Filing a claim for Social Security Disability, can be a long and frustrating process. While having an attorney that specializes in these claims cannot guarantee that you will win, it may significantly improve your chances. Most Social Security attorneys screen cases carefully. Attorneys are only paid if we win the case. Therefore, most attorneys only take cases for clients we believe to be disabled.
While all claimants must answer the same questions and complete the same forms. Often the experience and guidance from an attorney, on how to present the case, helps to get applications approved on the first round. Attorneys who practice in this area of law understand what Social Security is looking for and try to provide the necessary information (records, opinions from doctors, counselors and other treating sources) for the Social Security Administration to approve your claim as soon as possible. It is about asking for the right information and getting that information into the record.
In cases, where a claimant has not yet filed an application your attorney’s office will help you complete the initial application in such a way to show how your medical conditions meet the criteria for disability under the Social Security Five step Sequential Evaluation process. In other cases, where a claimant has been denied at one of the lower levels, your attorney will complete the appeal and start gathering information to support a favorable outcome in the case.
Attorneys help you obtain new medical records. We send claimants who have no health coverage to doctors for opinions. We give advice on whether or not medical evidence supports your alleged onset date of disability and offer advice when it does not. Your attorney will ask your doctor the right questions to get answers that may not show up in your medical file but are needed for a positive outcome. If your claim goes to hearing, your attorney will summarize the evidence and present your case to the Administrative Law Judge. At your hearing, your attorney will also cross examine medical or vocational experts called by Social Security, elicit testimony from you to help show that you are, in fact, are unable to work, and make arguments to convince the judge to grant your claim.
By working with an experienced professional, you can be confidant that you have not missed something important. This is a very complicated detailed area of law. An experienced Social Security attorney can certainly help protect your rights and win your claim.
Learn More about How Jessica Dumas, Attorney at Law Can Help You
The best time to start a social security disability claim is right now. Whether you need help with your initial claim or an appeal, give us a call today. We have the training and experience to help you get the best possible outcome.