why get a disability lawyer

The most important reason to hire an attorney to help with your disability case is that your chances of being approved are significantly increased.

Full Answer

Should you hire a disability lawyer?

Jun 02, 2017 · So why hire a Social Security Disability lawyer to help with your claim when you can fill out all the forms and file your application on your own? The answer: A disability lawyer makes the process easier for you—and improves your chances of winning benefits so you can stabilize your life. It’s a difficult system. It’s easy to make mistakes. And most people get denied.

How does a disability lawyer get paid?

Why You Need a Disability Lawyer. Your Social Security Disability case can benefit in many ways from the guidance and representation of an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer. Proper application for benefits is a complex process that requires time and preparation to be successful. Given that these benefits are so valuable to you and your loved ones, doesn’t it make sense to …

How much does a Social Security disability lawyer cost?

Your chances of getting benefits are better if your case is handled by a social security disability lawyer. The role of a Social Security disability lawyer is to make filing your disability claim as painless as possible while ensuring that you receive the full amount of …

When to talk to a Social Security disability lawyer?

A disability lawyer can help you understand the Blue Book listing and make sure you meet the criteria. The risk of your claim being rejected due to insufficient medical proof of disability is greatly reduced. Once your application is submitted, your attorney will check in with the SSA on your behalf and give you updates as they become available.

What are the chances of getting approved for disability?

On average, 35% of claimants get approved on the first application, 10% get approved if they appeal a denial of their application which is called a reconsideration, and approximately 50% get approved during an Administrative Law Judge hearing.

What is the most an attorney can charge for disability?

$6,000First, the basics: Federal law generally limits the fees charged by Social Security disability attorneys to 25% of your backpay, or $6,000, whichever is lower. Back payments are benefits that accrued while you were waiting for Social Security to approve your case.

What does a disability judge do?

Social Security judges decide disability appeals after reading the exhibit file and questioning the applicant and experts. Administrative law judges (or ALJs, for short) are appointed by, and work for, the federal government, delivering rulings in many areas of statutory law.

How far does SSI back pay?

The SSI awards back payments in installments. You will receive a third of the back pay due to you soon after approval, one six months later, and the final payment after another six months. Note: If the SSA deems you “presumptively disabled,” you can begin receiving benefits before the SSA approves your application.

Why is it taking so long to get my disability back pay?

An experienced disability attorney can help determine what happened to your back pay and work, so that you receive payment as soon as possible. Delays may occur due to processing backlogs or mistakes by processors.Jul 18, 2019

What should you not say in a disability interview?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

What is step 4 of disability process?

Step 4: Can severely impaired applicants work in their past jobs? At this step, the DDS considers whether an applicant's residual functional capacity ( RFC ) meets the skill and task requirements of his or her past relevant work.

What do you say to get disability?

STEP 5: Tell your doctor why you are considering or pursuing a disability claim. Then ask for your doctor's opinion of your ability to work.As my doctor, what is your opinion on my ability to work?“I don't get involved with disability matters”“You need a different kind of doctor's opinion for disability”Jun 18, 2019

The Makris Law Firm Handles the Government Hassle for You

Disability law is confusing. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has thousands of rules governing who gets benefits.

What Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Do For You

When you choose to work with the Makris Law Firm on your disability claim, we’re with you every step of the way. When you’re applying, we will:

You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer When You Appeal

If you received a denial letter, it puts you in good company with millions of others who’ve been denied.

Attorneys Advocating For Your Social Security Disability Benefits

We believe you are entitled to the SSDI benefits you earned through your years of working and paying into the system. We believe that you and your family deserve SSI benefits as long as you meet the requirements for the program.

Contact Our Devoted Attorneys Today

Our knowledgeable and effective attorneys can provide your Social Security Disability claim with the extensive resources and thoroughly prepared representation necessary to find success in your case.

Reduce chances of unnecessary hassles

You indeed have to wait for some time toget your disability claim cleared. However, if you hire a disability lawyer, you will not have to wait long because they know all the legal shortcuts to help you get financial resources sanctioned much faster. Meanwhile, you can concentrate on your work.

You do not have to go through the detailed legal matters

Undoubtedly, the paperwork is quite lengthy and disturbing for some people because you have to manage medical history, work history and capabilities, and eliminations. Collecting all the information then jotting it down becomes quite draining and daunting, especially for people with physical disabilities.

Understand rules and regulations

Legal matters are not easy, and a layperson can’t understand them in one go. It functions like a secret code which is very hard to decipher. Therefore only inexperienced and well-versed lawyers can help you get the disability claim without much hassle.

