Pro Bono Attorneys Secure Life-Changing Benefits

December 22, 2020

Kevin* contracted a severe infection which forced him to undergo more than 30 surgeries, including one that required the devastating amputation of his leg. In the last year alone, he spent eight months in the hospital.

Even after the procedures, Kevin must receive a blood transfusion every two weeks, is on doctor-ordered bedrest, and cannot walk. Despite these hardships, when he applied to the Social Security Administration, he was denied disability benefits.

Kevin called the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center for help appealing the decision. The Center assigned two volunteer lawyers and an expert mentor to his case. His pro bono lawyers got to work immediately reviewing his medical history and documenting his condition for his appeal. Thanks to his pro bono lawyers’ efforts, the Administrative Law Judge granted his appeal. He will now receive disability benefits to help meet his most basic needs.

“When Pro Bono Center clients are unable to work, successful appeals like Kevin’s can dramatically improve a client’s life. It’s difficult enough to experience such serious health problems, without having to worry how to pay for food, shelter, medicine, and other needs,” says Center Managing Attorney Adrian Gottshall. “Thanks to his volunteer lawyers, Kevin’s future is now much more stable.”

To help the Pro Bono Center continue to provide desperately needed and life-changing legal services for D.C. residents who cannot afford a lawyer, make a tax-deductible year-end contribution today.

*Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy.