Experienced Lawyers In Louisiana
Social Security Disability Lawyer in Louisiana
Home »
Disabled? Get Gordon?
No Fee Unless We Win
I’ll win your case, or you don’t owe me a dime. No costs, no expenses, no fee. Nothing.
Injured? Get a FREE Consult Now!
Areas We Serve
Best Social Security Disability Lawyers Near Me
Fighting for Louisiana Social Security Disability Case Victims
If you cannot work because of a serious medical condition, you deserve financial support and a team that knows how to fight for it. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our social security disability lawyers have recovered $3 Billion for disabled clients across Louisiana. With 679+ years of combined legal experience, we know how to navigate the SSA’s system and win.
If your disability was caused by a workplace accident or occupational illness, you may also have rights under Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system. While Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation are separate programs, some individuals may qualify for both. Our Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers can help you understand your legal options and pursue every source of benefits available.
As one of Louisiana’s most recognized personal injury law firms, we fight for everyday working people.
Louisiana Social Security Disability Statistics
Louisiana ranks among states with lower-than-average approval rates, tied to economic conditions and limited healthcare access. If you need a disability claims lawyer in Louisiana, the right attorney changes those odds.
The numbers tell a hard truth about what disabled workers face in Louisiana. Filing strong from the start, or fighting back after a denial, requires experienced legal help.
36%
of initial disability applications receive a medical allowance at the initial level, meaning nearly two in three are denied outright
13%
of those who appeal receive an allowance at the reconsideration stage
55%
of claimants who reach the ALJ hearing level are approved, making it the stage where legal representation matters most
Our Attorneys
SSDI vs. SSI: Understanding Your Options
Not all disability benefits work the same way, and knowing the difference can determine what you qualify for.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history. You earn eligibility by paying into Social Security through payroll taxes, generally requiring 40 work credits with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before your disability began.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is needs-based. It does not require a work history and is available to people with limited income who meet the SSA’s medical standards.
Some Louisiana residents qualify for both simultaneously, known as concurrent benefits. Louisiana also offers a modest Optional State Supplement for SSI recipients residing in certain long-term care Medicaid facilities, up to $15 per month to help meet personal care needs. A Louisiana disability benefits attorney can clarify which program fits your situation.
Does My Condition Qualify for Disability Benefits?
The SSA maintains an official list of qualifying impairments called the Blue Book. If your condition appears on the list and meets the required severity, you may qualify automatically. Common qualifying categories include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders, including back injuries, arthritis, and joint dysfunction
- Mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia
- Neurological conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease
- Cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and coronary artery disease
- Cancer and immune system disorders
If your condition is not in the Blue Book, you may still qualify. The SSA can approve claims when a condition prevents you from performing any substantial gainful activity, even if it is not explicitly listed. The key is building a strong medical record that clearly documents your limitations.
How the SSA Decides Your Claim: The 5-Step Process
The SSA evaluates every disability claim using a five-step process. Knowing it helps you understand where your case stands.
- Are you currently working? Earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold results in an automatic denial.
- Is your condition severe? It must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
- Is your condition in the Blue Book? If yes, you may be approved here. If not, the review continues.
- Can you perform your past work? If your condition prevents you from returning to prior employment, the SSA moves forward.
- Can you do any other work? This is where most claims are decided. The SSA weighs your age, education, and work history against vocational expert testimony. An SSD application lawyer in Louisiana knows how to challenge that testimony effectively.
Back Pay and Retroactive Benefits: What You Could Be Owed
Winning your claim does not just mean monthly payments going forward. It can also mean a significant lump sum for time already spent waiting or for months prior to your application.
There are two distinct types of past-due payments. Retroactive benefits cover the period before you filed your application, going back up to 12 months before your application date, minus the mandatory five-month waiting period. Back pay covers the months after you filed while the SSA processed your claim. SSI past-due benefits begin from your filing date only. The longer you wait to file, the more you stand to lose in both categories.
Attorney fees for SSD cases are federally capped at 25% of past-due benefits, up to $9,200. There is no financial reason to delay. If you need an SSDI lawyer in Louisiana, acting quickly protects what you are owed.
The Louisiana SSD Appeals Process
A denial is not the end of your case. The SSA has a four-level appeals process, and most successful claims are approved after the initial denial.
- Reconsideration. You have 60 days to request a review. New evidence can be submitted at this stage.
- ALJ Hearing. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge is where approval rates reach 51% nationally. Louisiana’s primary Office of Hearing Operations locations are in Alexandria, Metairie, New Orleans, and Shreveport.
- Appeals Council Review. If the ALJ denies your claim, you can escalate to the SSA’s Appeals Council.
- Federal Court. If all administrative options are exhausted, your case can proceed to federal court.
Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys handles all four levels. If you need a disability appeal attorney in Louisiana or a Baton Rouge social security lawyer near you, our team is ready.
Why Louisiana SSD Claims Are Harder to Win
Louisiana ranks among states with lower SSDI approval rates, a pattern linked to limited healthcare access, lower median incomes, and documentation gaps common in oil and gas, fishing, agriculture, and maritime work.
Variable income histories in these industries can also reduce your calculated benefit amount. Rural and underserved areas make building a strong medical record harder. An SSD attorney in New Orleans and across the state needs to understand these local realities, not just federal guidelines, to build a winning case.
Speak With a Louisiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
You do not have to face the SSA alone. If you have been denied benefits or need help filing your claim, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys is ready to fight for you. Our Louisiana personal injury lawyers serve clients throughout New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette and several other Louisiana parishes, handling every step of the process so you can focus on your recovery.
Call 888.501.7888 today for a free consultation. With our G Guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win. That is the promise we make to every client.
Get Gordon. Get It Done.
Additional SSD Benefits You May Not Know About
Social Security Disability extends beyond standard SSDI and SSI. Depending on your situation, you or your family may also qualify for:
- Childhood SSI, for children under 18 with qualifying disabilities
- Disabled widow and widower benefits, for those disabled within a specific window after a spouse’s death
- Disabled adult child benefits, for adults disabled before age 22 who can collect on a parent’s record
- Concurrent SSDI and SSI, when SSDI payments fall below the SSI income threshold
Our team evaluates every option so no available benefit goes unclaimed.
How Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys Handles Your SSD Case
From your first call to final approval, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys manages every step. With over 180 employees, including 130+ staff and 47 attorneys and 679+ years of combined legal experience, we understand the specific challenges Louisiana claimants face. When you hire us, we immediately begin:
- Reviewing your medical history and work record
- Gathering and organizing documentation for the SSA
- Identifying the strongest grounds for your claim or appeal
- Communicating with SSA offices directly on your behalf
- Preparing your case for hearings if needed
You focus on your health. We handle the rest. For disability claim assistance in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, our Shreveport social security disability lawyers can help you.
Compensation and Benefits Available
A successful SSD claim can provide meaningful ongoing support. Our attorneys fight to recover every dollar you are entitled to, including:
- Monthly SSDI payments, averaging $1,630/month nationally, with many Louisiana recipients seeing between $700 and $1,600 based on work history
- SSI payments at the current federal base rate of $994/month for an individual
- Medicare or Medicaid coverage following an approval period
- Retroactive benefits and back pay for the time spent waiting
- Dependent benefits for eligible family members in certain SSDI cases
Every case is different. We assess your full picture to pursue the maximum available.
Why Louisiana SSD Claims Get Denied and How We Fix It
Most denials come down to fixable problems. Here are the most common reasons Louisiana claims are rejected and what we do about them.
- Insufficient medical evidence. The SSA requires objective findings, not just a physician’s opinion. We gather imaging, lab results, and records that document your limitations clearly.
- Earning above the SGA threshold. Income exceeding $1,690 per month currently results in automatic denial. We advise on timing before you file.
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment. Skipped care can signal to the SSA that your condition is less severe. We help document valid reasons for any gaps.
- Incomplete paperwork. Missing documents cause avoidable denials. We review every submission before it reaches the SSA. Getting it right is what quality SSD legal representation in Louisiana looks like.
Don’t Wait — Talk to a Louisiana Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand that emotional and physical recovery come hand and hand after an injury or accident. We also know that you may not have the energy or time to fight with an insurance company and the complexities of your personal injury claim.
How It Works
Filing a claim with Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys is easy!
Simply follow the steps below.
Get Your Free Consultation
Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not!
Hear From An Attorney
Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of winning your case!
Get Gordon!
Get It Done!
Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve.
Excellent
Settlements & Verdicts
$26,000,000
Class action settlement for chemical exposure
Class action settlement for chemical exposure case.
$3,750,000
Wrongful death in commercial trucking accident 3750000
A settlement has been reached in the case of a 1996 accident that claimed the lives of three Jones County residents.
$1,000,000
Truck Driver Rear Ended by Another 18 Wheeler
Our client a truck driver was rear ended by another 18-wheeler.
$125,000
18 Wheeler Mississippi Wreck
Our client was involved in an 18 wheeler wreck in Mississippi that resulted in multiple injuries and a settlement of $125,000.
$200,000
18 Wheeler Tow Truck
18 Wheeler Tow Truck incident due to mishandling resulted in injuries to our client and a case settlement of $200,000. Handled by Attorney Richard Zimmerman.
