Melissa M. Haggerty

I started my disability case with a different attorney in the firm, and my case was transferred to Melissa several months before my hearing with a judge. I was nervous about switching attorneys, especially because my health issues are complex, rare, and fairly unknown even within the medical communit...y. Melissa took the time to understand my various diagnoses and how they affect me, and what symptoms are most disabling. As I said, my medical issues are complex, and it took me several years of research and seeing multiple specialists to gain a full understanding of my prognosis. Melissa was up to speed in no time (not an easy feat), which was instrumental in winning my case. She was able to communicate what my medical conditions are, and why and how they have made me unable to work. During our consults, she asked relevant questions and listened well. Emails and calls were always returned promptly. Before the hearing I had a chance to ask her questions, and I felt well prepared going into it. I was also impressed by her compassion. Talking about my disability, my future, and my daily hardships was very emotional. She displayed compassion, and that allowed me to open up about all those things (which is hard to do with even my closest friends and family). I'm so happy I got to work with Melissa, and her legal assistant Erin who is great also. I'm thankful for all their hard work and dedication.

It was difficult for me to get to a point where I realized that I was no longer physically or mentally able to support myself as I once had, and to admit that I needed help. Physically and emotionally drained, I was unable to advocate for myself, and desperately needed someone to navigate the complic...ated and frequently frustrating journey through the Social Security Disability system on my behalf. Equally as important, I needed someone to believe that, based on my medical records and history, I was deserving of this critical assistance. After having spoken with two or three other SSDI attorneys with whom I was not entirely comfortable, I was referred to Swanson, Thomas, Coon and Newton where I was introduced to Melissa. From our first meeting, she was straight forward, thorough, professional, and--most important to me at the time--compassionate and easy to talk to. Melissa helped me to obtain additional supporting documentation from my providers, and was completely clear in what would be needed or helpful for my case to be successful. She consistently kept me informed of our progress, and was always patient with my frequent inquiries. I especially appreciated that she informed me of ALL possible outcomes, and that she helped me to set reasonable expectations, not only for what may happen, but how long it may take. In virtually every step of the process, her assessments were accurate, and frequently exceeded what I could have hoped for. It was a long, drawn out process, but Melissa managed to help me to sustain a sense of hope throughout, even when a second hearing was required to finally decide my case. We finally received a "Fully Favorable" decision, and I don't believe that I'm exaggerating when I say that it literally saved my life. Would my case have been as successful had I stayed with any of the other attorneys? I honestly don't know. But what I DO know is that working with Melissa and her caring, responsive staff instilled a comfort and confidence in me that helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I would not hesitate to recommend Melissa to anyone seeking competent, compassionate assistance with their SSDI claim.

Recently Ms Haggerty served as the social security disability attorney for my adult daughter "L" who has multiple physical and emotional challenges. My daughter reported that in their initial interviews, Ms. Haggerty was forthright regarding the chances of "winning the case," was thorough in her... collection of records, was meticulous in reviewing the data and in ascertaining which portions would be most relevant, was consistently empathetic and respectful, and was punctual with returning phone calls and keeping appointments. She further went out of her way to accommodate my daughter's schedule. Once a hearing date was scheduled, Ms. Haggerty sought out additional sources of information from healthcare`providers as well as family. She responded promptly to my daughter's and my e-mails and spent additional time with my very emotionally anxious daughter to allay her fears of appearing in "court" and of testifying before a "judge." Following the hearing, Ms. Haggerty spent considerable time to "debrief" with my daughter as she kindly and professionally reassured "L" that "L's" testimony had been powerfully honest and clear. She further reaffirmed that the outcome, ie the judge's decision which could either rule in favor or dismiss the SS claim, won't be available for another 30 to 60 days but said she will call "L" as soon as she receives a copy and will go over it with her. Although I'm not an attorney, I do have M.Div. and MSW degrees which have given me the opportunity to work for many years among various "helping professionals," and therefore I believe my assessment of Ms. Haggerty's superb competency in her profession is accurate. My family is very grateful to her.