Get a better and faster claim

Undoubtedly legal matters are pretty lengthy. Hiring an attorney will help you properly evaluate the case, and they will also help you communicate suitably with the doctors and hospital staff. They might also go for additional tests to supplement your medical records to get claims faster.

Your chances of getting benefits are better if your case is handled by a social security disability lawyer

The role of a Social Security disability lawyer is to make filing your disability claim as painless as possible while ensuring that you receive the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

Have You Been Denied Social Security Benefits?

It’s hard for the average person to deal with the mountain of paperwork that comes with filing a Social Security disability claim. The Social Security Administration is diligently working to prevent fraud in disability claims.

What happens if your claim is denied?

If your original claim is denied, your attorney will represent you at any necessary appeals, such as reconsideration and hearing proceedings. He or she can collect and submit key medical evidence, communicate with your doctor and any other medical professionals who have treated you, and prepare you for any questions that the administrative law judge may ask. They may also be able to move your case forward more quickly, especially if you are in dire financial need or your condition is terminal.

How much can a disability lawyer charge?

The maximum amount a disability lawyer can charge is 25 percent of your backpay. The maximum an attorney can receive from your backpay is $6,000. As an example, if your backpay is $12,000, your attorney will receive $3,000 and you will receive the remaining $9,000. Your attorney can advance you the expenses associated with your case.

Do I need an attorney to file for disability?

Filing for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complicated and confusing process. Most applicants don’t know how to fill out the necessary paperwork and submit the correct medical documentation. This is a primary reason why over 65% of disability claims are originally denied. While you don’t technical ly need an attorney to represent you ...

What happens if you are denied a disability?

When your claim is denied, you will be sent a notice of denial. That notice will explain why your claim was denied and/or what evidence was lacking. Your disability lawyer will be able to review that denial notice and determine what needs to be provided to get your claim approved.

How long does it take to get a disability claim?

For a new disability claim, the average processing time can vary from 3 months to 9 months. For claims that are appealed following the initial denial, the processing varies from 8 to 16 months in most cases.

Can a lawyer help with Social Security disability?

Social Security Disability attorneys understand the application process. They know how to present your case in a way that makes your disability obvious and not a matter of conjecture, and can assist you in obtaining the necessary medical documentation from your doctor and the hospitals where you received treatment. A lawyer can help you understand the Blue Book listing and make sure you meet the criteria. The risk of your claim being rejected due to insufficient medical proof of disability is greatly reduced.

What is administrative law hearing?

An administrative law judge hearing is just like any case in court. You will testify before a judge, and medical and vocational experts may be called to testify. You should be prepared to respond to the questions, and your attorney will be able to help you get ready for this.

What can having a disability lawyer do for you?

The process of applying for and dealing with appeals when it comes to disability can be really difficult and discouraging. If you get a disability lawyer, you can help yourself have someone there with you through the whole thing. The benefits of hiring a disability lawyer:

Using a disability lawyer for workers compensation

Workers comp gets really tricky when you’re applying for it and even when you’re collecting it. If you fill out any forms the wrong way, you could risk losing your claim and that could leave you with thousands of dollars that you owe for the medical damage.

Social security hopefuls might want to hire an attorney

Even just filling out the paperwork for a social security disability filing can be difficult. An attorney can help you figure out the right way to do the paperwork and what you need to further support the information you’re using to file the claim.

It might be harder to get a disability lawyer in these instances

One instance where you might not be able to use a disability lawyer is if you file a claim with the VA. You will need to retain the help of a disability lawyer before you file your claim. As Nicole found out the hard way, you cannot hire a lawyer after the claim has been filed.

How you can get a disability lawyer with no money upfront

When a lawyer does work without getting paid, they do pro bono work. This is somewhat uncommon, but it does happen. Many communities have organizations that work specifically for this purpose and lawyers volunteer their time to give pro bono work. You can use this directory to find a pro bono lawyer in your area.

Whether You Should Hire a Disability Lawyer

If you make it to the hearing level, hiring a disability lawyer can definitely help.

Popular Questions About Disability Attorneys

Having the right help on a social security disability case can very easily make the difference between winning and losing a claim for benefits.

How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Works

Here is how disability firms develop and manage cases in preparation for a disability hearing.

When you think you won't be able to work for a long time, have a free consultation with a disability lawyer

When you think you won't be able to work for a long time, have a free consultation with a disability lawyer.

Why Hire a Disability Attorney?

The most important reason to hire an attorney to help with your disability case is that your chances of being approved are significantly increased.

When Should I Call a Lawyer?

The general rule is "the earlier, the better." If you're even considering filing for disability, you should call a disability attorney for a free consultation. Your attorney can help you evaluate the strength of your case and assist you with your initial application.