For those who have a disability-related case, it may be necessary to hire a Social Security disability attorney. There are a variety of benefits that come with using legal aid in these cases, and the fees are quite reasonable. In fact, many attorneys do not get paid if a case is lost. Clients and potential clients often have many questions when it comes to hiring an attorney.
When is a Social Security disability attorney necessary?
One of the most common reasons for hiring an attorney in these cases is to improve the likelihood of receiving approval of benefits. While some people may be able to get a positive result without assistance, those who have legal counsel almost always have a better chance of winning a disability case than those who do not.
While these attorneys are often sought after an initial denial, they can be very helpful at the application stage. In fact, your knowledge and experience during the application stage can often result in an approval within an application period. On application, Social Security’s disability attorney can help argue that an individual’s condition meets the required list of impairments or provide advice on a purported disability onset date. During hearings or appeals, he or she can help gather relevant medical evidence, such as doctors’ opinions, and prepare for any questions the judge may ask. They can also help find people to testify on behalf of the client.
When should you call an attorney?
A Social Security disability attorney can be called at any time during the process, but it’s best to call one as soon as possible. For those who may be undecided as to whether or not legal advice is necessary, it is often beneficial to call, as many will provide a free consultation. He or she will be able to review a case to determine the strength of the case and assist with the application.
Another consideration to keep in mind is the final attorney fees. Those who are approved for benefits on the first attempt will have to pay smaller fees as no benefits will be due to the customer once benefits are finally approved.
Hiring an attorney after an initial denial can greatly increase the chance of a successful outcome on the second application, and may also move the case forward more quickly. This is often the case with terminal medical conditions or extremely serious financial circumstances. However, this tends to be rare, with many having to wait several months before a case is resolved.
For those who are still on the fence about hiring a Social Security disability attorney, there is one case where it may not be helpful. For those who have filed an initial application and are waiting to hear back, there is no need to get an attorney yet, as there is no point in paying a fee for overdue benefits unless there is a denial of coverage. However, in many other situations, having representation can be incredibly helpful.