Having the correct attorney at your side might make all the difference when you’re negotiating the complicated social security system. An expert attorney can assist you through the application process, raise your chances of acceptance, and, should appeals be needed, offer insightful support. But how can you decide on the appropriate social security attorney for your circumstances? Here is a detailed road map to enable you to decide with knowledge.
Examine Their Previous Cases
If your attorney has past Social Security claim experience, you should be aware of the kind of outcomes they have produced. While some lawyers will include successful claims or settlements on their website, you should also personally question the attorney whether they have handled cases comparable to yours and what the outcomes were.
This helps you estimate the number of successfully resolved cases and the possible result of your case. Review past client testimonials found on the attorney’s website or social media accounts to get a sense of how they have managed earlier cases and the client’s satisfaction.
Check If You Feel at Ease
To have any hope for a successful resolution of your social security claim, you must be at ease sharing all the pertinent information with your attorney. You will thus have to send them medical records, go over the events or situations that resulted in your handicap, and offer evidence of income. Should you find yourself uncomfortable divulging this material, you might wish to seek another attorney.
Consider your reaction when you seek information or review your legal choices. A reliable attorney should calmly respond to questions, enabling you to determine the type of legal action you wish to take. See another attorney if you believe your attorney is unpleasant or impatient when you ask questions or that they are pressing you to make a specific decision or action.
Game Plan
You will have the chance to ask questions regarding your claim to an attorney at your first visit. Although you can and should ask many questions, should you decide to engage their legal services, you should also find out about their strategy for your case.
Cases involving disabilities can be complicated. Hence, the approach to seeking benefits might change based on the specifics of your case. “What is your plan for my case?” asked a lawyer who would help you understand their handling of situations similar to yours, their readiness, and even their experience in taking on a difficult claim.
It could be a red signal if a lawyer discusses their approval rates instead of their intended strategy for your case. To maintain a high approval rate, a law company can choose which customers they accept; alternatively, they may reject claims they could lose to keep their count high.
Ask About Fees
You do not want to pay for a lawyer you cannot afford, especially if you cannot work. You could deal with your attorney for months or years if you appeal a denied claim. Find out from your free consultation what rates and fees your attorney charges.
Law companies typically charge hourly rates along with a possible upfront retainer payment. To submit documents to the court, you may have to pay a one-time retainer fee, then expect an hourly rate. Most law offices handling Social Security-related claims currently operate under contingency fee policies.
Endnote
It is challenging to get the Social Security Administration to approve disability payments, even if you are legally entitled to them. Social Security lawyers can assist you in receiving benefits going forward and recouping any back pay to which you may be entitled.
