For those who have a case involving disability, it may become necessary to hire a Social Security disability attorney. There are a variety of benefits that come with utilizing legal assistance in these cases, and the fees are fairly reasonable. In fact, many lawyers will not charge if a case is lost. Clients and potential clients often have many questions when it comes to hiring a lawyer.
When Is a Social Security Disability Attorney Necessary?
One of the most common reasons for hiring a lawyer for these instances is to improve the likelihood of receiving approval for benefits. While some people are able to have a positive outcome without assistance, those with legal counsel almost always have a better chance of winning a disability case than those who do not.
While these attorneys are most commonly sought out after an initial denial, they can be very helpful at the application stage. In fact, their knowledge and expertise during the application stage may often result in an approval in one application period. On the application, the Social Security disability attorney can help argue that an individual's condition meets the required list of impairments or provide advice on an alleged onset date of disability. During hearings or appeals, he or she can assist in collecting relevant medical evidence, such as doctor's opinions, and preparations for any questions that may come from the judge. They can also assist with finding individuals to testify on behalf of the client.
When Should a Lawyer Be Called?
A Social Security disability attorney can be called at any point during the process, but it is best to call one as early on as possible. For those who may be on the fence on whether or not legal counsel is necessary, it is often beneficial to call, as many will provide a free consultation. He or she will be able to examine a case to determine the strength of the case and provide assistance with the application.
Another consideration to think about is final attorney fees. Those who are approved for benefits at the first try will owe smaller fees since there will be no back benefits owed to the client once the benefits are finally approved.
Hiring an attorney after an initial denial can greatly increase the chance of a positive outcome on the second application, and it is also possible to have the case moved through the process more quickly. This is often the case for terminal medical conditions or for extremely dire financial circumstances. However, this tends to be rare, as many must wait for several months before a case is resolved.
For those who are still on the fence about hiring a Social Security disability attorney, there is an instance in which it may not be helpful. For those who have submitted an initial application and are awaiting word, there is no need to get a lawyer yet as there is no point in paying a commission of past-due benefits unless there is a denial in coverage. However, in many other situations, having representation can be incredibly helpful.
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