When it comes to securing the services of a disability lawyer to assist with a Social Security matter, there are a few things that should be borne in mind. It will be necessary to weigh the pros and cons in order to determine if professional guidance is likely to make an important difference in a given case.
First of all, a disability lawyer will not request significant money upfront to handle a matter in this realm, he or she will typically charge a federally regulated fee amount reiterated by a Santa Clara Erisa attorney. This usually amounts to $6,000 or 25% of the back pay obtained, whichever is less. In the event that the lawyer is unsuccessful in your case, he or she will not be entitled to the payment of any fee.
Though it certainly is not a requirement for a disability claimant to have legal representation when pursuing payment, having an experienced practitioner to help can have a truly positive impact on the outcome.
A seasoned disability attorney understands how to assess a given set of facts, gather critical evidence and documentation, present a persuasive argument and ensure compliance with all federal rules and regulations. The bottom line is that a lawyer focusing on disability cases has the background and savvy to establish a wrongful denial should the case reach the Appeals Council level.
It is certainly possible to obtain the assistance of a disability attorney from the time of the initial application, and this can be a smart idea. The legal fees owed if success is achieved at this early stage will be lower than if help is required further down the road.
If an initial denial is received, it should go without saying that hiring a disability practitioner is crucial. In many cases, the financial burden stemming from the denial is onerous, and a lawyer can work quickly in an effort to expedite next steps.
As is the case with any legal matter in which the advice of a lawyer is helpful, it really does pay to spend sufficient time finding just the right one. Personal recommendations from trusted relatives, friends and co-workers can be an ideal way to hone in on a solid choice.
Conducting personal interviews with a few prospective candidates also proves helpful in determining whether a given attorney possesses the knowledge and track record of wins in similar matters.
In the end, having the insights and know-how of an experienced disability attorney offers invaluable peace of mind at a most difficult time in life.