Choosing the right Social Security disability lawyer can make all the difference in your chances of winning. This is especially true for cases at the initial application stage and reconsideration level (the first level of appeal).
Whether you hire an attorney or a non-attorney representative, you need to find one with experience with Social Security disability law. This may include attorneys previously working for the Social Security Administration as disability examiners or claims representatives.
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Experience
A Social Security disability lawyer is well-versed in the complexities of the application process. They can help you collect key medical evidence, communicate with your doctors, and prepare for any questions the administrative law judge may ask. Ultimately, your social security disability lawyer will be able to help you get the benefits that you need. Statistics show that people who have lawyers represent them are nearly three times as likely to be approved for benefits than those who proceed without an attorney. Most disability claims are processed through a network of local Social Security field offices and State agencies (usually called Disability Determination Services or DDSs) before going to an administrative law judge for a hearing.
Fees
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right disability discrimination lawyer for your case. You want to find a lawyer who devotes their practice to Social Security law, has experience with the process and has helped other clients successfully get disability benefits. A good lawyer will help you fill out the proper forms, collect medical records, call doctors, and manage the process of filing a claim. You should also feel comfortable talking to them about your condition and feelings. Ultimately, you want a social security disability attorney who will take the time to listen to your situation and understand your goals. You should also feel confident that the person who handles your case is a good fit for you and will work hard to protect your rights.
Reputation
A lawyer with a good reputation as a Social Security disability lawyer will have a track record of helping people through this challenging process. This is important because it means that they are familiar with the federal guidelines for disability claims, have worked in similar cases before and can use their experience to help you navigate yours. A Social Security disability claim can be very challenging, and it is often a very lengthy process. Having an attorney understand this process’s ins and outs will make the difference between winning or losing your case. A reputation is people’s opinion about you, your company or any other entity. It is a general appraisal of the value of your work or services and a measure of your quality and reliability.
Communication
An excellent social security disability lawyer will be able to communicate effectively. This means they can clearly explain the application and hearing process to you in a way you can understand.
This is particularly important in the case of disability claims, as these are often very complex and require specialized knowledge and skills. In addition, the SSA has specific criteria for these cases that need an attorney with experience in this area. It’s also important to ensure your social security disability lawyer is accessible. This is because many lawyers and advocates have a lot of cases to handle and will only be able to give you the attention your case requires.
