What Makes a Good Social Security Disability Lawyer and Why You Need One

Disability lawyers are not required when applying for Social Security Disability benefits; however, they do increase your chances of success.

You can go through all levels of the disability process on your own. You can file the application for benefits yourself, appeal your denial and represent yourself, if needed, at your hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

This is not the best approach. Statistics show that claimants who are represented by a social security disability lawyer win their benefits far more often than those who try to handle matters on their own. This is true at every stage; the initial claim, the reconsideration and appeal stages, as well as the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge.

So why does representation help?

Having representation helps win SSD (SSDI) and SSI claims because the regulations that govern the Social Security Administration’s disability programs are so complex. Even many experienced lawyers are unaware of certain regulations if they do not focus on this area of law.

There are also extensive medical records to be collected, questions to answer and deadlines to meet. People often find it overwhelming to handle the process alone, especially while caring for their health needs.

It is easy to make mistakes if you have never handled a claim before. You may accidentally answer a question incorrectly. You could miss a deadline or forget a medical record. All these things can have a negative impact on your disability benefit claim – and they may even stop you from receiving benefits at all.

What Makes a Good Social Security Disability Attorney?

• Experience matters: You want an attorney who understand the disability process, the complexity of it and has a high success rate.
• Availability: a good attorney’s office will be available to answer your questions and help guide you.
• Respect: A respectful and caring attorney is a good attorney. You want someone who understands what you are going through and works hard for you.

While you can certainly apply for disability benefits on your own, it is better if you have help. Having representation helps win SSD and SSI claims because the regulations that govern the Social Security Administration’s disability programs are so complex. Ensure you receive the benefits you deserve and contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney at Berger and Green today for a free consultation.