What Does a Disability Lawyer Do? An Informative Guide

One in four US adults lives with a disability. If you’ve recently become disabled, you might decide to contact a disability lawyer to defend your case.

What does a disability lawyer do exactly, and how can they help you?

Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about social security disability lawyers and how they’ll handle your Social Security claim.

Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about an SS disability attorney.

What is a Disability Lawyer’s Role?

Disability benefits are provided through a federally run program. The Social Security Administration provides financial assistance to individuals who were disabled and therefore unable to work. Your disability benefits can cover the cost of everyday living expenses in addition to any medical bills.

However, it’s common for people to find themselves denied disability benefits.

If you think your application was inaccurately denied, you can hire a lawyer to appeal the decision.

For many people, the Social Security disability application process can feel messy and overwhelming. If your health is currently suffering, you already have enough to deal with. A disability lawyer can help you simplify the process.

What does a disability lawyer do to help? For starters, they already have experience dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA). They’ll already have the hands-on skill you need to handle issues throughout the application process.

Your disability lawyer will communicate on your behalf with the SSA. There’s a lot of complicated jargon involved with the disability application process. They can help you to understand all the information you need and point you in the right direction of a more specific attorney if this is needed. For example, if you are a veteran, a VA attorney might understand your needs a little better. They can speak in laymen’s terms to ensure you understand the process.

Why Hire an SS Disability Attorney?

One of the main reasons people search for the best social security disability attorney is to improve their chances of getting approved. Many people apply alone and are approved for benefits. However, the SSA is more likely to approve an applicant who is represented by legal counsel.

Your disability lawyer already understands how to present a case that’s favorable to your interests. They’ll handle everything from the initial application to the hearing.

Your lawyer can also provide advice regarding your “alleged onset date” when you developed the disability. They can help argue that your condition meets one of the listed impairments in the SSA’s blue book as well.

Throughout the process, your lawyer will also collect and submit relevant medical evidence to support your claim. This can include an opinion from your doctor, medical scans, and a brief for the Administrative Law Judge.

If you’re concerned the SSA will wrongly deny your case, consider hiring an SS disability attorney to represent your best interests.

There are over 823,900 lawyers in the country. For the sake of your case, it’s important to find someone who is experienced with disability cases. Their specific experience is essential for getting your claim approved.

The Process

The top social security disability attorneys will help you through the entire process. Before hiring a lawyer, make sure to read various social security disability lawyer reviews. You should check their legal standing on your local bar association’s website, too.

You can click here to discover one of the top social security disability attorneys in the area. Once you have your lawyer, they’ll help guide you through the following steps.

The Initial Review

What does a disability lawyer do to at the beginning of your claim? First, they’ll perform an initial review of your case. The lawyer will need to learn the details of your case to learn why you were denied in the first place.

If you don’t have a strong case, your lawyer might decide not to help you.

During the initial review, your lawyer will also determine what you need to strengthen your claim. For example, you might need supporting documentation such as hard medical evidence. This evidence can help your lawyer confirm the severity of your condition.

The evidence can also prove your limitations and restrictions.

During the review, your lawyer will also ask about your work history, skills, and educational background. They’ll also want to know how you’ve responded to treatment. Disability Determine Services (DDS) will review all of this information as well.

Completing Your Application

Filing an incomplete claim could lead you to a rejection letter. Your SS disability attorney will make sure every page of your application is completed thoroughly. They’ll know which aspects of your application are lacking and need improvements.

Collecting Evidence

Once you sign a medical record release, your disability lawyer will gather the medical evidence needed for your application. In addition to your medical records, this can include the results of any medical tests.

Many attorneys also work directly with your healthcare provider or physician to gather opinion statements.

Communicating with the Social Security Administration

Numerous claims pass through the Social Security office every day. Once you’ve completed the application process, you’ll also need to meet specific deadlines and formalities. Your SSA attorney will communicate with the SSA on your behalf.

Filing Appeals

Not many disability applications are approved at the initial application level. If your case is one of the many that gets denied, you can appeal the decision.

However, there are many steps involved in the appeals process. You’ll also need to complete the necessary steps within a certain amount of time. Your Social Security attorney will help you navigate through the appeals process to ensure your claim is appealed.

Representing You at a Hearing

Many disability claims are won at the hearing level. If you were originally denied for your disability benefits and appeal, you’ll head to a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.

A hearing can add a lot of unnecessary stress on your shoulders. The preparation process is essential. Otherwise, you might miss out on this second chance.

Your disability lawyer will ensure you’re prepared for the hearing.

You’ll need to speak for yourself during the hearing. However, your lawyer can still represent you at the conference. They’ll also ask your witnesses, including expert and vocational witnesses, questions to support your claim.

What Does a Disability Lawyer Do?: Your Guide to Receiving Backpay

What does a disability lawyer do? Now that you know, you can determine if you need one to make the most of your claim!

Are you searching for a disability lawyer? Search for a lawyer in our directory today!