how to cheese a disibility lawyer

How do I find a good disability lawyer?

May 02, 2021 · If you believe that you are able to file the correct forms and gather the necessary paperwork, representing yourself in the SSDI and/or SSI process might be a good choice for you. However, there are situations where it makes sense to hire an attorney to help you file an initial disability claim or an appeal after a denial of benefits. This is ...

What makes a good disability law firm?

We’ll tell you a secret. Long-term disability companies don’t want to pay for your benefits. Okay, maybe if you’ve applied for long-term disability benefits before this isn’t a secret to you. But that’s where a disability lawyer comes in. A disability attorney will help you secure the long-term disability benefits that you deserve.

Why is it important to ask a disability attorney for help?

Compassionate — You want a law firm that cares about its clients, one that understands how important these benefits are to your family and future. Talk to several disability lawyers before making a decision and note which ones are attentive, kind, and truly invested in your outcome. Proactive — A good disability lawyer is proactive, whether ...

Do I need a Social Security disability lawyer?

Almost all Social Security disability lawyers charge the exact same fee. Our fees have to be approved by the Social Security judge in order to be withheld from your disability backpay and paid to us by Social Security. And your attorney will only get paid if you are awarded benefits. The fee is 25% of your back benefits (these are the Social ...

Should You Hire a Disability Lawyer?

Hiring a disability lawyer to help you secure disability benefits isn’t required. But having someone to help you navigate the litigation process can be very helpful. You’re also more likely to receive benefits if someone who specializes in long-term disability law represents you.

How Do I Know If I Can Trust My Disability Lawyer?

It’s a good start to choose disability insurance lawyers that specialize in long-term disability claims. Having an experienced team on your side that has a high approval rate for long-term disability cases is important.

Need Representation for Your Long-Term Disability?

If you become injured or sick and need to file for long-term disability benefits, it’s in your best interest to hire a disability lawyer. The process of securing long-term disability benefits can be difficult if you don’t have any experience doing so.

1. Does This Attorney Know Social Security Inside and Out?

Disability law is somewhat of a specialty. Lawyers that do not practice mostly Social Security law are unlikely to be very familiar with the complex Social Security Disability and SSI regulations. You wouldn't hire a heart doctor to treat your back, and the same goes for law.

2. Is This Lawyer Local?

You might see commercials for lawyers on TV wearing cowboy hats and loudly declaring things like "Nobody intimidates our clients." Many of the lawyers you'll get by calling those numbers are from out of state.

3. Can I Afford a Disability Attorney?

Almost all Social Security disability lawyers charge the exact same fee. Our fees have to be approved by the Social Security judge in order to be withheld from your disability backpay and paid to us by Social Security. And your attorney will only get paid if you are awarded benefits.

4. Read Attorneys' Profiles in Nolo's Lawyer Directory

Nolo's Lawyer Directory offers in depth-profiles of each attorney. You'll find out how much of the attorneys practice is dedicated to Social Security disability, what kinds of cases the lawyer has won in the past, whether the attorney is certified by the Veterans Administration, and so on. Read about disability attorneys in your state.

Attorney Eric Gang Video Transcription

Hello. I’m Eric Gang. Today, I want to talk to you about how to choose an attorney to represent you in your V.A. appeal.

Factors in Selecting your V.A. Appeals Lawyer

There are a couple factors that you need to consider when making this selection.

Asking the right questions will ensure you find a qualified, experienced, and ethical disability attorney

Asking the right questions will ensure you find a qualified, experienced, and ethical disability attorney.

Professionalism and Courtesy

When you call a potential attorney, pay attention to the level of professionalism and treatment you are given by the attorney and staff. Even though disability firms are generally busy places, you should still receive timely callbacks and be given the chance to ask questions.

Attorney Access

Don't be put off if you can't speak to the attorney the first time you call, or if you are asked to speak to a staff member for help with a question. This is because experienced disability attorneys spend most of their time in hearings and rely on their staff to field calls.

Promises of Outcomes

It is unethical, and unfair to you, for an attorney to guarantee that he or she will get you approved. A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of your case only after reviewing the facts. A good attorney will also admit that he or she probably can't get you approved any faster than you could on your own.

Approval Rates

You should ask a potential attorney or a staff member about the firm's approval rate. Here are some questions to ask:

Office and Case Management

Even though disability firms are busy places, you should be provided with a contact person who you can rely on to answer your questions. The firm should also keep in touch with you on a regular basis. Here are some questions you should ask to get an idea of how your case will be handled:

Attorney Credentials

An attorney doesn't need to be licensed to represent claimants at disability hearings; in fact, a claimant's representative need not be an attorney at all. However, a licensed attorney may have a better understanding of Social Security law. This is because attorneys receive special training in how to read and interpret statutes and case law.

Expert Q&A

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Tips

Dress appropriately for your hearing in business casual attire. If your disability prevents you from being able to properly maintain your physical appearance, it may work in your favor for the appeal.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 21,582 times.