Fierbaugh v. Capital One Services, LLC

**What happened:** This case involved a worker named Fierbaugh who had applied for Social Security Disability benefits but was initially denied by the Social Security Administration. She then hired a lawyer and appealed that decision in federal court, arguing that she deserved the disability benefits. **What the court decided:** The court ruled in Fierbaugh's favor, meaning she won her appeal and was entitled to receive her Social Security Disability benefits. Additionally, under a law called the Equal Access to Justice Act, the court ordered the government to pay her attorney's fees totaling $9,131.75. The lawyer had originally requested $12,563 in fees, but the court reduced this amount after reviewing the hourly rates and time spent on the case. **Why this matters for workers:** This case shows that workers who are wrongfully denied Social Security Disability benefits can successfully challenge those decisions in court. Importantly, if they win their appeal, the government may have to pay their legal fees under federal law. This helps level the playing field because workers don't have to worry as much about the cost of hiring a lawyer to fight for benefits they rightfully deserve.