Why Do I Need a Social Security Lawyer for My Disability Claim?

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

A Social Security lawyer is not necessary but extremely advantageous during both the Social Security benefits application and appeal processes.

For support

Even though you may think the Social Security benefits application process is simple, it can be surprisingly tricky. Having a Social Security lawyer by your side can be a tremendous aid.

These lawyers are well-versed in the diverse processes as well as the standard issues that tend to affect applicants. Statistically speaking, having a Social Security lawyer in your corner is also going to greatly bolster your chance of having your application accepted in the first place.

If you are having trouble locating the correct documents, your attorney can help you contact your doctor, hospital or treatment center. Before submitting your application, they will check you have included all the necessary medical proof of your disability. Depending on your diagnosis, some additional information or forms may be compulsory. You likely would not have known if anything was missing until you had been denied. This early intervention saves you lots of time and heartache in a future appeal.

There are other nuances in the application that only experienced Social Security lawyers are aware of. For example, the form will ask you to list your daily activities and chores. Most people just write “laundry” or “sweeping.” But they do not mention how they continually have to stop doing this chore in order to rest their bodies due to the pain. Leaving out this small but critical detail can lead to the Social Security Administration deeming you healthy and in possession of free-range movement.

Social Security Disability lawyers are not only a resource for you to reference whenever you have any questions, but they can actually improve the quality of your application.

To justify your disability

If your condition is not on the standard list of qualifying disabilities, a Social Security lawyer can help you prove, without a doubt, that you are unable to carry out your usual duties and need the monthly benefits.

A Social Security lawyer will also argue that your disability is represented under the list of ailments that are recorded under Social Security’s “blue book.” This way you have a much better chance of being accepted through your initial application.

A Social Security lawyer is also a crucial piece of succeeding during the appeals process. Your attorney can view your medical records and speak to your physician to gather relevant evidence to present for your case. They can also collected a statement of approval from your doctor. Especially helpful is their ability to prepare you for any questions that the judges will field your way during your hearing. This way you won’t be caught off guard by any tricky or confusing legal jargon meant to slip you up.

Your attorney can craft hard-hitting legal arguments, call upon useful testimonies from yourself and other sources, and cross-examine evidence with medical professionals in order to prove that Social Security wrongly denied your claim.

To save time and money

By having an attorney onboard from the get-go, your first application is more likely to succeed. If everything works the first time, you will have less stress when it comes to supporting yourself and your family. You will not have to dip into your lifelong savings to keep afloat.

A Social Security attorney helping your appeal can also award your more backpay if you win you win your case. Your lawyer can help argue for the most representative disability onset date that will then allow you to net more backpay.

If your disability is particularly severe or you are in dire need of financial support, a Social Security lawyer might even be able to push your case and get it through the system faster.

To drive the appeals process

If your initial (or subsequent) claim is denied, Social Security disability lawyers can get involved and represent you during the appeals process. They will also speak with your doctors and treatment facilities on your behalf to collect more evidence for your claim.

Not to mention an appeal must be filed within 60 days. It can be challenging to find a good lawyer you trust in that short period. It’s better to already have an attorney you trust before this kind of situation even occurs.

To give you peace of mind

Although it is not a job requirement, many Social Security benefits lawyers will periodically check in with the Social Security Administration to get information about your application. Once available, they will pass this information on to you so you can stay up to date. If you try to get information on your own, it may not work. But attorneys have a higher sense of authority that may convince employees to give updates.

The general wisdom is that if you are considering filing for disability you should hire a Social Security lawyer sooner rather than later. Through a free consultation, your attorney can analyze the initial strength of your case and immediately start working with you from there. Social Security lawyers are also paid on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win, meaning they will be highly motivated to see your case succeed.

Some firms will not accept a Social Security benefits case unless the client has been denied at least one time. But at Cochran, Kroll & Associates P.C. we believe in getting involved early to save you the stress and grief of a rejected application. Whether or not you have already been denied, are in the process of applying for the first time, or are just considering the possibility of applying, you can give us a call for a free consultation at 1-866-MICH-LAW. We are only paid if we make a recovery on behalf of you and your family. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.