Do you have an injury that’s kept you from work for an extended period of time? Have you already applied for Social Security disability benefits and been turned down? Perhaps it’s time to consider hiring an experienced legal representative who understands the process and who will fight to make sure you receive a fair hearing.
Whether your disability is related to an injury at work, outside of work, or a medical condition, you might be eligible for disability benefits. You should know, however, that almost 60 percent of all first-time applicants for Social Security disability benefits are initially turned down, prompting about 90 percent of applicants to seek help in navigating the complexities of the process.
Why Hire a Disability Attorney? The process of applying for disability benefits can be confusing and daunting. Retaining a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of receiving benefits and help you avoid denials that are based on technicalities or other errors.
Documentation: An attorney can help you prepare your claim and gather key documents required under the claims process, such as IRS forms, bank account information, addresses and phone numbers, medical records and doctor’s referrals, medication history, employment history, and more.
Communication: Your attorney can keep a close watch on the status of your claim, relay any requests for additional or new information and speak directly with Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives on your behalf.
Deadlines: An experienced attorney will understand the tight deadlines imposed by the SSA for filing the right forms and make sure that your claims are submitted on a timely basis.
Proper Priorities: Your attorney can provide the advice you need to focus on the facts that are most important to the SSA and can prepare you to answer the Administrative Law Judge’s questions, as well as challenge the comments of a so-called vocational or medical expert who may oppose your claims.
Appealing Decisions: An experienced attorney is much better equipped than the average lay person at understanding why the SSA may reject a claim and assess whether filing an appeal to that decision is prudent.
How much will a disability attorney cost? In most cases, legal representation will cost you very little. Social Security Disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. These attorneys are permitted to take no more than 25 percent of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $6,000. If no back pay is awarded to you, the attorney will not receive a fee.
It’s important to find an attorney who has experience in disability cases, a sound reputation and a solid track record, as a Social Security Disability Lawyer in New York from a law firm like Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, Attorneys at Law, can explain.