Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be stressful, especially as most people are denied on their first attempt. If your initial application was denied, you should not give up on getting benefits. Hiring an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help improve your chances of being approved for SSD benefits.
Choosing the right attorney is imperative, which is why you need to prepare for your initial consultation with each attorney. Taking notes and asking the right questions can help you narrow down your options to help you choose the lawyer that’s right for you.
Meet with the Right Attorneys
Start by looking for attorneys who have specific experience handling Social Security Disability claims. It is a very specialized area of practice, and you need someone who understands the nuances of the application process. Otherwise, you could still have your claim denied on appeal. You wouldn’t hire a divorce lawyer to represent you for a felony criminal case, would you? The same applies here. You want an attorney who handles SSD claims regularly.
Ask the Right Questions
Asking the right questions is one of the most important things you can do when meeting with attorneys. You can compare each attorney’s answers, which can help you choose the best Kingston Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. It would help if you asked targeted questions about their experience, including how many cases like yours they’ve handled. Ask about their success rate and how long they’ve been practicing.
You should also confirm that the attorney you are meeting with is the person who will be handling your case. It’s not uncommon for larger firms to have you meet with one attorney at the consultation but assign it to someone else in the firm. If they say your case will be assigned to another attorney, ask to meet that attorney.
Discuss Billing
One of the most important conversations to have with your attorney is about billing. You want to find out whether they work on a contingency basis or charge by the hour. You don’t want to assume that a firm works on a contingency basis only to find out they don’t, and you can’t afford their billing rates.
Bring Pertinent Information
You can streamline your consultation by bringing any helpful information about your case. You want to bring anything that can help an attorney learn more about your case and disability. That can include medical reports, a list of medications you are on, employment history documentation, and any other documentation that supports your application for Social Security Disability benefits. If you already applied for benefits and received a denial, make sure to bring all your paperwork and denial letters as well.
Contact Our Social Security Disability Benefits Attorneys
Choosing the right attorney for your SSD application or appeal is critical. Otherwise, you might lose out on benefits you are entitled to receive. If you need assistance with an SSD benefits claim, let us help.
Schedule a free initial consultation with the Social Security Disability benefits attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton, and Pittston at 570-821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or costs until we win your case.