George P. Surmaitis Offers Experienced Legal Assistance

This Patch article is sponsored by George P. Surmaitis.

George P. Surmaitis is a professional law corporation that focuses solely on representing persons who have been injured at work, or who are disabled and are seeking social security disability. The practice distinguishes itself by providing personal attention with the skill and experience of a large firm.

Patch caught up with Attorney and Founder George P. Surmaitis to learn more about the expanding law practice.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Surmaitis: We started our office in Daly City in 2013. It was a leap of faith. In seven years, we have grown in ways that I could not have imagined and have helped so many people in our community. We are also preparing to open a satellite office in downtown San Francisco.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Surmaitis: I grew up in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My father was a steelworker. He suffered a very serious cervical spine injury and received both social security disability and workers’ compensation. The irony is that now I am fighting for people who have been in the same situation as my parents and helping to improve their situation.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Surmaitis: Our client always comes first.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Surmaitis: The hardest cases are work-related death claims on behalf of dependents, and brain injury/stroke cases. In some cases, children and spouses have to help care for a severely disabled family member. Insurance companies can deny and fight these cases, which drags things out and can make it harder for everyone.

The flip side is that, at times, we have won the “unwinnable” case and really changed the outcome both financially, physically and mentally. Fighting for a client's needs and winning or negotiating a good outcome is the reward.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Surmaitis: We feel that we are good at what we do and we are respected. I am certified by the State Bar of California as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation, which requires testing, years of experience in and out of the courtroom, and references by judges and attorneys. I also have a very good success rate in Social Security Disability trials where benefits were denied.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Surmaitis: We distinguish ourselves by providing personal attention with the skill and experience of a large firm. We also use the latest technology to file and litigate cases to our advantage.

Patch: Since many of your clients have lost their income how do they pay?

Surmaitis: That is often the first question. Fear of what a lawyer will cost also keeps people from seeking out a consultation.

Our fees are contingent, meaning that we do not require payment unless we win your case. Generally, this is 15 percent of the final award in workers’ compensation and 25 percent of the back pay award or up to $6,000 in Social Security cases. If we do not win, there is no fee.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Surmaitis: Workers’ Compensation law has been the largest area of our practice and continues to grow. I am really excited to announce that we recently moved to larger office space and we are directly next door to the Social Security office.

Our Social Security practice is a fast expanding area and we will likely grow even more. We are having great success in Social Security appeals and trials, and we have the capacity to accept more clients at this time.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Surmaitis: One of the reasons we have enjoyed having our office in Daly City is the accessibility of the Peninsula and San Francisco. In response to COVID-19, we are now offering video conferences and consultations. More can be found out about us on our website and we can be contacted via email at gps@surmaitislaw.com, and by phone at (650) 994-1148.