How Do I Choose the Right Social Security Disability Attorney for My Case?

It can be a long, difficult process to obtain Social Security Disability benefits. Like many of those who are waiting on a decision by the SSA, you may be struggling financially and struggling with your disability. While there is little that can be done to hurry along the process, having an experienced Social Security Disability attorney in your corner can make the process less stressful.

If your original SSD application is denied, you are likely to spend anywhere from months to years to obtain the disability benefits you need and deserve. Some cases are relatively clear, but others seem to move through the SSD process very slowly, with many applications denied due to incomplete details or insufficient medical evidence documenting your limitations. While many applicants do not hire a Social Security Disability attorney until their initial application has been denied, some SSD attorneys provide early-stage assistance as well.  We recommend that individuals filing a social security disability application retain counsel as soon as their claim is filed.

Choosing the Right Social Security Disability Advocate

If you decide to hire a Social Security Disability lawyer, you may be unsure of how to choose an attorney that will provide the right assistance for you and your disability case. Before you choose a Social Security Disability attorney, you might want to speak to several different lawyers in your area who focus on SSD cases.

When speaking to the different lawyers, you will want to ask about the attorney’s success rate, how long he or she has been representing those with SSD claims, what the fees will be, how much experience the lawyer has with disabilities like yours, and how the lawyer will communicate with you throughout the process. You should ask any questions you have, expecting to get thorough, easy-to-understand answers.

If you have not yet filed your initial SSD application, you should ask whether the attorney will provide assistance with that or whether he or she only takes cases that have received an initial denial. As you speak to different attorneys, pay attention to the treatment you receive and the level of professionalism you see in the attorney and staff. Don’t be afraid to ask how long it usually takes to have your phone call returned or a question answered once the process begins.

Be aware that no SSD attorney can promise you that your application for benefits will be approved. The attorney can give you an honest assessment of your case after a comprehensive review of the facts. While your SSD attorney cannot get you approved more quickly than you could on your own, they can make sure that all your deadlines are properly met and that your records are requested and submitted on time.

An experienced SSD attorney is well-versed in reading and interpreting statutes and case law regarding your disability claim. It is important if you have a medical condition that will be particularly challenging to prove that your attorney has significant knowledge regarding that condition.  The Carmichael Law Group has the experience and knowledge you need to help you through the entire SSD process. 

Contact the Carmichael Law Group today for an evaluation of your SSD claim.

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