Choosing the right disability lawyer is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. Take this task seriously. When choosing a Houston Disability Attorney, there are certain things you should investigate. You should consider their location, experience, and whether they specialize in disability law.
Take Advantage Of Initial Consultations
Disability lawyers differ significantly in experience, skills, and readiness to litigate a disability claim. Disabled workers must interview a few attorneys before committing to work with them in a professional capacity. During an initial consultation, you should ask questions whose answers will give you an insight into the lawyer’s past work, reputation, and success.
Relevant questions that you should ask a disability lawyer include:
- How can a disability lawyer help me apply for disability benefits successfully?
- How much experience do you have with Social Security disability claims?
- Are you familiar with my disabling medical condition?
- How can I contribute to my claim’s success?
- What if my claim is denied? Will you help me appeal?
- What are your credentials?
- What is the best way to communicate with you?
- Do you offer a contingency fee arrangement?
Consider Specialization And Experience
Attorneys and law firms that practice in multiple areas of law may not be able to provide you with the services to obtain the benefits you deserve. Lawyers who focus on only disability law can provide you with the legal services you need to win your claim.
Social Security disability claims are exceedingly technical and require a comprehensive investigation of medical records, familiarity with Social Security’s complex laws and regulations, experience appearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and skills to cross-examine medical and vocational witnesses.
A disability attorney can fill out your application form accurately, document your employment history and medical conditions, retrieve medical records, and comply with the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) stringent administrative rules and regulations.
Your disability attorney will prepare you for questions that an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may ask. Your lawyer will also prepare your witnesses to testify on your behalf and cross-examine expert witnesses that represent SSA. Experienced lawyers know what kind of questions an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may ask.
Your disability attorney will accompany you to your meetings with SSA officials. Experienced disability lawyers also know how to move the entire process swiftly by staying in regular contact with the SSA.
Assess Communication Skills
Knowing you can reach out to your disability lawyer and that they will address your concerns promptly can help you relieve some of the stress surrounding your disability claim. Most attorneys prefer that clients reach out to them through their secretaries or other legal staff members.
At Chermol And Fishman, LLC, our disability lawyers speak directly with disability victims who seek their legal counsel or advice. Our attorneys allow clients to contact them directly via email, phone, or text.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Most disability attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis which means they only receive fees if they win your case. The SSA caps the amount a lawyer can charge you as fees. However, the cost of attorneys may still vary.
The standard fee for a lawyer is 25% of the past-due benefits. The SSA caps these fees at $7,200. This means you should not be paying over this amount.
The fee structure may change if you lose your claim and choose to appeal.
Contact A Houston Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you or a loved one is unable to work because of a disabling medical condition in Houston, enlisting the services of a specialized disability benefits attorney can boost your chances of approval. Contact our firm to schedule a free case evaluation immediately.
