I will never regret contacting Coats & Todd. The system of course rubber-stamped my applications for SSDI "no" without even looking at them. The doctor Social Security sent me to lied outright, saying she could see nothing wrong with me (I can't walk without a cane) and that there was nothing at all abnormal with my spinal xray (I had scoliosis for approx. 30 years at the time this xray was taken!). No one would talk to me and my case was considered hopeless because I was relatively young at the time (44). Also working against me very badly was the fact that before I attempted to retire due to my disability my employer had laid me off because I could no longer put in the 60-hr. workweeks. But when I wrote to Mrs. Coats she took the a personal interest in me, took the time to review my case and talk to me, and ultimately we went to court and won my SSDI benefits. Without SSDI I would be homeless and likely dead by now, as I certainly would not be able to survive on the street. They took my "hopeless" case and fought for me like I was a member of the family. My attorney Mr. Todd showed up to court with over 800 pages of medical records, and no matter what kind of sideways screwball they tried to throw at us, he was totally prepared. I was never coached or rehearsed, I never even spoke to Mr. Todd until the day before the hearing. Simply illuminating my 30-year uninterrupted employment history, for example, showed I was not someone out to scam the system; I thought my work history had been unsalvageable tainted by getting laid off instead of retiring but they made it work for me instead of against me. We presented only the truth, but you have to have someone who knows how this deliberately obstructionist system works or the truth will likely not help you much. I think it's a shame you have to hire attorneys just to get what is rightfully yours, that you have worked for and paid for, especially when all of your doctors agree you are too disabled to work, but you do and I would recommend Coats & Todd to anyone and have. They won my ex-husband's case, and I held out less hope for him than I had for my own case. Be prepared for the difficulties inherent in this process. I had always heard there was a six month waiting period, for example, which is what kept me working way past when I should have quit. This ultimately caused a great deal more damage to my body. But the truth is, you are not eligible to receive benefits until six months after you are disabled, the real wait is longer. It was thirteen months before I won my case, and while they did have to give me back-pay to cover to time that had elapsed since the six month eligibility date, you are on your own to provide for yourself until your case is won. I had to liquidate my entire 401(k) plan (you are allowed to withdraw early if you're disabled) and burned through every bit of my savings. Disability does not pay well, this is no cushy lifestyle - anyone who thinks you would chose this just to get out of work doesn't know what they're talking about! I now live a very modest hand to mouth lifestyle, my credit has been destroyed as I was forced to abandon most of my debts, most months I am down to literally my last dollar in the world before my next month's benefit arrives - but I wouldn't be able to do even this if I had not been able to win the SSDI benefits I am rightfully entitled to. There are many long weeks of waiting when you won't necessarily hear from anybody regarding your case, but it doesn't mean they're not working on it. On the up side, being on SSDI qualified me for Medicare, which it turns out is far superior to ANY private insurance I ever had during my long work career. These people are sincere, professional, and very competent. If you have a legitimate disability claim, you will need help and I recommend Coats & Todd very highly. read more

I can imagine few things more devastating than losing your livelihood after losing your health. There aren't many safety nets. You lose your job, you lose your health insurance, then you start losing everything else. Replaced by intransigent government bureaucracy, apathetic medical providers, judgement, stigma, pain and fear. My heart hurts for people who suffer through these life changes. I know the partners at Coats & Todd well. They work under the most difficult circumstances day in and day out -- in their office, in hearing rooms, in airports, on the road, and in the community. I know they work every single day, 10-12 hour days, under stressful, critical circumstances. Helping people secure disability benefits doesn't make anyone rich. They work hard. They're dedicated to helping their clients find a modicum of dignity stolen from them. Catherine is a grandmother and wife of a Methodist minister. She went back to law school 25 years ago to help make a better life for her family and her community. In a profession where women are often afforded fewer opportunities than men, she has built a thriving business and professional reputation second to no one. Robert lost both his parents within 30 days of each other when he was just out of high school. He put himself through college and law school. The victim of a violent home invasion, he knows what it is like to suffer, feel failed by the justice system, and live with insecurity. They are both self-made, compassionate, driven people. They give everything to the people they love, their clients, their employees, and their community -- in ways most people will never see. Maybe Yelp isn't the best place to recognize them for all they do. But it's a start. read more

