported and empowered throughout the process.

No Fee Unless We Win

At Daly & Black, our commitment is results-driven. You won’t pay out-of-pocket fees to hire us. Our firm only collects fees if we secure your benefits, ensuring that high-quality legal representation is accessible to anyone facing the challenges of a disability claim.

We’re not just lawyers—we’re your weapon against delay, denial, and indifference

How a Houston Disability Lawyer Can Help You

Our attorneys handle the full spectrum of disability law matters in Texas:

Social Security Disability (SSDI)

From initial applications to appeals, we help you build a strong case with the medical and vocational evidence you need to prove your disability.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

We guide individuals and families through the income-based SSI program, ensuring that applications are complete and deadlines are met.

Denied Claims & Appeals

Most claims are denied at first. We represent clients at all stages—reconsideration, hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), the Appeals Council, and even federal court.

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

If your insurer refuses to honor your disability coverage, we fight to enforce the policy you paid for.

Veterans Disability Claims

Service-connected disability benefits can be delayed due to incomplete applications, missing evidence, or VA processing backlogs, and reductions are possible under specific circumstances such as reevaluations that show medical improvement.

Our firm challenges unfair VA decisions and helps veterans present the strongest possible case to protect their benefits.

Wherever you are in the process, Daly & Black is ALL IN to push your claim forward.

Common Reasons Disability Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies and the Social Security Administration often deny valid claims. Common issues include:

• Lack of medical evidence: Without detailed records, claims are easy targets for denial. We work with your doctors to strengthen your file.
• Missed deadlines or paperwork errors: A single mistake can derail your case. Our team ensures everything is timely and accurate.
• Insufficient documentation of work history: We connect your medical limitations to your inability to work, building a complete case.
• Insurer/SSA tactics: Agencies often argue you can still perform other work. We challenge these assumptions with expert evidence.

By anticipating these challenges, Daly & Black turns weaknesses into strengths.

Disability and Personal Injury Claims

Not all disabilities are caused by illness alone—many result from accidents or injuries that could also give rise to a personal injury case. If your disability stems from a car accident, workplace incident, slip and fall, or other negligent act, you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim.

Our firm’s personal injury team investigates the cause of your injury, identifies all liable parties, and works to recover damages beyond disability benefits, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This dual approach ensures that you aren’t limited to disability benefits alone, but can also pursue justice through a personal injury action when appropriate.

What to Expect: Our Process

When you work with Daly & Black, here’s what happens:

Free Consultation

We review your case and answer your questions during a no-cost initial meeting. Daly & Black operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if we secure benefits for you, ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of financial circumstances.

Case Review

Once retained, we gather all necessary medical evidence, employment records, and supporting documentation. Our team identifies weaknesses in your file and strengthens them with expert opinions and supplemental records to build the strongest case possible.

Filing or Appeal

Whether you are filing for the first time or appealing a denial, we handle every stage of the process, from completing paperwork and meeting deadlines to representing you at hearings. We ensure your claim is filed accurately and strategically to avoid preventable denials.

Aggressive Advocacy

If your claim is challenged, our attorneys are relentless in fighting back. We challenge denials head-on, counter insurer or SSA arguments with solid evidence, and pursue appeals through every available channel until your rights are protected.

Regular Updates

You’re never left in the dark. Our team provides consistent updates, answers questions promptly, and ensures you always know where your case stands and what comes next.

Our process is built to minimize stress while maximizing your chances of success.

FAQ

When should I hire a disability lawyer in Houston?

It’s best to hire an attorney as early as possible, whether you’re filing your initial claim or appealing a denial. Having a lawyer from the start reduces mistakes and increases your chances of approval.

How can a Houston disability lawyer help with a denied claim?

A lawyer ensures your appeal is properly filed, strengthens your medical documentation, prepares you for hearings, and challenges the insurer’s or SSA’s reasoning with evidence and expert testimony.

What types of disability benefits can I pursue in Texas?

You may be eligible for SSDI, SSI, VA disability, or long-term disability benefits through private or employer-provided insurance. Each program has unique eligibility rules, and we handle them all.

Ready to Fight for Your Benefits?

A denied disability claim doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With Daly & Black on your side, you gain a relentless advocate who knows the system, understands your frustration, and is ready to fight until every avenue is exhausted.

Don’t face this process alone. Call Daly & Black today to schedule your free consultation with a Houston disability lawyer who is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.