Did you know that 65% of disability claims are denied? Whether you have filed for benefits or not, you might be wondering if you should hire a lawyer for disability claims. We are going to go over how to hire an attorney to help improve your chances of having a successful claim.
Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of hiring a disability lawyer.
Experience
With so many disability claims being denied, it’s no surprise that filing disability claims can be challenging. Lawyers handling these types of claims are more likely to have claims approved than someone filing on their own.
An attorney is familiar with the SSA (Social Security Administration) and the process. They know exactly what DDF (Disability Determination Services) is looking for and they will make sure that you have the right evidence that you need in your review file.
Having an attorney also means that they can keep in contact with the SSA and they will make sure that they have all of the details that they need in order to properly review your claim to make the appropriate decision for your case.
If you are missing any information or they feel that having other statements from supervisors and coworkers will come in handy, they will make sure to gather everything before your hearing. They also have experience with gathering key witnesses to testify on your behalf and in your favor during the disability hearing.
You would not know what to expect which will cause you stress, anxiousness, and nervousness leading up to the hearing. If you do not know how to answer the questions from the court you can ruin the outcome of your disability claim.
Appeals Representation
In the event that your original claim has already been denied, having an attorney in your corner like Preszler Law will come in handy during the appeals process. They will be able to collect key medical evidence that will help your case and submit it to the appropriate sources.
A lawyer with experience in disability claims will also have the ability to communicate with your doctor and prepare you for any questions that the law judge might ask you. If you are in financial need or you have a terminal condition they can also help speed up the process.
During your appeal hearing, the lawyer will be able to guide your testimony in order to give the judge an understanding of how your disability impacted your ability to work.
Medical Providers Communication
Many times doctors do not want to help disability applicants because they are not sure how the disability process works, or they don’t want to help, or they might be too busy to fill out forms.
A doctor might be more willing to respond and help another “professional” like an attorney. This is why having an attorney will help you in this situation because you need the doctor to communicate with someone that is looking to help you win your case.
Hearing Process
Attorneys with disability claim experience are more likely to win because they have the skills needed to win a case or an appeal. They have learned how to work through the entire disability claim process correctly to avoid difficulties or bumps in the road.
You will know what questions to expect and will be prepared to answer them during the hearing. Preparing for a hearing on your own can be nerve-wracking and you might not even know what you should be prepared to answer.
Questions to Ask
There are certain questions that you want to ask a disability attorney when you are looking for the right one to represent your case. You want to make sure that they have the proper qualifications and that they are truly prepared to handle your claim to get you approved and not denied.
You want to ask them how much experience they have in handling disability cases. This is important because you want someone with the most experience. Keep in mind that the more experience they have the more their contingency fee will probably be because they have the proven track record to justify their percentage.
You also want to ask them how they handle the appeals process. If the potential lawyer does not have experience with appeals then you might want to find a different attorney. Also, ask what their success has been in the past with the appeals process.
Make sure that you ask them how long the claim process usually takes. Keep in mind that the timeframe will depend on your specific claim and what stage you are currently in. If it is a brand new disability claim then it can take between three to nine months from beginning to end.
Appeals can vary between eight to sixteen months and if that appeal is denied then it can take fourteen to eighteen months if you are denied again and reach the appeals council stage.
Ready to Hire a Lawyer for Disability Claim?
Now that you know more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer for disability claims, you can make an informed decision about whether you need one or not. Chances are that having a lawyer in your corner will help you in more ways than one, especially when you are not familiar with the disability laws or are not sure how to navigate the court system.
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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
