I was at my ropes end, having been denied disability several times, out of work for 2 years, could barely sit at a desk for half an hour even if I was able to get back to work. After two major back surgery's, countless hours in P.T. my spine problems just kept getting worse. I worked hard all my life, 7 days a week, 2 jobs most of my life but after the surgery's I could barely walk down the street and my small life savings was just about depleted when I found Gutstadt law and Eric J. Patrick and now I can say that I won't be living in the streets which is where I was headed.

Richard is an excellent choice for an attorney. He is astute and well informed. One can only benefit from his ability to help navigate this process.

After being denied by SSI, I was told to seek an attorney. That was the best advice I had gotten to that point. I am totally happy with the outcome of my case. If ever you find yourself in the need of professional help with regards to SSI or SSDI make Richard Gutstadt the first call you make!!

I had filed everything that the SSDI required. I was denied. I appealed and was denied again. I thought...now what do I do? As I began searching for legal help, an attorney that specializes in Lyme Disease highly recommended Richard Gutstadt's firm and Eric Patrick whom she had met before. I called and went to a free consultation to see if, indeed, I had a chance for help. We met and reviewed my material and he said he would represent me. I was thrilled! Someone finally heard me. The hearing process takes longer than it used to (it's yr. 2017), as the Federal Gov't pulled a great deal of funding, so this means less people to do more work. The courts were without the help they needed. But Mr. Patrick kept collecting information and when I had questions, I got answers. When Mr. Patrick wasn't there Mr. Gutstadt easily found where they were in the process and what information that I submitted that didn't seem to make it to the 2nd appeal. Nice catch! The communication between them is not only refreshing but really essential, and reassuring. I had made the right choice in legal representation. When the day of the hearing arrived, we went into the small court room. I realized that Mr. Patrick made a point of taking note of the differences of each of the judges personalities and what course of action worked best. He reassured me of this process, and then when the experts involved in my evaluation began to make assumptions and group me into categories I didn't belong, this is when I saw what Mr. Patrick does best and he shined. He spoke up and corrected each point throughout the hearing. Mr. Patrick and Mr Gutstadt know the law, how to explain it so I completely understood what was happening and when I was not only awarded a very decent monthly amount, but also 2 years of back pay. Mr. Patrick was subtle but spot on, and caught the ball every time. Thank you Mr. Patrick and Mr. Gutstadt (who was not my court attorney) for your crossing those important "t"s and dotting every single "i" with the utmost professionalism.

Very personable,helpful, insightful. Will use in the future!

After winning my case over a year ago, I had to wait months for payments due to past work with the Federal Government. Richard has been on my side all along. Even after he's been paid for work promised and all is well, I recently received a letter regarding "income" for the last 13 years from SSDI. Much was included in court a couple years ago but SSDI seems to want to find new ways to mess with me.

Overwhelmed by the request, I called his office and he has continued to help and fight for me even after we've won and his part was done. I can't tell you the awesome and amazing service I continue to receive. I would not be where I am today without the help of Richard and Eric. Highly Highly recommend!

My case is complicated and most people would not bother to help with the mess of Federal Disability. His office did a fantastic job, helped me win my case and continues to help long after the court hearing and final payments. I am so thankful!

Best attorney ever!!

Great

Richard Gutstadt's office worked for over two years with me on my disability claim. During that time I met several people in their office and each was kind, professional and clearly knew the best way for my claim to proceed. Over the 2 years, both staff and lawyers spoke to me regularly, answered all my questions knowledgeably and with specific information that could help my case. I found them to have an excellent knowledge of disability laws. Their office, and specifically my lawyer, Eric Patrick, was always there for me, often calling me to help with paperwork before I even received it in the mail; their office always offered to fill it all out for me also if I was unable.

I must also remark on their staff: I spoke regularly to the staff and they were professional, knowledgeable and helpful but above that, they were extremely kind.

My claim process went exactly as Mr. Patrick had laid out for me in the beginning: possibly I would be denied initially but the Mr. Patrick and their law offices would help me at every point. Mr. Patrick and Mr. Gutstadt both met with me at length before my hearing and prepared me in terms of what to expect, how to prepare for it, and how best to present myself during the hearing. They even knew many of the judges in the area and knew how each might tend to see my case. Of course the judge was assigned randomly but all the preparation worked.

