Although you don’t have to hire a lawyer to represent you in your disability claim, retaining an experienced Social Security disability attorney might increase your chances of receiving approval for your disability claim. Claimants who have qualified legal representation are much more likely to be approved for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits than those who try to apply without help. If you decide to hire an attorney, keep in mind that there are several things you should look for in an SSDI lawyer. Scroll down to learn more.
What to Look for in a Social Security Disability Attorney
When you contact a Social Security disability attorney for potential representation, pay careful attention to several factors that may indicate whether the lawyer will work well for you:
A Promised Outcome
If an attorney promises you that you will win your claim for benefits, this is a red flag. Attorneys cannot make promises about the outcomes of their cases. It is a violation of ethics rules for a lawyer to do so. A qualified attorney should instead provide you with an honest assessment of your claim after he or she reviews your medical evidence and other facts. An attorney should also not claim that you will be approved faster, but he or she can help you to meet all of the relevant deadlines.
Approval Rates
When you meet with a Social Security disability attorney, ask him or her about the approval rates the firm has achieved. Ask what percentage of their approvals have been won at the hearing level and how many have been for full vs. partial benefits. A strong track record is a good predictor of future success.
Accessibility
Disability law firms tend to be very busy. You should not be concerned if you cannot meet with an attorney during your first consultation and instead meet with a staff member. However, any law firm you consider should provide you with a contact person who will be available to answer any questions you might have. The law firm should also have a good communication strategy to keep you updated about your claim. During your initial consultation, ask questions about the firm’s support staff, whether you will be assigned a contact person, and how frequently you will receive updates about your case. Ask if the firm will request records for you or if you will have to request them on your own.
Experience
Hiring an attorney who has experience in practicing disability law is important. You do not want to retain someone who will be learning on the job by representing you. Ask the lawyer how long he or she has practiced disability law and how many years he or she has been licensed. Ask him or her how long he or she has practiced law in your area as well. This question is important because an attorney who has practiced locally for a lengthy period will know the administrative law judges (ALJs) who might hear your case. Since each ALJ handles cases differently, this can help you gain a better understanding of how your claim might be handled by the ALJ assigned to hear it.
Experience with Your Medical Condition
Disability claims based on certain types of medical conditions may be harder to win. If this applies to your situation, you will want to find an attorney who has represented people with similar conditions in the past. Ask the lawyer about his or her experience representing people with your medical condition and the firm’s success rate for those types of cases.
References
Ask any attorney you consider if he or she can provide you with testimonials or references from former clients. Good disability law firms should be able to provide you with references or testimonials so that you can learn about their former clients’ experiences with the firm.
Contact the Disability Lawyers at Ellis & Associates
The disability attorneys at Ellis & Associates have built a successful record for their clients. We can help you understand your claim and how you can strengthen it. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending a message online.