There are a lot of questions you should ask when deciding if an attorney is right for your social security disability (or SSD) claim. Here are some of the key types of questions to ask:
- Who should you have to help you file your social security disability claim?
There are different routes you can take when filing a social security disability claim. One way is through a disability advocate, typically at an advocacy firm, but a non-attorney disability advocate must be registered with the Social Security Administration in order to represent you in a disability hearing when collecting a fee for their representation. Although a non-attorney disability advocate can help you at the application stage perhaps more often than an attorney, a non-attorney disability advocate cannot represent you at a hearing once on appeal in federal court.
Another way to get help with your social security disability claim is through a licensed attorney. An attorney has a better grasp on the law, and specific social security rules. It can be best to have an attorney that is with you every step of the way, especially if they are ultimately needed upon appeal.
- What kind of attorney should you have?
The field of disability and social security is extremely technical, and you will likely need an attorney who has experience and practice in this area. You should seek someone who has experience and specializes in the complexity of social security disability, like the Partners at Burnett Law, Attorney Philip Burnett and Attorney Jeffrey Vires.
- At what stage should you hire an attorney?
You are able to hire an attorney when you begin the application stage or even before for a consultation. The advantage of hiring an attorney before you begin is that you will know your likelihood of success, and you will not have to go to the social security office during the application stage because an attorney and their staff will help you along the way.
- What kind of information will you have to provide?
Once you hire an attorney, the attorney or their staff will need information related to your medical, employment, and insurance history. You may be asked a lot of questions, but this is normal and they are only here to help your case.
- Does an attorney help arrange further medical tests or exams?
In some cases, you may need additional medical testing or treatment which the attorney or their staff can help you find. An attorney then helps compile this information to be sent to the social security administration in a manner that best helps your claim. In some cases the social security administration will set up exams and pay for them.
- How will you pay the attorney?
It depends on the attorney, but at Burnett Law the attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you do not have to pay anything before your compensation comes in.
- What types of expenses will you have to pay for after your case is over?
Expenses that are related to your case like receiving medical records, social security records, to name just a few, would typically be paid for by you. However at the end of your claim, Burnett Law will provide you with a settlement statement, showing where every penny of your claim went, including to whom, for what, and to what organization.
- Do you need a hearing?
In some cases there is clear proof of a disability in which an attorney may suggest they draft an “on-the-record request” which upon approval from a judge would eliminate the need for a hearing.
- If you need a hearing, how often will you meet before the hearing?
Assuming your social security disability claim for your case has not been denied at the outset, it can take months to years to receive a hearing date before a judge. An attorney should keep you updated on your claim and should ask for any updates to your medical needs.
- How will you meet with your attorney?
An attorney should be able to meet you in person or by Zoom, for example, if you cannot make in person meetings. However, it is recommended you meet your attorney in person before your hearing. Burnett Law is here to help clients in Cookville, Crossville, the Cumberland Region, Roane, Fairfield Glades, and East Tennessee.
- Is your attorney licensed to represent your claim if it needs to go to federal court?
While it is ideal for your attorney to be able to represent you in federal court, at the outset they should be able to refer you to an attorney who does if they cannot.
In conclusion, Burnett Law is here to help you from start to finish during your social security disability claim. Contact Burnett Law today for a free consultation: (931) 484-7549. Find out more information at: https://crossvilleattorney.com/.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog or on this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific subject matter. No person should act or refrain from acting due to any content included in the site without seeking legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the person’s state. The Firm expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this blog or website.