Even after the determination was made and everything was settling, their office reviewed the disability claim to ensure that all had been done correctly by the Disability office.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. Would I hire them again: Yes!

Richard helped me with my Social Security claim years ago, and he was available to advise when my benefits were at risk recently. I'm happy to say that because of his advice and guidance, I was able to successfully defend and keep my Social Security payments. He approaches this work with genuine care and concern for the well-being of his clients, and for that I am especially grateful. Thank you, Richard!

Richard and his office are professional with a personal and caring touch. He is outstanding in his knowledge of this law and handling of all the legal aspects. I had an unusual case and he knew exactly what to do. He was able to obtain a favorable hearing decision at a time when I really needed the help.

Our 37 year old son has numerous disabilities and currently is unable to work or live on his own. I (as his designated SS representative) started assisting him to file for Social Security Disability in 2012. But I had no idea how difficult the process was and the amount of time and documentation required.
For over 3 1/2 years my son's applications and, numerous appeals were constantly being rejected by Social Security throughout every stage of their process. As time passed, it became more discouraging because his conditions worsened due to the lack of proper medical and psychiatric care he badly needed and could only obtain from the Social Security Disability System.
Last year, (after 4 years of appeals and rejections), we realized that we needed legal help for my son and contacted the Gutstadt Law Firm about representing him for his final SS appeal (requiring him to appear before an Administrative Judge.)
The result: Mr. Gutstadt presented a well prepared, very effective case which resulted in a successful, favorable decision by the Administrative Judge. Our son is now receiving his disability benefits, and most importantly finally getting medical care to treat his disabilities.
We are very grateful and want to thank Mr. Richard Gutstadt and his associate Mr. Eric Patrick for their excellent work. They are outstanding, professional, compassionate attorneys, and extremely knowledgeable of the laws governing the Social Security Disability System.
Mr. Gutstadt and Mr. Patrick kept us informed (addressing all our questions and concerns) at every step and helped our disabled son so he was able to attend in person in front of the Judge.
Also, we want to complement their office staff who were always responsive, and efficiently assembled all the necessary documents in a very short time period.
Even after the favorable decision, Mr. Gutstadt has followed-up with us to ensure all the benefits were being provided.
Thank you again for obtaining the social security disability support, and giving our son new hope for a healthier future.

If you are searching this website I assume you are looking for professional representation on your quest for a favorable rating decision within the Social Security Disability System. I want to first state I tried to go through the process on my own. Being denied twice I was fortunate & grateful to be considered while trully & throughly being represented by the Gutstadt Law Firm specifically Eric J. Patrick. From the onset, the office and staff were extremely diligent, efficient while absolutely responsive to all my inquiries, questions and phone calls. The staff and lawyer were totally prepared with all medical documentation and paperwork inquiries needed for the hearing. Eric made me calm as he was completely prepared & professional with his representation & knowledge of the law. It was incredible. Needless to say I received a favorable decision while accepting and being assured by the firm my payment benefits after 6 years of grief. Can't say enough good about this firm and Eric Patrick. YOUR IN GOOD HANDS !!!

I was denied twice for SSI and unable to move forward. I had been disabled by a work injury and wasn't able to work. I had Richard Gutstadt represent me. I could not be happier. Not only did they win my case, but they recovered years of lost payments. For the first time in a five year nightmare, I had someone fighting for me. They went above and beyond anything I could have hoped for. Even after they got their final payment from my case, they still called and followed my case intently until I received all I was owed. Making calls, faxing offices, insisting on closure from SSI officials, refering me to my local congressman for help...etc.

I can't express enough my gratitude for this group of people, from me and my family! To Richard and your entire staff!

After being turned down twice applying for social security,I decided to find a lawyer .Eric, It was the best decision I've made since being hurt.Not only was I going to be denied for the third and final time.When Eric stood up asked the judge not to close the case and give him another week because he wanted to bring in some evidence that he thought might help with my case.And that he did he knew the law and they were not following along with what he thought what was a wrondecision.Well he was right not only did he end up helping me win my case.I received a letter from the courts saying that they had to change there decision
because they were wrong.And had to go by the law that the rest of the states where going by.He knew they where wrong and found his proof and saved my life.Thats the kind of Lawer you want. Thanks,again Eric