You may ask: How do I Find Social Security Attorneys Near Me?
Trying to find the right disability lawyer for you may seem like a daunting task. First of all, there are thousands of lawyers out there to choose from. Similarly, it can be difficult to decide which one is the right one your you when searching for “social security attorneys near me” online. As a result, you may feel paralyzed in making a decision. Also, you may not know what to look for when searching for a disability firm to handle your claim. Therefore, it is important that you have certain guidelines in place to help you make the right decision. Finding a good Social Security attorney near you can seem impossible, but we have a few tips for you.
Check the Lawyer’s Credentials
Although it seems obvious, make sure the person who helps you with your Social Security application is actually a lawyer. Consequently, there are dozens of businesses that advertise to help people with the Social Security process. However, the people in those companies are often not lawyers. If they are not lawyers, they are not bound by the same rules of ethics and conduct that lawyers are. In contrast, they also likely do not have the same level of knowledge or experience that a bar-certified social security disability lawyer has. Also, your state or local bar association may have a referral service. Likewise, they will have a directory with lawyers listed by specialty.
Consequently, Social Security law is complicated. You do not want someone who claims to practice 20 different types of law to handle your Social Security claim. As a result, a lawyer who specializes in social security and disability law is essential to the success of your claim.
Finding social security attorneys near you
Also, you can find Social Security disability attorneys near you by checking online directories of disability or Social Security lawyers. Besides, there are many online legal directories that are available. Hence, these websites display reviews and in-depth information on specific attorneys. Similarly, this can help you to make a more educated decision. Likewise, word of mouth is another good way to find a good local Social Security attorney. Furthermore, talk with your friends and neighbors about their experiences using a local lawyer or law firm for a Social Security disability benefits application. As a result, providing excellent service builds trust and reputation.
Interview Several Social Security Lawyers in your area
First of all, after you collect the names of potential lawyers to handle your case, talk with several lawyers. Certainly, you will want to clarify upfront if they charge a fee to talk with them. This is called a consultation fee. Next, read the fee agreement of each lawyer you interview. Make sure they write it in language that is clear. Hence, you want to make sure that you work with a disability attorney that can be easily understood. First of all, make sure it is fair. As a result, make sure you understand exactly how much the lawyer will expect to be paid, and where the money will come from. Therefore, a Social Security disability lawyer recovers their payment after you win your benefits. however, they are only entitled to 25 percent of your back benefits, or $6,000 whichever is lower.
Next, ask the social security disability lawyer what he will do for you. Also, ask what you will have to do for your case. For example, who will get a copy of your medical records? Also, who will bear that financial cost? First of all, if the lawyer advances the cost, when and how will they be reimbursed? Also, how is the social security administration involved? Furthermore, what is their most important legal advice? Finally, how many times have they helped others with disability claims?
Ask the right questions
Ask questions about the lawyer’s experience handling Social Security cases. Here are some good questions to ask the social security disability lawyer during the interview:
- What is their experience level and how many years have they been practicing?
- How many years has he been handling Social Security cases?
- How many Social Security cases does he handle a year?
- Will they help you fill out the form or forms involved to prevent mistakes?
- Does she attend conferences or seminars on Social Security or disability law?
- Has he had other additional training on Social Security or disability?
- Is she ever a speaker at Social Security or disability seminars or conferences?
- Is he a member of state or local bar sections on Social Security or disability law?
- How many local cases has she handled? How experienced are they?
- Has he ever handled a case for a person with your medical condition?
- If so, how many, and what is his percentage of success?
- Are they measured by full benefits and by partial benefits?
- How many applicants have their law firm helped successfully?
- Is their main focus SSD or SSDI?
You might also want to ask about the lawyer’s schedule. Are there certain days where they will not be available? Consequently, are they planning to take time off within the next year?
Be Wary of Overpromising
If a social security disability lawyer promises a specific outcome, be wary. There are variables that are outside of your and your lawyer’s control. A good Social Security lawyer will be candid with you about the uncertainty of the outcome. A good social security disability attorney will not make guarantees. They will not say that you will definitely win. Also, they will not claim to be able to push your claim through faster. You should ask about the lawyer’s approval rate. As a result, a good Social Security lawyer will be able to tell you the percentage of the cases that are approved at the hearing level. Similarly, they can also tell you how many are approved for full or partial benefits.
Customer Service Matters
Ask about the lawyer’s communication policy. How quickly will the law firm return your phone calls? Who will actually handle your case? Search the names of several people who will be familiar with your file. You want a lawyer who can help you if the social security disability lawyer is in court. Find out about the support staff in the office. Lawyers are very busy. If they have a sufficient number of skilled, experienced support staff in the office everything can go smoothly. For the reason that your client experience may suffer. As a result, they may not return your telephone calls on a timely basis. Furthermore, your questions may also go unanswered. Find out who will be assigned to manage your case file.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, when you meet with the social security disability lawyer, pay attention to your instincts about them. Does the lawyer have a personality you can work with? You have enough challenges in life. You do not need to have a rude advocate who treats you with impatience.
Schedule a free consultation with a Social Security disability attorney today.
Ultimately, applying for Social Security Disability benefits is difficult and complicated. As a result, a vast majority of people are denied disability benefits the first time they apply. This may be the case, even though they have serious medical conditions. Hence, by going through the appeals process, many people who were initially denied benefits are awarded the benefits they deserve. Consequently, this often comes with a retroactive award, in addition to ongoing monthly benefits. However, the application form and appeals processes can seem impossible without legal help. Above all, prevent lost revenue by selecting the right Social Security disability attorneys for your claim or appeal. Our professional team will handle your personal Social Security disability application. We will fight to make sure you receive everything you and your family deserve. Call our law firm today for your free consultation: 865-566-0800 over the phone.