Martin J. Kraft

Martin J. Kraft joined Elk + Elk in 2016, bringing a highly analytical approach to the firm’s Cincinnati office. As a dedicated injury attorney, Martin focuses on representing individuals whose lives have been disrupted by physical and financial hardship. His practice is uniquely positioned at the intersection of personal injury law and Social Security Disability, providing his clients with a level of comprehensive guidance that is rare in the legal field. Martin understands that a serious injury often triggers a cascade of bureaucratic challenges, and he has dedicated his career to helping clients navigate these systems with precision and compassion.

A Strategic Approach to Social Security Disability Claims

With decades of collective firm experience at Elk + Elk supporting his work, Martin utilizes a deep well of resources to advocate for those who can no longer work due to disability. He has over nine years of experience representing disability claimants, a process that requires a profound understanding of medical records, vocational evidence, and federal regulations. Martin is a steady hand for his clients during hearings in Social Security Office of Hearings and Appeals, where his familiarity with the administrative law system is a significant advantage. Furthermore, his experience extends to the federal level, where he has successfully represented disability claimants appealing to the United States District Court.

Advanced Certification in Social Security Optimization

What sets Martin apart from many of his peers is his National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certificate from the National Social Security Association, LLC. This advanced certification is a testament to his commitment to high-level education regarding the complexities of the Social Security system. With this knowledge, Martin is able to counsel his clients on the absolute best ways to claim benefits in order to optimize their lifetime Social Security income. For an injured worker, these decisions can have a profound impact on their financial stability for decades to come. Martin’s ability to provide this strategic financial counseling alongside his legal advocacy ensures that his clients aren’t just winning a case, but are also securing their long-term future.

Holistic Legal Counsel Across Multiple Disciplines

Martin’s versatility as an attorney is further evidenced by his diverse background in other areas of civil law. He has significant experience with class action settlement distribution, probate, and tax law. This multifaceted legal foundation allows him to identify potential issues in a personal injury or disability case that an expert might overlook. His peers have recognized this dedication to excellence by selecting him as an Ohio Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2021, 2022, and 2023, a distinction reserved for the most promising attorneys in the state.

A Local Advocate for the Ohio River Valley

A proud graduate of Miami University in Ohio, Martin went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law in Northern Kentucky in 2008. His deep roots in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region allow him to connect authentically with the people he represents. He understands the local legal landscape and the needs of the community, making him a relatable and trustworthy advocate for families throughout the Ohio River Valley. Martin believes that the best legal representation starts with listening to the client’s story and understanding their goals, then applying a rigorous, evidence-based strategy to achieve them.

Commitment to Family and the Cincinnati Community

When he is not in the courtroom or advising clients on Social Security strategy, Martin is deeply involved in his community and family life. He currently resides in Cincinnati with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Woody. Martin is an avid traveler and a lover of the outdoors, often found hiking the local trails with his dog, Rush. He also enjoys the precision and patience required for a good barbecue, a hobby that mirrors the meticulous care he puts into his legal work. This balance of professional intensity and a grounded personal life allows Martin to approach every case with a fresh, focused perspective. By combining his tactical legal skills with his advanced financial certifications, Martin J. Kraft continues to be a vital asset to the Elk + Elk team and a champion for the rights of the disabled and injured.

Client Reviews

Social Security Disability Claim Review – Tracy D.

My stress levels dropped drastically once Martin Kraft and Lindsey of Elk + Elk were on the case! Any questions I had were looked into and they were addressed immediately. I will and have referred them to many friends and acquaintances who were talking about a similar situation (Social Security) and had my settlement within just a few months, not years! I will continue to refer them to everyone I know.
Thank you so much!!!!

Social Security Disability Claim Review – Nate

Martin Craft handled my disability claim and did a great job. I would highly recommend them.

Disability Benefits Representation Review – Christi A.

Great attorney , Martin Craft was very helpful and knowledgeable. Received my disability in 6 months. Outstanding group.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Lawyer Review – Mary V.

They did an excellent job for me and got my SSI after several attempts on my own, their professionalism was incredible and I will recommend their talent, Thank You Scott Bowers, Martin Kraft and staff for everything.

Social Security Disability Hearing Review – Brittany B.

Applied for disability in May 2024 and reached out to Elk & Elk right before getting my first denial, around July or so. Lawyered up with them since getting denied, and had my hearing almost exactly 1 year after initially applying for disability. Received my approval/won my case less than 2 weeks after my hearing date!!! Mr. Bowers represented me during my hearing, and he and his partner, Martin Kraft, were VERY easy to work with, as were their assistants, Lindsay and Hannah. Incredible work all around, I’ve been disabled since birth and am so relieved to have my benefits. Thank you so much!

Disability Claim Settlement Review – Anna E.

I absolutely want too thank Elk and Elk and Mr Kraft and his team they are outstanding. He helped me win disability case. He is very direct and respectful. We would definitely recommend Mr Kraft to represent you and your claim. He will not disappoint.

Disability Attorney Client Review – Bryan M.

I worked with Martin at Elk & Elk and had a great experience. Great communication, professionalism, morals and ethics. I could not be happier with my experience and will use them again in the future if the need arises.

Disability & Injury Case Review – Client

Elk & Elk is the best to work with. I needed help with my case and they not only fought with me, but they went above and beyond for me.It was such a pleasure to be their client and have them on my side. I dont think I would of gotten a better ending to my case without them. Mr. Kraft and Mr. Bowers were always in contact with me and if I reached out to them, they responded within 24 hours. They made sure that I had all I needed to report, understand what the process was going to be, did their research, and made sure that I understood each part of the process. They even contacted me to be sure I was not having any issues afterwards. I HIGHLY recommend going with Elk &Elk. 100% Google Review

SSI Claim Lawyer Review – Ron M.

elk & elk took my case and won my SSI for me within 6 months. very grateful for their help. Martin kraft was my lawyer and if you need SSI representation elk & elk is an excellent choice. Google Review

Disability Appeals Attorney Review – Vanessa V.

Martin Kraft gets things DONE! 🙂 He made ny appeals process go super smoothly and kept me updated along the way! He answered all of my questions in a timely manner, and spent extra time when necessary explaining things I didn’t understand! A+ Elk and elk! Google Review

Social Security Administration Case Review – Steve C.

Highly recommend this law firm for their tireless work on my disability case. Scott Bowers and Martin Kraft kept me apprised every step of the way and answered every question I asked. They did a wonderful job for me in what is an arduous process when dealing with the Social Security Administration. I cannot thank Messrs Bowers and Kraft for their dedication to me and to my case.

Social Security Disability Legal Review – Joanne

Expert work provided by Martin Kraft.

Disability Claim Representation Review – Katie M.

Our entire experience with Elk and Elk and Mr Kraft was outstanding. He helped us win our case. He is very thorough and respectful. We definitely recommend Mr Kraft to represent you and your claim. He will not disappoint.

Disability Attorney Representation Review – Molly W.

Martin Kraft is an excellent attorney! Elk& Elk went above and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend hiring this law firm if you are in need of any type of representation!

Disability Appeal Lawyer Review – Anonymous

They are the best! Martin, Scott, and Alex made everything easy for me, prepared everything, and my appeal was approved! They made themselves available for my questions and answered honestly and accurately! Highly recommended!!!

SSDI Hearing Attorney Review – Mark P.

I took a shot at applying for SSDI on my own, unsuccessfully. When I got to the Hearing phase, I hired Elk and Elk (Martin Kraft). That was successful. Hiring them at the beginning might have shortened the process and reduced the stress.