Finding Public Information

The onset of a disabling illness can be really devastating. However, it can be even more devastating if you make a Social Security claim, and then find it has been denied. In this case, you will almost certainly find it necessary to secure the services of a disability law firm to help you obtain the benefits to which you are entitled. However, if you are faced with a wide variety of firms claiming to offer this service, how do you go about choosing the one that is best for you?

In the first place, it is essential for you to ensure that the person you are hiring is actually a real attorney, with legal qualifications. It is perfectly possible for a non-legally qualified person to represent you at these hearings, and non-attorney representatives often advertise their services as if they were lawyers, which can be very confusing. When you are at a hearing in front of an ALJ (Administrative Law Judge), or if you need to take your appeal as far as the Federal Court, you most definitely need a lawyer, and at all stages you need one who is trained in reading and interpreting statutes and laws.

In addition, you need a firm that is actually experienced in disability law. There are many types of lawyers, and it is no good going with the firm that handled your neighbor’s divorce just because your neighbor recommended them. In the first instance, look for lawyers who belong to professional groups such as NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives), which will ensure they are fully up to date in Social Security Law.

Once you have ascertained this, there are other questions you need to ask. These include how many years that company has practiced disability law, and how many cases they handle a year. You should be looking for at least 5-7 years of experience, with at least 70%-75% in this specific area. Also, ask the attorneys to describe how they have represented clients in cases similar to yours.

Probably one of the most important points you will need to check is the law firm’s track record. You should not be afraid to ask any firm about their success rate in your particular area — they are bound to give you an accurate answer, or face fraud charges at a later date. Questions you can ask include the overall approval rate, what proportion of approvals are at the hearing stage, and what percentage of wins are for full, and what percentage for partial, benefits.

Quite apart from purely legal matters, the firm you choose should be one with whom you feel comfortable, and which inspires you with confidence. In your initial dealings with the firm, they should be timely in scheduling meetings and in turning in documents, and meticulous in giving you precise information about exactly what you need to do and when. It is also important that the attorneys are honest with you about your chances, and do not make any false claims.

Obtaining the right help for a Social Security disability case can almost certainly make the difference between winning and losing your claim, so taking care in choice of firm is of vital importance. Finding the right firm, such as http://www.friedmandisability.com/everett-wa-social-security-disability-attorney/, is much easier if you know just what it is you are looking for. The crucial thing is that you are not afraid to ask questions, and do not settle for a firm that does not provide exactly what you require.

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Article by Jack Fogerty