Greg Reed - Austin Social Security and Long Term Disability Attorney

My client was a principal at an elementary school in the Houston area. She had been in the education field for over 25 years when her health deteriorated to the point she could no longer work. Years and years ago, my client purchased long term disability insurance for just this scenario. The insurance company denied her claim. My client assumed, like most folks would, that her insurance company would simply approve the claim since her doctors were supportive of the claim. She appealed the decision on her own and was denied for the second time. The financial pressures on my client were becoming extreme. Her husband was self employed and the burden for providing financial support fell mainly on her. Now, with her health deteriorating, she had lost her income while at the same time facing mounting medical expenses. She hired me and I immediately filed suit on her behalf in federal court. After extensive litigation and discovery, the insurance company offered a six figure settlement in order to resolve the claim. My client was thrilled with the result. These cases can be life changing events for my clients. The stress that is involved in dealing with an insurance company denial can send them into a health tailspin. Being able to resolve the claim in my client's favor means a great deal to me.

My clients come primarily from referrals. As a firm, we've been in business going on 21 years. We have literally helped thousands of clients in that time. Each one of those clients developed a personal relationship with me or with my law partners and our staff. Satisfied clients make for a great referral source and we've been fortunate in that respect. A great deal of our clients also come from referrals from attorneys. Disability work is complicated and in most instances requires that an attorney be licensed in federal court. Our reputation among our peers is excellent and is a great source for growing our client base.

Experience in the field and willingness to communicate with the client. Experience in the field is self explanatory. A client needs to know that the attorney handling his case is well versed in the law and experienced in handling similar cases. Most clients are facing enough stress that they don't need to add more stress by hiring an inexperienced lawyer. On a similar note, it is critical that the attorney communicate with his client. Our clients already face uncertainty and stress with health issues and with financial issues. My job is to relieve them of some of those burdens and I don't feel like I am successful until I do so. The only way to be certain that I succeed is to communicate with my clients on a regular basis. No client should have to "guess" as to the status of his case.

Not very

We discuss the case on the merits and determine whether it makes sense for the client to hire an attorney. On more than one occasion we have told potential clients that they do not our services even though we would have made money by having them sign a contract for representation. We discuss our fee structure, give an estimate for the length of time the case will take to conclude, and offer free in office consultations. We try to answer any questions that come up.

For private disability claims, we need a lot of information. We need the age of the client, education, work history, last date worked, health conditions, identity of health care providers, disability insurance carrier, whether the claim is pending or denied, and if the claim has been denied, the date of the denial. It is also important to find out if the client is on Social Security disability. If they are not, we can likely help them with that as well and we would need the same information mentioned previously.

I am a board certified personal injury trial lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I am also AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating that is awarded. That means I have experience in the court room. Lots of lawyers can handle paperwork and do just fine. At some point, however, a client faces the daunting prospect of having his claim decided by a judge or a jury. It is far better to face that possibility with someone who is experienced and qualified.

It is not even a close call. When I finish a case and my client is happy, I've done my job. In most cases, it's made a difference in their lives. Our clients are normal people. No one wants to hire an attorney. We strive to make the experience as pleasant as possible and when we successfully conclude a case, we have truly helped the ""little guy"" fight big insurance companies or the government.

My family is very important to me. I am fortunate that almost all of my family live nearby. We spend many weekends at a small ranch in central Texas and it makes for a great spot for reunions. My wife and I also love golf and exploring new places to play.

I am a member of numerous bar organizations and honorary societies and have been in leadership positions in many. My wife and I involve ourselves in charitable organizations and are interested in helping in any way we can.

• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (2012-Present)
  State Bar of Texas 1991
  Travis County Bar Association
  Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association
  Texas Trial Lawyers Association
  Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow
  Austin Young Lawyers Association – Director 1993-1994
  Central Texas Lawyer Referral Service – Director 2005-2011
  

• Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers (2011 - Present)
  
  Martindale-Hubbell ten-year anniversary award, 2002-2012, Martindale-Hubbell (2012)
  AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubble® 2002 to present
  
  Winner and Best Oral Argument, National Trial Competition 1991
  

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