FAQ - When Should I Contact a Disability Lawyer or Attorney?

Exactly when Must I Contact An Attorney?

You should contact an lawyer or attorney as soon as possible after the disability occurs to receive maximal Social Security Disability or SSI benefits. The earlier we are able to start working on your legal matter, so much the better your likelihood of winning.

Please note that not all lawyers practice in front of the Social Security Administration. You can expect to do best to get a hold of an attorney familiar with the complex and somewhat atypical Social Security Disability legal guidelines and procedures.

FAQ - Why Hire a Disability Attorney?

Should I Obtain An Disability Attorney?

Social Security rules for determining disability and your job history are very technical and complicated. Social Security does not require a person to be represented by an lawyer.  Nevertheless, the government’s very own figures show that benefits are awarded far more frequently to individuals with lawyers than those who chose to handle their claims without having the assistance of an attorney. Also, the hearing in front of an administrative law judge is considered a legal proceeding.

Every case is unique. The function of an attorney will be based on the particular facts of each case. Lawyers in Social Security Disability cases do a great deal more than sit in a hearing and ask a few queries. Much pre-hearing preparing, analysis and evidence assembling go into adequate representation for each case.

As your lawyer, some of the things we may do are:

• Present an opening or closing statement at the hearing
• Request timely appeals to proper level of appeal
• Seek waiver of time limit
• Make sure that you receive the correct amount of benefits if approved
  
• Obtain documents from your Social Security Disability file
• Ask that prior application for benefits be reopened
• Gather medical or other evidence
• Provide a thorough evaluation and explanation of your claim
• Contact your doctor to obtain a report consistent with Social Security rules
• Prepare you to testify at hearing