$185,000
18 Wheeler Wreck with Cane Truck
Our client was driving an 18 wheeler when they were hit head on by a cane truck. Resulted in both chest and shoulder injuries and a settlement of $185,000.
$375,000
Cement Truck Accident
The client pulled up to construction site when a cement truck in front of him backed into him twice.
$390,000
Two 18 Wheelers Wreck
Two 18 wheelers wreck causing our client to have disc injuries. Case resulted in a settlement of $390,000.
$429,000
Big Trucks Collide with Client Suffering Bulging Discs and Mild Protrusion
Our client, big truck driver was hit by another 18-wheeler. The impact caused bulging discs and minor protrusion.
$6,000,000
Accident on oil platform causes brain damage
Oil rig worker settles for $6 million after suffering extensive facial fractures and brain damage.
$175,000
Side Swiped with Many Injuries
Our client was side swiped and suffered many injuries, including neck, back, shoulder and hand. Case settled for $175,000.
$1,600,000
Guest Passenger Injured in a T Bone Truck Accident
Our client was a guest passenger in a vehicle when they were involved in a T-bone accident with a truck resulting in severe injuries.
$13,000,000
Commercial Big Truck Accident Causes Brain Injury to Young Boy
As a result of a commercial big truck accident, a young boy suffers brain injury.
$877,191
18 Wheeler Rear Ends Another 18 Wheeler
Our client was driving his 18 wheeler when another 18 wheeler rear-ended him. The case resulted in a $877,191 verdict.
$27,000
Lengthy Premise Liability Case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Client had a premises liability case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Foot had a puncture wound with no stitches and 3 months of treatment.
$4,500
Client Involved in Premises Liability Case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Client involved in a premise liability case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The client reported suffering from whole body soreness.
$21,700,000
Construction worker severely injured on the job
Our client was a construction worker that was severely injured on the job.
$12,800,000
Two Worker’s Asbestos Exposure
Two former chemical plant workers dying of lung cancer won a $12.8 million state award, blaming their illness on asbestos used in industrial insulation.
$3,000,000
Double amputation of legs from electrical shock
An employee of an oil company suffered severe electrical shock when a gen pole came in contact with high power lines.
$2,900,000
Workers exposed to chemical
Workers were exposed to a chemical, resulting in a $2,900,000 settlement.
$250,000
63 Year Old Pipe Welder Working on Barge in Gulf
Settlement for pipe welder suffering rib and back injuries after being transferred from a tug boat to barge when basket became entrapped on barge equipment.
$240,000
Workers Comp Prison Injury
Our client suffered an ankle injury while working at a prison, resulting in a workers comp case and a verdict of $240,000.
$130,000
Workers Comp Fall Injury
Our client suffered a workers comp injury from a fall onto concrete with improper safety codes met. Case resulted in a $130,000 settlement.
$130,000
Workers’ Compensation Injury
Client was involved in a Workers’ Compensation Injury case which was handled by Attorney Annabelle Manning. Case resulted in a settlement of $130,000.
$125,000
Injury at Work on a Ladder
Our client suffered an injury at work on a ladder, having to pull down some heavy equipment and missing a step. Case resulted in a $125,000 settlement.
$110,000
Injured on the Job
Our client was injured on the job as they slipped while working security, suffering back injuries. Case settled for $110,000.
$3,500,000
Truck Driver T Boned by 18 Wheeler
Our client, a truck driver, was hit by an 18-wheeler that ran a stop sign and T boned his truck.
$2,800,000
Defective product design in truck causes paraplegia
Our client was involved in an accident which the defective product design in the truck caused paraplegia.
$1,975,000
Warehouse worker pinned by delivery truck suffers massive internal injuries
A delivery truck pins a warehouse worker resulting in massive internal injuries.
Frequent Answered
Questions
- How is Injury Compensation Calculated?
- What Is a Mansfield Bar and Why Do Trucks Have Them?
- How to Increase Settlement Value?
- How Much Will a Truck Accident Lawsuit Cost Me?
- Why Are Trucking Accidents a Serious Issue?
- What Is The Most Common Cause of a Rollover Accident?
- Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Lafayette?
- What To Do After A Big Truck Wreck?
- How Can a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Help?
- How to Get Compensation After a Commercial Trucking Accident?
- What is the Most Common Type of Lift Truck Accident?
- Can You Get Compensation If An Accident Was Your Fault?
Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog Posts
Injured? Get a FREE Consult Now!
Let Our Team Fight For You!
If you or a loved one has been injured, don't wait— contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to fight for you and secure the compensation you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to client care, we are the best personal injury attorneys in Louisiana to handle your case.
Call us now or fill out our online form. No Fee Unless We Win!
Your Case Matters—Let's Get It Done!
Office Locations
© 2026 Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.
