Francis Underwood
There are approximately 61 million adults in the United States that have disabilities. People who have conditions like these often require disability benefits to maintain their quality of life. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be challenging to get the benefits you deserve.
We’ve put together a brief guide on how to improve your chances of winning disability with a lawyer. Let’s dive in.
What Is Disability?
Disability benefits disburse money to those who are unable to work due to certain circumstances. For example, becoming injured while on the job could allow you to take advantage of disability benefits. These benefits continue until you can work again regularly.
How to Get Disability Payments
Unfortunately, getting disability payments isn’t as straightforward as most people hope.
To qualify, you need to have worked jobs covered by Social Security and also have a medical condition that meets the government’s definition of a disability.
Some of the most common include severe bodily trauma, cancer, etc. As long as you meet the criteria, you shouldn’t have issues qualifying.
However, there are circumstances where insurance companies attempt to withhold payment. They may cite that your condition isn’t severe enough to elicit disability benefits.
They might also claim that you didn’t meet the disability criteria through your job. In a situation like this, it’s essential to work with a reputable attorney to get the outcome you desire.
Finding a Disability Lawyer
Looking for an attorney can seem daunting at first. The good news is that it’s much simpler than most people anticipate. Let’s explore some of the most notable attributes to keep an eye out for.
Their Reputation
During your search, consider the reputation of the lawyers you’re considering. This will play a large role in the results you get.
See what past clients have had to say about the lawyer’s professionalism, timeliness, and dedication to their case. It’s not uncommon to encounter a negative review here and there. If most of their recent feedback is negative, though, this is something to keep in mind.
Their Experience
Always take into account their level of experience. The longer they’ve been around, the more likely they will be able to provide outstanding service. It’s in your best interest to choose an attorney who specializes in disability law.
While this isn’t to say that other lawyers can’t meet your needs, it’s always best to have an expert on your side. Many attorneys proudly showcase their level of experience on their websites, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find this information. Prioritize this attribute when searching for disability lawyers in Phoenix Arizona.
Their Pricing Structure
Researching their pricing structure can help you avoid financial surprises. It’s worth noting that many attorneys represent their clients on a contingency basis. In this scenario, the client isn’t required to pay money upfront.
If the client wins the case, the attorney will take a portion of the winnings as compensation. This is often a favorable situation for the client since it incentivizes the attorney to work as hard as possible. Other attorneys bill their clients hourly.
Ask about what they consider billable hours before you make your decision. The last thing you want is to find yourself paying extra money to have your lawyer spend five minutes responding to an email.
Their Level of Communication
How communicative is your prospective attorney? It should be easy to get in touch with them, and they should be able to answer your questions and concerns.
It can be highly stressful to have an ongoing disability case without being able to contact your lawyer. Many people overlook this attribute, but it’s one of the most important.
Improving Your Chance of Success
There are steps you can take to maximize your chances of success during your disability case. Primarily, you should file your disability claim as soon as possible.
The longer you wait, the greater the odds are against you. The process often takes several months, but it could even take years.
Maintaining accurate medical records is also crucial. Insurance companies work tirelessly to look for any loophole they can use to not pay you. Medical documentation provides concrete evidence of your condition(s) and is one of the best ways you can support your case.
It’s best to store this information in multiple locations to maintain access. A common strategy is to keep hard copies of medical records and store photos of these documents on a hard drive. In the event that a disaster strikes, you’ll have a backup of this information available.
You should also ensure you follow medical treatment recommendations properly. For instance, an insurance company might argue that your condition has only persisted because you did not adhere to treatment procedures.
If your benefits are denied, appeal the decision within 60 days. There are four levels to this process:
- Reconsideration
- Judge hearing
- Review by the appeals council
- Federal court review
The sooner you file an appeal, the better. Missing even a single deadline could derail your disability case.
Maximize Your Chances of Winning Disability With a Lawyer
It’s essential to take the proper steps when seeking disability so you can get the compensation you deserve. Reputable attorneys have the resources to help you avoid common pitfalls. Just be sure to provide them with the evidence they need so you can maximize your chances of winning disability with a lawyer.
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