how to pick a good disability lawyer

How to Find a Good Disability Lawyer

• Professionalism and Courtesy. ...
• Attorney Access. ...
• Promises of Outcomes. ...
• Approval Rates. ...
• Office and Case Management. ...
• Attorney Credentials. ...
• Special Knowledge of Your Condition. ...
• Children's Cases. ...
• References. ...
• Finding Disability Lawyers. ...

Full Answer

How do I find a good disability lawyer?

What makes a good disability law firm?

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

 · One of the best ways to find a top-notch disability attorney is by asking other people who have gone through the same process. If you don’t know anyone personally, look at the law firm’s reviews, both on their website and on third-party sites like google.

How do I choose the right attorney?

Look for attorneys that belong to professional groups like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) to determine which ones are really up to date on Social Security law.

How do I know who is a good lawyer?

5 Signs of a Good LawyerCautiously Optimistic. Most cases aren't slam-dunks, and it is important that your lawyer doesn't make promises regarding the outcome of your case and should not be overconfident no matter how seasoned he or she is. ... Great Listener. ... Objective. ... Honest About Fees Upfront. ... Trust Your Gut.

Is it hard to get on disability?

These benefits are awarded to qualified individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disabling mental or physical condition. But unfortunately, obtaining SSDI benefits is not easy. In fact, it's rather difficult. Approximately 70% of initial SSDI claims are denied every year.

How often is disability reviewed?

If medical improvement is: Expected, we'll normally review your medical condition within six to 18 months after our decision. Possible, we'll normally review your medical condition about every three years. Not expected, we'll normally review your medical condition about every seven years.

What is the easiest state to get disability?

KansasKansas offers the highest chance of being approved for social security disability.This state has an SSDI approval rate of 69.7% in 2020. It had the second-highest approval rate in 2019, with 61.3% of SSDI claims approved.The average monthly benefit for SSDI beneficiaries is $1,228.

How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability BenefitsFile Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ... Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ... Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ... Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ... Report your Symptoms Accurately. ... Provide Medical Evidence. ... Provide Details of your Work History.More items...•

What should you not say in a disability interview?

The following five statements should never be announced at your disability hearing.“I can't work because no one will hire me.” ... “I don't know why I'm here. ... “I don't do chores because my significant other, friend or family member does them.” ... “I have never used drugs or alcohol in my life.”More items...•

How do doctors determine disability?

Disability is determined by five criteria, many of which are medical. The individual must not earn more than $1,000 a month in wages [5]. The health condition must be “severe” and must interfere with “basic work-related activities” [5]. must also be unable to adjust to other types of work [6].

What should you not say when applying for Social Security disability?

Saying You Can Work – Do not say that you are able to work, or that the only reason you are not working is because no will hire you. If you are capable of working, you will not qualify for disability benefits. 2. Exaggerating Your Symptoms – You should not exaggerate your symptoms.

Does Social Security Disability spy on you?

Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.

What are the most approved disabilities?

What are the top 10 conditions that qualify for disability?Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. ... Heart Disease. ... Degenerative Disc Disease. ... Respiratory Illness. ... Mental Illnesses. ... Cancer. ... Stroke. ... Nervous System Disorders.More items...•

What conditions automatically qualify you for SSDI?

What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability?Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., bone, joint injuries, skeletal spine injuries)Special senses and speech (e.g., visual disorders, blindness)Respiratory disorders (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma)More items...

What are the 3 most common physical disabilities?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), three of the most common physical disabilities that affect people include arthritis, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.

What to look for when calling a disability attorney?

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.

What is a good firm?

A good firm should be willing, and able, to share their statistics.

Is it unfair to have an attorney?

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. Here is a sample question you should ask and a sample answer a good attorney should give you:

Can you speak to a disability attorney?

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. However, a good firm should allow you to schedule a free consultation ...

Does Nolo have a disability license?

Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.

Can a disability firm accept children's cases?

Not all disability firms will accept children's cases, and those that do may not have much experience with them. If you are filing on behalf of a child, make sure that the firm you deal with has experience with childhood disability questions.

Do You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Although you have a right to a lawyer or non-attorney representative when filing an SSA claim or appeal, many people with disabilities choose to file an application for disability benefits on their own.

What to Look for in a Disability Advocate

If you choose to seek help with your disability claim, the first thing to know is that there are two types of advocates that you may hire: an attorney (or law firm) or a non-legal organization. There are benefits to working with both types of advocates.

Contact Us Today

To schedule a free claim review or to learn more about how we can help you, contact our office today at 856-795-8880.

Working with a Skilled Disability Benefits Lawyer

Applying for disability benefits can be difficult, especially if you are already dealing with issues related to your disability. A seasoned disability advocate can ease this burden, taking on the paperwork and legal issues related to a disability claim.

What is disability law?

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. Look for attorneys that belong to professional groups like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) to determine which ones are really up to date on Social Security law. Other attorneys just wouldn't know how to question you at your disaiblity hearing or how to challenge the testimony of vocational expert witnesses.

Do disability lawyers get paid?

And your attorney will only get paid if you are awarded benefits.

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.

What percentage of disability cases are SSDI?

Answer from us: About 90% of our caseload is made up of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability appeals.

What happens if you go with a big firm?

Now, these lawyers may be experienced and able to help, but sometimes clients risk becoming “just a number.” When this happens, it is hard for the lawyer to truly care about the client’s situation, and easier for a case to fall through the cracks. If you go with a big firm, be sure that YOU keep in contact so you are not forgotten.

Can a general practitioner take on a disability case?

Second, a general practitioner attorney may take on any case that comes through the door in order to keep their lights on. While this is admirable, the problem is that disability law can be highly technical and procedurally very different than other types of law. It would be easy for a general practitioner to miss subtle points of law that might make or break your disability case.

Do disability lawyers have to dedicate 100% of their practice to SSDI cases?

We are not saying a disability lawyer must dedicate 100% of their practice to SSDI/SSI cases to be an effective advocate. However, when a firm practices several areas of law… watch out for these possibilities:

Do disability attorneys have a communication policy?

Every attorney, not just disability attorneys, should have a client communication policy, and be able to express that to you, the client.

Is a case manager a bad thing?

This is important because you are hiring an attorney, not a case manager. A case manager is a not necessarily a bad thing. Our assistants do many things a case manager does: follow up with clients, order and submit records, and follow up with providers. However, if the case manager handles ALL of the case until the hearing, this can be a problem.

Should disability clients be different?

For disability clients, we feel it should be different. Disability claimants have way too much at stake to risk using just any lawyer.