What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Disability Lawyer

Getting approved for social security disability can be difficult and confusing, especially if you’re unsure how the process works or who to hire to help you get approved. This guide will give you some information that will help you better understand what to do before hiring a disability lawyer, why it’s necessary, and how to find one that’s right for you.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability

The Department of Health and Human Services states that your medical condition must prevent you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity to qualify for social security disability. Your medical condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or result in death. In addition, you must be unable to perform substantial work given your age, education, and work experience. A condition does not need to limit all daily activities to count as being significant. Social Security will evaluate what tasks you can still do despite your condition—for example, whether there are jobs that only require you to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds or regularly use basic computer programs like Microsoft Word.

Things to Consider When Searching for An Attorney

Do they have a good reputation? Be sure to check with your local bar association or call clients directly to hear what they think. Do they specialize in Social Security Disability cases? If not, do they seem knowledgeable about SSDI cases in general? Will they put you first as a client? The best lawyers may be overwhelmed with clients, but that should never impact your case—for better or worse. Social Security Disability claims are extremely complex and can quickly become overwhelming; that’s why it’s crucial to find a lawyer who will provide excellent counsel and put your interests first when there’s so much at stake. Ask questions about how their expertise helps them best serve clients who come to them for assistance on their social security claim.

Why Do I Need An Attorney

Do-it-yourself Social Security Disability applications do not get accepted more than 30% of the time, which is why it’s best to hire an attorney to help. Doing it yourself also is risky because if your application is denied and you appeal with an attorney, your attorney can help represent you in court while fighting for your benefits. If your application was rejected on your own, that means when your case goes to court, there will be no attorney helping you and leaving you with no voice in court. Having an attorney by your side at all times through every step of the process can be very helpful during these stressful times. The right disability attorney will ensure that all of their clients are well informed about their rights and responsibilities during every step of their case.

What to Remember

While the process is intimidating, the experience doesn’t have to be. A good attorney will walk you through every step of the way and make sure that your application is filed as quickly and efficiently as possible. By understanding what’s going on behind the scenes, you can make sure your application is complete—and ensure that it gets read! It’s always a good idea to plan for the worst when dealing with something like disability applications—just in case. But if things don’t go as planned—and they probably won’t at some point—you’ll be happy that you’ve prepared yourself for any potential roadblocks along the way.

For further information, please call Logan-Thompson, P.C. at 423-476-2251 or check out their website at https://www.loganthompsonlaw.com.