If you or a loved one are among the 61 million American adults living with some form of disability, you probably rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This excellent resource benefits US workers with various types of disability and their dependents.
The money you get can prove helpful in helping you achieve optimal health, besides paying for other everyday expenses.
Unfortunately, just 22% of initial SSDI applications are accepted. One of the best ways to boost your chances of getting accepted is working with a Social Security disability lawyer. An attorney can also come in handy if your initial application got rejected and you want to appeal the decision.
So, how do you hire the best attorney for your case? Here are eight tips to guide you.
Consider Attorney Credentials
The first thing you should look at when choosing a social security disability lawyer is their credentials. Ensure that they have experience in Social Security law and are licensed to practice law in your state.
You also want to make sure that they are members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). The NOSSCR is the premier organization for Social Security disability lawyers, and it shows that they are committed to their craft.
Check if the attorney is board certified. Board certification is a sign that the attorney has met specific standards of excellence in social security disability law.
Go for an Attorney With Special Knowledge of Your Condition
It is also essential to choose an attorney who has experience with your specific condition. Not all Social Security disability lawyers have the same level of expertise, so it is crucial to find one who knows what they are doing. That means getting an attorney who’s thoroughly familiar with the typical Social Security hearing questions and how to answer them well.
If you have a rare or complex medical condition, you will want to ensure that the attorney you choose has experience dealing with cases like yours. Doing so will increase your chances of getting the benefits you need.
Consider Professionalism and Courtesy
The best law firm puts professionalism ahead of everything else. Their staff will always be courteous to their clients. They understand that this is a difficult time for you, and they will do everything they can to make the process as smooth as possible.
You should feel comfortable talking to your attorney, and you should feel like they are genuinely on your side. Does the attorney seem genuinely concerned about your situation, or do they seem only interested in getting your business?
If the attorney you’re talking to doesn’t seem empathetic to your situation, it’s time to find someone else.
Prioritize Attorney Accessibility
A top attorney will do you no good if they are not accessible. Ensure that the Social Security disability lawyer you choose is available to answer your questions and help you through the process.
They should be easy to contact, and they should always respond promptly to your inquiries. If you can’t get ahold of them when you need them, then it is probably time to find a new attorney.
Determining accessibility is also an excellent time to find out whether the attorney you’re talking to will be the one handling your case. Some attorneys will let junior staff members take most Social Security disability cases.
You want to make sure that you are comfortable with whoever is handling your case, so this is an important question to ask.
Enquire About Their Approval Rates
Ultimately, you want an attorney to get you approved for Social Security disability benefits. Get an attorney with an excellent track record for case litigation.
How successful are they in getting their clients the benefits they need and deserve? How many cases have they won?
Generally, you want to stay away from Social Security disability lawyers with a low approval rate. A low approval rate is usually an indication that they are not very good at their job.
Find Out About Their Office and Case Management
You will also want to learn about the Social Security disability lawyer’s office and case management. How do they keep track of their cases? Do they have a sound system in place?
It is vital to choose an attorney who is organized and efficient. They should keep track of your case and all of the critical documents.
They should also be able to keep you up-to-date on the progress of your case.
Check References
A lawyer’s reputation is the best indication of what you can expect from them. Ask your Social Security disability lawyer for references and then check them out.
Talk to former clients about their experience working with the attorney. Were they happy with the results? Did the attorney keep them informed of what was happening in their case?
If you are not comfortable talking to former clients, you can always check online review sites. These are a great way to get an honest opinion of how an attorney performs.
Get the Right Social Security Disability Lawyer for You
You’re going through a tough time, and you must choose the right Social Security disability lawyer to help you get through it. The tips we’ve shared in this blog can help you make an informed decision.
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