Nearly one out of every six working-age Americans has a disability. Social Security disability benefits help disabled Americans to live independently, keep a roof over their heads, and pay for their food, life-sustaining modifications, and other expenses. Some of the most relevant questions you may ask a Texas Disability Attorney before enlisting their services include:
Can A Disability Lawyer Help Me Apply For Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to complete long applications documenting their employment history and medical conditions, retrieve medical records, and comply with SSA administrative rules and regulations.
Your lawyer will fill out your application form on your behalf and ensure that your application is free of errors and there are no omissions that could harm your chances of approval for benefits.
Your lawyer will also accompany you to your meetings and conferences with SSA officials.
Disability attorneys also know how to move the entire process swiftly by staying in regular contact with the SSA and giving you regular updates.
How Can I Contribute To My Claim’s Success?
Your Social Security Disability lawyer will need your active participation and cooperation to win your claim. Your attorney might suggest gathering certain relevant documents, getting the prescribed medical treatment regularly, and following the medical advice of your physician.
You should provide information about all your medical providers including their names, contact details, and the dates when you sought treatment or medical attention from them.
It is essential to provide your lawyer with medical evidence including your recent medical records, medical test results, physician notes, surgical notes, treatment plans, prescriptions, and details of your limitations and restrictions due to the disabling condition. It is also vital to provide details of your educational background. It is wise to follow the recommendations and suggestions of your attorney.
How Long Does It Take To Decide My Disability Claim?
The time it takes to get a decision on your disability application can vary depending on:
- The nature of your disability
- How quickly can you gather, collect, arrange, and send your medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources to the SSA?
- Whether the SSA deems it necessary to send you for a medical examination
What If My Claim Is Denied?
Your attorney should represent you at the Reconsideration stage and Hearings if your initial claim faces denial. They will communicate with your treating doctors and other medical professionals, either through you or directly to collect medical evidence that is essential during such proceedings.
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 of the SSA. Most experienced lawyers know what kind of questions you may be asked.
What Are Your Fees?
Most disability attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis which means they receive a fee if they win your case. The standard fee for a lawyer is 25% of the past-due benefits. The SSA caps fees at $7,200. The fee structure may change if you lose your claim and choose to appeal. You may ask the lawyer for a draft copy of the contingency fee agreement before you enlist their services.
Chermol And Fishman: Disability Lawyers Empowering The Disabled In Texas
The disability application process can be frustrating and overwhelming for many applicants.
At Chermol and Fishman, our compassionate attorneys know how to collect records, complete the application forms, and, if necessary, work through the appeals process.
Our Texas disability law firm can handle all communications with the SSA and keep track of the deadlines to avoid unnecessary delays. Contact us today to schedule a free claim evaluation.