About Downard & Associates, PLLC
Downard & Associates, PLLC is a legal firm with a rich history of providing comprehensive legal services aiding individuals in securing Social Security Disability Benefits. Founded by David Downard, the firm was established with a vision of offering personalized, strategic solutions to clients ranging from individuals to corporations.
Over the years, Downard & Associates has built a reputation for professionalism, dedication, and results-oriented advocacy. With a team of skilled attorneys, the firm prides itself on its commitment to fostering long-term client relationships and offering expert guidance across various legal disciplines.
Our Attorneys: Your Trusted Legal Partners
Joseph M. Dalton, Jr.
Owner/Managing Attorney
Joe was born and raised in Colonie, New York and graduated from Notre Dame- Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady. He became a “Tennesseean” when he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He went on to obtain his Master of Science Degree from the University of Miami in Florida , then attended the Nashville School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1981. Joe is a lifetime member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, former board member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and has spent 35 years as a trial lawyer. He has helped people all over Nashville with their Social Security Disability claims since 1984. Joe and David had been dear friends since college and trusted one another both personally and professionally.
Ray Akers
Attorney
The son of a minister, Ray grew to appreciate people from all cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. And like both of his parents, he decided early on to choose a profession centered on service to others. Approaching his 7th year at Downard, Ray helps people navigate the complicated SSD process and fights for their rights each day, something he admits “never gets old.”
Ray graduated cum laude from Cumberland University, earned his Juris Doctor degree from Nashville School of Law and was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 2004. He enjoys spending time with his three kids, the eldest proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Otherwise, don’t be surprised to catch Ray on a soccer field somewhere watching his kids’ soccer games, or volunteering for local charities on his time off.
Social Security Disability
You’ve worked all your life and cared for your family, then one day you are unable to work. The medical bills are piling up. You don’t know where to turn and don’t want to be a burden to your family. Fortunately, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are available for qualified recipients. However, applying for benefits and winning your case is complex and confusing for most people.
77% of initial claims are denied by the Tennessee Disability Determination Services
Downard and Associates’ Social Security Disability Lawyers have won millions of dollars in settlements for the injured and disabled. We have more than 75 combined years of experience, and can help you through the entire process, from intake to approval. Our process saves you the time, money and heartache that navigating the complicated process can cause. From initial application to appeals and denials, our attorneys will handle your case from start to finish.
What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?
There are many different disabling medical conditions resulting in people being unable to work and earn a living for their families. A few of them include diabetes, mental disorders, degenerative diseases, back pain, ADD, handicap, renal failure and more. If you have a disabling medical condition call us now for a free consultation.
15 years of helping families in Tennessee and surrounding areas
apply for social security disability or SSI benefits. In some instances, unmarried children and spouses of the disabled may be eligible for benefits to help parents take care of their needs.
Sample Cases
*Please note, these are just sample cases. There are many additional conditions that may qualify!
Diabetes Disability Case
A 36-year-old male came to us with diabetes, obesity, hypertension, depression, anxiety, degenerative arthritis, and a history of acute renal failure. He reported that he became disabled in October of 2009. These problems eventually led to a divorce and the man was forced to move in with his father.
We were able to represent him in his case for Social Security Disability benefits in 2010, and won his case with full benefits. He was subsequently able to focus on his health and relationships. In 2012, he was even able to gain custody of one of his children.
Mental Disability
We represented a 43-year-old homeless man who had a long history of mental problems, substance abuse and legal issues. In the absense of income, he only received medical attention on an emergency basis. Unfortunately, none of his mental, emotional or substance abuse issues were addressed, so he was unable to work or maintain employment.
After taking on his case, we were able to get him Social Security Disability benefits. He was able to receive the medical attention he desperately needed to get his health under control. Today he lives in his own studio apartment and lives a full, happy life.
54 Year-Old Disabled Widow
A disabled mother of three became homeless and lost everything when her husband suddenly passed away. To make matters worse, she had never worked and her husband was her primary caregiver. Her only option was to move in with one of her adult children and for two years she went without the medical treatment.
We were able to get her approved for Social Security Disability, giving her the relief she deserved. She now lives in her own apartment and has the financial means to get the medical treatment she so desperately needs.
Chronic Back Pain
A 39-year-old mother of four came to us after filing for Social Security Benefits on her own twice. Unfortunately, she was denied both times. The registered nurse suffered from severe impairments, including Lupus, chronic back pain and urinary incontinence.
Through our sophisticated medical records procurement process, we were able to build an strong case and present it to the Social Security Administration. We managed the entire process and kept her informed every step of the way. She was delighted when we were able to get her approved for full benefits. She was surprised when she learned that she would also collect back pay from the date of her initial disability.
Wondering if You Qualify?
If you have a medical condition preventing you from working, call (615) 255-4307 for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION consultation or fill out our free online form today. If we can help you, we will. A member of our experienced legal team will call you within 2 hours during normal business days.Our Nashville Social Security Disability lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for thousands of clients.
No Fee Until You WIn!
We have years of experience to help you file a successful SSD claim. If you’re applying for benefits or have been denied, we can help. Contact our friendly legal staff today and let one of our experienced lawyers help you now. Call (615) 255-4307 or fill out our online form. Your Success is Our Priority - No Fee Until You Win