Those who endure some type of disabling injury or illness often find their selves in need of Social Security disability. Unfortunately, acquiring this can sometimes be a bit of a headache, and in some instances, it can be a downright nightmare. There are so many bills that need to be covered while waiting for approval of benefits, and if a person has no savings, trying to pay the bills can put a person into financial ruin. From mortgage bills to medical expenses, these disability payments are necessary for many people.
The Social Security Administration has found itself saturated with claims. Many of these claims are not legitimate, meaning the administration has to pilfer through each claim one-by-one to see which ones should be approved. Acquiring compensation benefits can take many months, and for some people, possibly even several years. A great way to go about speeding up the process of being approved for disability is to hire an experienced Disability attorney. Doing this, however, can sometimes be a headache in and of itself. To make the process of choosing the best attorney, it is imperative to know what to look for.
What is a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
A disability lawyer has specialized knowledge relating to this specific type of disability law. Because of this knowledge, he or she can help clients throughout the approval stages of disabled person benefits. Many times, the assistance of such an attorney is only needed after an application has been denied. The lawyer will step in and take an in-depth look at the reasons the application was denied, followed then by telling a person whether or not he or she has any grounds to make an appeal. If so, the attorney will help the client through the appeal process.
Things to Look For In A Legal Counselor
An attorney worth hiring will have a proven track record with past clients. He or she will have a high rate of winning appeals as well as have an extensive amount of experience relating to the handling of disability claims. Sometimes, a lawyer will express he or she can successfully handle this specialized type of case, but if he or she does not specialize in this area, it is usually best to find an attorney who does.
It should be remembered that a lawyer is not needed during the initial disability benefit application process. If a lawyer tells a person he or she can be of assistance during this phase, this is a sure indication not to hire him or her. A person can complete the simple application process him or herself, and more importantly, free of charge. There is no need to spend money during the initial application process. Once an answer has been received, however, if denied, a person can then go on to hire an experienced lawyer who specializes in this area of the law.
Another thing to look for when picking a lawyer is his or her fee schedule. If a large amount of money is asked for upfront, it is best to steer clear of the lawyer. Instead, only a small amount should be asked for. In fact, many disability lawyers don’t ask for any money unless the appeal is won. Never should a person place confidence, or money into the hands of an attorney who makes unrealistic promises. No attorney can predict the exact outcome of a case. He or she can give legal advice and an informed hypothesis, but no promises should ever be made. If the lawyer says something that sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.
An attorney worth hiring will be one that a client feels comfortable with. In addition, he or she will keep a client informed as to every detail of the appeal case that is taking place. If a client feels left in the dark, this is a good sign to get another legal representative as quickly as possible. A disabled person must be able to put much trust in his or her legal counsel, and if no trust is there, the search for a reliable, trustworthy partner needs to continue. There are many attorneys out there, meaning with an adequate amount of research, anyone can find a lawyer that he or she feels comfortable with.
Lastly, before making the final decision to hire a specific lawyer, it is important to check with the American Bar Association to make sure the professional is properly licensed. It is also a smart move to contact the District Attorney’s office and make sure there are no pending actions against the attorney. A reputable attorney should be able to provide references, and it is always crucial to contact these references to make sure they have good things to say. When it comes to hiring an attorney, it is always better to be safe than sorry, meaning each and every suggestion mentioned above should be taken to heart.