I read some of the reviews below, and it sounds like a lot of people are describing a pretty long process. I personally know a lot of people who have had to wait forever before their case ever gets approved. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long since Mr. Todd was able to win my case only after one appeal. But I've heard that alot and I know of friends who have told me they have waited for years. I think the good thing is that you find a lawyer whose patient with you and willing to go the whole mile. I felt like Mr. Todd and his staff were really supportive, particularly when I was first denied. They helped me file the appeal and like I said, I won a few months later, but they were pretty clear that this is the exception not the rule. That being the case, I think people have no idea how confusing this process is. Mr. Todd and his staff were really awesome and supportive every time I called and helped to explain exactly what was going on-now if only the social security office would do that! Imagine! Anyway, I felt a lot better talking to them and definitely made the right decision. If you guys are having to wait a long time or are confused about what's going on, give these guys a call. They definitely helped me. read more

After reading the review posted by Seth S. regarding his autism, I felt compelled to respond. Clearly he did not do research on his condition and disability, if he had he would have known that he would have to have medical documentation of BOTH of the following: 1.Qualitative deficits in verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and social interaction; and 2.Significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Clearly from his post alone he does not meet the criteria. That being said, I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for Mrs.Coats and her staff. My significant other was diagnosed with Non-small-cell carcinoma that had spread to his liver and bones and was given six months to live back in May 2015. I wont go into the details of his cancer but anyone who has had cancer touch their lives knows how emotionally and financially devastating this diagnosis can be. Without Mrs.Coats compassion and competence, things could have been much worse than they already were. I will never be able to thank Mrs.Coats and staff enough. And I recommend anyone who is truly disabled to contact Coats and Todd. They're Awesome Thank you, Kristen read more

Gina Cook I can't say enough about Coats and Todd Law Firm. From start to finish they were always there to answer any questions and keep me up to date on my case. I could not have gotten through this process without not just their knowledge of the process but the encouragement and support they provided me that helped keep me from feeling alone throughout the process. They were good about calling me and keeping me up to date on my case. Always returning my phone calls within the next day. There is not one person in this office that is not kind, understanding, and will actually listen to how you are feeling about your case. Never once did I feel like they were being dismissive. They never gave up on my case, and for that I say thank you to everyone at Coats and Todd. A special thank you to Chris Coats for being such a kind and understanding man. I highly recommend this firm for your SS Disability claim. They are excellent! read more

I am 60 years old and was forced out of my job due to my illness. Although I physically "looked fine" I knew there was no way anyone else would hire me due to the multiple doctors' appointments I needed to attend. I was told by a retired social security disability professional that Catherine Coats and Robert Todd are one of the best in the field and I could not agree more. They made sure the social security administration had every medical detail needed to processes my claim swiftly and successfully. It's difficult enough after working 20 years for a company and suddenly being told that you're no longer good enough for them and I so very much appreciated you and your staff for your compassion and professionalism during every step of the proceedings. You made this journey as painless as possible. Thank you! read more

Best decision we ever made was contacting Coats & Todd! They made fighting for disability a much less stressful experience. They were amazing every step of the way explaining and taking the time to let me know everything going on with my case. They don't treat you like just another paycheck they really take intrest in you as a person and fight for you like they would themselves! If you need somebody to help you and walk with you every step of the way this is definetly the law firm to choose. read more

What a great experience and stress less! Great staff always available with a successful results! I have tried to do this on my own and kept getting denied. This was frustrating! Thanks to the staff at Coats and Todd they made it easy! I highly recommend using this organization for all your social security questions and needs! Thank you! (View Less) Catherine is a very sweet lady and always there for me. Thanks to her I won my case on the first time she represent me. She is awesome. read more

These guys are great. They helped me with my appeal AND a new case, which they WON! I felt like the staff was understanding and warm and professional, and I don't think there were ever any surprises. Word to the wise: this is a VERY LONG PROCESS. But if you want someone who knows that process and can help you along, this is the place. I've seen how alot of attorneys operate, and I think these are some of the best. I would highly recommend. read more

After suffering a life altering illness, I determined I had to file for SS Disability. I contacted 4 firms and decided on Coats And Todd and what a great choice I made. Initially I was not pleases, but after talking to Catherine Coats, I was assured. Mrs Coats lead me by the hand step by step through the process and we were successful. read more

I just want to thanks coats and Todd for the hard work of getting my disability for me the staff was wonderful if I called they would call me right back I am so thankful for y'all for the work that you did for me that I couldn't do on my own and I got approved and I believe it's because God help me find you the help thank you so much read more

Had to take my case all the way to a hearing with a judge which was pretty scary. I also had to wait over a YEAR just to get the hearing, but my lawyer did an awesome job!!!!! All of the staff and attorneys were very knowledgeable and professional. And my case manager was great! Nice job! :) read more

I really appreciate how professional they are. They took time to explain everything and were very patient. I even told my sister about them, and now she's a client! Great staff! read more