Top Questions to Ask Your Disability Lawyer After SSDI Denial

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry L. Cochran

If you applied for social security disability benefits and got denied, you’re allowed to make an appeal, but don’t risk doing it on your own. Getting an experienced disability lawyer after SSDI denial can really improve your chances of approval.

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we’ve helped countless Michigan residents get the benefits they deserve, even after being denied. Here’s a guide with the questions you need to ask before hiring a Social Security disability lawyer in Michigan to handle your denial.

Why You Need a Disability Lawyer After SSDI Denial

The Social Security Administration denies a large number of SSDI applications the first time around, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a good case. It usually means your paperwork wasn’t complete, or that you didn’t have enough medical evidence. Or maybe the examiner just didn’t understand your limitations. The good thing is, you’ve got another chance.

A skilled disability lawyer after a SSDI denial knows what Administrative Law Judges want to see. We present medical records, challenge vocational testimony, and build arguments that line up with Social Security’s rules. Research shows that applicants with legal representation are a lot more likely to get approval.

Your denial letter includes a deadline for filing a reconsideration or hearing request, so don’t wait. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. will help you move quickly.

Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Disability Attorney

Before you meet with any law firm, gather up everything related to your claim: Your denial letter, medical records, work history, and any communication from Social Security.

Make a timeline. When did your symptoms start? What treatments did you try? How does your disability affect your everyday life? Include things that might not be in your doctor’s notes, like trouble concentrating or sudden flare-ups. You’ve got to be as detailed as possible to appeal denied SSDI benefits.

Be ready to talk honestly about your limitations. By law, you’ve got to prove you can’t perform sustained work, so you’re going to have to talk about the hard parts of living with your condition.

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring or Proceeding with Appeals

Here are the questions to ask SSDI lawyer candidates during your consultation to choose the right representation.

What Experience Do You Have with SSDI Appeals?

Ask how many SSDI appeals the attorney has already handled and what their success rate is. Check especially for experience with Michigan Administrative Law Judges, since each judge has different preferences for how evidence gets presented.

Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. has represented clients through every stage of the appeals process, so we know the ins and outs of Social Security disability regulations and how to apply them to your specific medical condition.

What Documentation Do You Need to Strengthen Your Case?

You probably got denied because Social Security didn’t think you had enough medical evidence. A good Michigan SSDI attorney will request updated treatment notes, functional capacity evaluations, and statements from the specialists who are treating your condition.

Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. looks at vocational factors, too. If you’re over 50, or if your disability means you can only do sedentary work, certain grid rules work in your favor. We’ll make sure Social Security takes your age, education, and transferable skills into account.

How Long Will the Appeal Process Take?

Most SSDI appeals take several months from the date you request a hearing. Ask your lawyer how they’ll keep your case moving and what you can do to avoid delays.

Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. stays on top of deadlines and responds to Social Security’s requests fast, plus we make sure you’re ready for your hearing. We’ll check right away if your condition meets Compassionate Allowance criteria, since that can make processing faster.

What Are the Chances of Approval and Compensation?

A good lawyer will assess your case honestly and let you know what they think your chances of approval are.

If you win your appeal, you’ll get back pay from the date you became disabled, minus a five-month waiting period, and you will start getting monthly benefits. We help you look at the numbers and how to maximize Social Security benefits.

How Do You Handle Communication and Case Updates?

Ask how often the firm’s going to be in touch, and who your point of contact’s going to be. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. assigns a dedicated team to every client, so you’ve got direct access to an attorney who knows everything about your case. We update you after every important development and are quick to return your calls.

What Costs or Fees Are Involved?

Most disability lawyers work on contingency, which means no upfront costs. If you lose, you owe nothing. If you win, the fee comes from your back pay.

Always ask for a written fee agreement before signing with a lawyer. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C.’s terms are clear; no hidden charges. We explain everything during your free consultation, so no surprises.

Contact Our Social Security Disability Lawyers in Michigan

If you got denied SSDI benefits, don’t give up. The appeals process exists for a reason; you just need the right legal representation.

Contact us at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. for a free consult. We’ll review your denial, explain your options, and map out the strongest path forward. Remember, we don’t get paid unless you win.

Call us at 1-866-MICH-LAW anytime, 24/7 to schedule a free case eval.

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.