Filing a disability claim isn’t always as cut and dry as many assume it to be. Though you may have visible injuries or obviously be unable to perform your work duties, getting your claim approved requires a long and tedious list of requirements. Visiting multiple doctors, keeping detailed records, and following up with the Social Security Administration is a lot to complete, especially while trying to recover. Getting help from experts, such as a disability lawyer, can help the process run smoother.
What Does a Disability Lawyer Do?
The Social Security Administration offers financial assistance to those who suffer from long and short-term disabilities that prevent them from working. The process of receiving help, however, is often difficult to comprehend. As a result, many initial applications are denied. A disability lawyer is a legal expert who is well-versed with the Social Security Disability Insurance process and can help applications to complete initial applications or file an appeal to increase their chances of receiving benefits.
Where Can You Find a Disability Attorney?
If you’ve been denied SSI or SSDI benefits and want to file an appeal or are confused with the initial process and want guidance for increased chances of approval, hiring a disability attorney is the best option. As not all legal services are the same, to ensure you’ve selected the professional best suited for you, consider these steps:
Research Your Area
It is recommended that you locate a disability lawyer in the state you’re trying to file your claim in. Since laws and processes can sometimes vary by locale, it is best to have an expert who actively practices in your state. An online search including your state can help to narrow your list of results.
Check Reviews
Though reviewing a company website can tell you a lot about the attorney and their firm, the experience is often the best referral. Client reviews can be instrumental in helping you to get an idea of what working with a particular firm. They are personal accounts of what each client went through and how the attorney helped (or didn’t help) their case. So, if you were interested in a firm like Myler Disability reviews, you’d search online to see what pops up. Read a few to get a general consensus.
Schedule a Consultation
Make a list of at least three attorneys that you were interested in looking into further. Contact each of their offices and request a consultation. The consultation is a small meeting designed for you and your attorney to get to know each other better. It should be treated very much like an interview as you look for various qualities that make good lawyer. Such qualities include:
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Availability – has enough time to dedicate to your case
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Communication – has various methods of communication, follow-up regularly, and communicates details in a manner in which you can comprehend.
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Experience – not only should the disability attorney you choose to hire have a license to practice, but they should also have some experience helping others with similar cases.
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Fair Rates – affordability is a bonus.
You should also be prepared to ask questions to get to learn more about the disability lawyer. Some questions you might ask would include:
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How long have you practiced law?
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How many cases have you had similar to mine?
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What avenues can be taken to get my SSDI application approved?
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How often will you update me on the progress?
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What do you believe the likely outcome of my case is?
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What are your rates? What options do you provide for payment?
After you’ve asked these questions from the attorneys on your list, you’re prepared to make a decision on who is best equipped to help get your claim approved.
Disability lawyers are legal experts who are experienced with the legal process of filing for disability. They have the potential to help their clients get their applications approved while avoiding an often long ongoing process of appeal. Whether you’ve just started the process or have recently been denied, you should utilize the above-mentioned tips to find the right attorney to assist you in getting your disability claim approved.