If you’re living with a disability, social security disability benefits are an important part of your financial stability. To be eligible for this program, you must have paid into it and be unable to work because of a medical condition. As per CDC, 61 million adults in the US live with a disability.
If you believe you qualify for disability benefits but aren’t sure how to apply or if your claim has been denied, then hiring an experienced attorney is key. The article walks you through everything from preparing your application for disability to submitting evidence that proves why you should receive SSDI benefits.
Ask Around
As the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know. While this may be true in some cases, knowing where to find information and who has the answers is extremely helpful.
Ask your friends and family if they have recommendations for a good attorney in your area. If they do, ask them if they can recommend someone that can help with your specific case. You can also take a look on Google or Yelp yourself.
A survey by Statista says that around 17% of respondents search online for an attorney in the US. Thus, whether you search online or get recommendations, don’t forget to choose an experienced one.
You could also ask your doctor. They can refer you to an experienced attorney specializing in social security disability claims. Remember that these referrals usually come from doctors actively involved with their practice. If there is no such relationship between the two parties involved, don’t bother asking for a referral.
Look at the Attorneys History
It is recommendable that you look at the attorney’s experience. For example, have they handled cases similar to yours? Do they have a good record regarding winning these cases? What kind of results can you expect from the attorney if you hire them?
You should also consider the education and training of an attorney. For example, have they received specialized training for helping people with social security disability claims or other types of cases such as personal injury, wrongful death, or car accidents?
You should also look at personality when choosing your social security disability lawyer. It will help determine how well they can relate and communicate with clients going through hard times in their lives.
Does Your Attorney Specialize in SSDI?
If you are looking for an experienced SSDI lawyer, you must ensure that your attorney specializes in this disability law. Specialization is so important because attorneys specializing in SSDI have a great deal of knowledge and expertise regarding this area of law.
SSDI is a federal benefit that helps people with disabilities. Whether you live in Washington, New York, or California, this program helps you receive financial assistance, healthcare coverage, and other forms of support. If you live in Los Angeles, you can apply for it by going to the local SSDI attorney Los Angeles office.
When finding the best SSDI attorney in Los Angeles, you need to know that your attorney has experience. They understand how these cases work, and they have successfully helped many people with their Social Security Disability claims over the years.
Is the Social Security Disability Attorney Near You?
The next thing to consider is whether or not the social security disability attorney is near you. If you have a disability, your attorney must visit you at home or your place of work regularly. You should also ensure they can help you with legal issues, such as filing for SSDI benefits.
Select Attorneys Who Have a Proven Track Record of Success
As with any other profession, there are competent social security disability attorneys and those who aren’t. When selecting an attorney to represent you, you must choose one having a proven track record of success.
While hiring an attorney is not cheap, it can save you time and money in the long run if they help get your benefits approved on their first attempt. To ensure that happens, look at how many cases they have won versus lost. How long they have been practicing law and their reputation in the community.
Do They Offer a Free Consultation?
A free consultation is a great way to get to know the attorney and their practice. The consultation will allow you to ask questions and learn about their approach to your case. It will also help you assess whether you want to hire them.
That is a red flag if they do not offer a free consultation. But on the other hand, it may be the case that they are charging too much money or are less experienced than other attorneys who offer free consultations.
What Do Reviews Say About the Law Office and Lawyer?
You’ll want to look at their reviews to find out which lawyers are the best. According to the survey review by Brightlocal, 74% of people always see online reviews when searching for local businesses.
Look for attorneys who have many positive reviews and a long history of success. You also want to check how many years they have been practicing law because it can indicate how much experience they have under their belt.
You may come across some negative reviews when reading reviews on the internet. While these can be useful, it’s important not to put too much stock into them until you’ve spoken with someone directly about your case or situation.
The bottom line is that you need to find a lawyer to best represent you in your case. Therefore, it’s important to interview several different attorneys and find one that matches your personality, needs, and expectations well.
Several Attributes Demonstrate the Competency of An Attorney
Many attributes demonstrate competency, i.e., experience, training, knowledge base & reputation among peers/clients/legal community. It is better not to base your decision entirely on one factor alone.
If you are looking for disability attorneys in Los Angeles, the above tips should help you find a good one. A good attorney will assist you in obtaining your benefits, and it is best to seek another attorney if the one you chose does not have experience.
Being disabled does not mean that one must live on welfare or food stamps; it means being unable to work due to a medical condition. Therefore, if you help even one person obtain the benefits they deserve, consider yourselves successful.
