What the Loyd Bourgeois Firm does with Social Security Disability
The Loyd Bourgeois Firm is a law practice that represents people filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability. The firm does not work for Social Security — it is a private law office that charges clients a fee to help them navigate the process and appeal process. If you have been denied benefits or are preparing to file, understanding how this firm operates and what it costs can help you decide whether to hire a lawyer at all.
Social Security allows you to hire a representative to help with your claim. That representative can be a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a family member. The Loyd Bourgeois Firm specializes in disability cases and handles the paperwork, gathers medical evidence, and represents clients at hearings before an administrative law judge.
Key Takeaways
- The Loyd Bourgeois Firm is a private law office, not part of Social Security, and charges a fee for representation on disability claims.
- Social Security limits what any representative can charge: either 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you filed) or $7,200, whichever is less, as of 2024.
- You can hire a representative at any stage — when you first file, after a denial, or before a hearing — but earlier representation often strengthens your case.
- Social Security must approve the fee agreement before the firm can charge you, and the fee comes from your back pay only, not from your ongoing monthly benefit.
How lawyer fees work in Social Security Disability cases
When you hire the Loyd Bourgeois Firm or any other representative for a disability claim, Social Security sets a hard ceiling on what they can charge. The fee is either 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever amount is smaller. Back pay is the money Social Security owes you from the date you filed your claim until the date you are approved — not your ongoing monthly benefit after approval.
The fee agreement must be submitted to Social Security for approval before the firm can collect anything. Social Security reviews the agreement to make sure it complies with the fee cap. Once you win your case, Social Security pays the firm directly from your back pay. You receive the remainder. For example, if your back pay is $20,000 and the fee is 25 percent ($5,000), you receive $15,000 and the firm receives $5,000.
If you lose your case, you owe nothing. The firm's fee applies only if you win. This arrangement is called a contingency fee — the lawyer is paid only if the outcome is successful.
When to hire a representative for your disability claim
You can hire the Loyd Bourgeois Firm at any point in the process. Some people hire a lawyer before filing the initial process. Others wait until after they receive a denial letter. A third group hires representation just before a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Hiring early — before or shortly after you file — gives the firm time to request your medical records, organize your case file, and identify the strongest evidence of your disability. Early representation can also help you avoid common mistakes on the process itself, such as leaving out important medical providers or describing your condition in ways that do not match Social Security's rules.
If you have already been denied once or twice, hiring a lawyer becomes more important. Most people who represent themselves at a hearing lose. The approval rate jumps significantly when a lawyer is present. At a hearing, the judge will question you about your medical condition, your work history, and your daily activities. A lawyer prepares you for these questions and presents evidence in a way that addresses Social Security's legal standards for disability.
What the Loyd Bourgeois Firm handles on your behalf
When you hire this firm, they take over communication with Social Security. They request your medical records from your doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers. They organize those records into a chronological file that shows the history and severity of your condition. They may also send you to a consultative examination — a medical appointment that Social Security pays for — if your records are incomplete.
The firm prepares your written statement about how your condition limits your ability to work. They gather statements from people who know you — family members, former employers, or friends — about how your disability affects your daily life. They research the medical-vocational rules Social Security uses to decide whether someone can work, and they build an argument that your condition meets those rules.
If your case goes to a hearing, the firm represents you in front of the judge. They present evidence, question witnesses (such as a vocational informed), and cross-examine the government's witnesses. They also file appeals if the judge denies your case.
How to contact the Loyd Bourgeois Firm
The Loyd Bourgeois Firm is based in Louisiana and handles cases in multiple states. You can reach them through their office phone number or website to discuss your case and ask whether they take cases like yours. During an initial conversation, they will ask about your medical condition, your work history, and the status of your claim — whether you have filed, been denied, or are preparing for a hearing.
If the firm agrees to represent you, they will send you a fee agreement to sign. This agreement must state the fee (25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less) and be submitted to Social Security for approval. You do not pay anything upfront. The fee comes from your back pay only after you win.
Alternatives to hiring the Loyd Bourgeois Firm
You are not required to hire a lawyer. You can represent yourself throughout the entire process, from filing to a hearing. Many people do. However, the approval rate is much lower for self-represented claimants, especially at the hearing stage.
You can also hire a non-lawyer representative — someone called a disability advocate or accredited representative. These representatives are trained and certified by Social Security to represent claimants. They charge the same fee cap as lawyers (25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less) and can represent you at every stage except in federal court. Non-lawyer representatives are often less expensive to hire in terms of time spent, though the fee cap is the same.
A third option is to ask a family member or friend to represent you. They can attend hearings and submit documents on your behalf, though they cannot charge you a fee. Social Security must approve them as your representative, but there is no cost.
What happens if your case is denied after hiring a lawyer
If the administrative law judge denies your case, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, which is the next level within Social Security. The Loyd Bourgeois Firm can file this appeal on your behalf. If the Appeals Council also denies your case, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. At that stage, the fee rules change — your lawyer can charge a higher percentage or hourly rate, and you will need to discuss fees separately.
Throughout the appeal process, the firm continues to work under the same fee agreement. They are paid only if you eventually win and receive back pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to hire a lawyer to file for Social Security Disability?
No. You can file and represent yourself at every stage. However, approval rates are significantly higher when a lawyer or representative is present, especially at a hearing before a judge. Many people file on their own first, then hire a lawyer after a denial.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer's fee?
You do not pay anything upfront. The Loyd Bourgeois Firm and all Social Security representatives work on contingency — they are paid only if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay. If you lose, you owe nothing. This means cost is not a barrier to hiring representation.
How long does it take to get a decision if I hire a lawyer?
The timeline depends on the stage of your case. An initial process takes three to six months. If denied, a reconsideration takes another three to six months. A hearing before a judge typically takes one to two years from the time you request it. A lawyer cannot speed up Social Security's processing, but they can make sure your case is complete and strong.
Can the Loyd Bourgeois Firm represent me if I live outside Louisiana?
Yes. The firm handles cases in multiple states. Social Security disability claims are federal, so representation is not limited by state lines. Contact the firm to confirm they handle cases in your state.
What if I already have a lawyer and want to switch to the Loyd Bourgeois Firm?
You can change representatives at any time. You will need to file a new fee agreement with Social Security naming the Loyd Bourgeois Firm as your representative. The previous lawyer's fee agreement is terminated. Social Security will deduct fees from your back pay only once, splitting it between the two representatives based on the work each did.