how to choose disability attorney

In order to find a disability lawyer, you should gather referrals from a variety of sources and then look at the lawyers’ websites. Before hiring an attorney, be sure to meet for a consultation. Ask friends or family. You can get referrals by asking anyone you know who has used a disability lawyer in the past if they would recommend their attorney.

Full Answer

How do I find a good disability lawyer?

Look for attorneys that belong to professional groups like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR) to determine which ones are really up to date on Social Security law.

Should I hire a disability lawyer?

May 02, 2021 · One of the best ways to find a top-notch disability attorney is by asking other people who have gone through the same process. If you don’t know anyone personally, look at the law firm’s reviews, both on their website and on third-party sites like google.

How do I hire a federal disability retirement attorney?

Finding Disability Lawyers. Nolo offers a unique directory of disability lawyers that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's disability experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.

What makes a good disability law firm?

It’s a good start to choose disability insurance lawyers that specialize in long-term disability claims. Having an experienced team on your side that has a high approval rate for long-term disability cases is important. When you’re meeting with a potential disability attorney, you should also ask them how long they have been practicing this specific kind of law. Even if a firm does …

Does disability pay more than Social Security?

However, if you're wondering if disability would pay more, just ask yourself where you are relative to your full retirement age. If you're under it, disability will be higher. If you're above it, Social Security will be higher.Jan 12, 2022

What is the easiest state to get disability?

2020 SSDI approval rankingsRankState2019 rank1Kansas22New Hampshire33Wyoming14Alaska1846 more rows•Jan 11, 2021

What is the highest paying state for disability?

Which states offer the highest SSI payments?New Jersey: $1,689 per month.Connecticut: $1,685 per month.Delaware: $1,659 per month.New Hampshire: $1,644 per month.Maryland: $1,624 per month.Oct 15, 2021

What is the most approved disability?

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.Dec 16, 2021

What should you not say in a disability interview?

The following five statements should never be announced at your disability hearing.“I can't work because no one will hire me.” ... “I don't know why I'm here. ... “I don't do chores because my significant other, friend or family member does them.” ... “I have never used drugs or alcohol in my life.”More items...•Oct 17, 2014

What states are hardest to get disability?

Oklahoma is the hardest state to get for Social Security disability. This state has an SSDI approval rate of only 33.4% in 2020 and also had the worst approval rate in 2019 with 34.6% of SSDI applications approved. Alaska had the second-worst approval rate, with 35.3% of applications approved in 2020 and 36.2% in 2019.

How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability BenefitsFile Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ... Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ... Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ... Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ... Report your Symptoms Accurately. ... Provide Medical Evidence. ... Provide Details of your Work History.More items...•Oct 20, 2019

How can I speed up my disability process?

Here are some more ways to speed up your disability application.Requesting an OTR Decision. ... Requesting an Attorney Advisor Decision. ... Compassionate Allowances List. ... Terminal Illnesses. ... Presumptive Disability. ... Dire Need. ... Military Service Members. ... Contacting a Member of Congress.

Questions to Ask Your Potential Disability Lawyers

Don’t forget to ask these important questions. These questions will help you vet your potential best disability lawyers choices.

Where are you licensed to practice law?

Asking the most basic questions is key. Ask them if they are licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction. If you’ve found an attorney that you like but they aren’t able to take care of your claim because of where you’re located — you’re wasting your time.

Should I start my claim over?

When you speak to a good disability lawyer, they will be able to tell you if you need to start over all the way or they can help you continue your claim. Allowing the attorney to take the entire case over can be the least overwhelming for you.

How large of a percentage of approvals are the hearing level?

Going to court can be a major hassle. Finding out how many claims have to go to court when working with this firm will give you an idea of how likely your case will have to go to court.

What percentage of wins get full benefits & what percentage get partial benefits?

A reputable firm will be able to share these stats. If they can’t tell you these things or if they seem uncomfortable sharing this information — pass.

Professionalism & Customer Service

When you’re working with an attorney, you’re likely to have many questions. The attorney should never treat you like you’re an annoyance.

Outcome Promises

Look out for outcome promises. Attorneys cannot and should not promise outcomes.

Do You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

Although you have a right to a lawyer or non-attorney representative when filing an SSA claim or appeal, many people with disabilities choose to file an application for disability benefits on their own.

What to Look for in a Disability Advocate

If you choose to seek help with your disability claim, the first thing to know is that there are two types of advocates that you may hire: an attorney (or law firm) or a non-legal organization. There are benefits to working with both types of advocates.

Working with a Skilled Disability Benefits Lawyer

Applying for disability benefits can be difficult, especially if you are already dealing with issues related to your disability. A seasoned disability advocate can ease this burden, taking on the paperwork and legal issues related to a disability claim.

What does a good attorney do?

A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of your case only after reviewing the facts. A good attorney will also admit that he or she probably can't get you approved any faster than you could on your own. Here is a sample question you should ask and a sample answer a good attorney should give you:

Do disability firms keep in touch?

Even though disability firms are busy places, you should be provided with a contact person who you can rely on to answer your questions. The firm should also keep in touch with you on a regular basis. Here are some questions you should ask to get an idea of how your case will be handled:

Does Nolo have a disability license?

Nolo has confirmed that every listed attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with their bar association.

Should You Hire a Disability Lawyer?

Hiring a disability lawyer to help you secure disability benefits isn’t required. But having someone to help you navigate the litigation process can be very helpful. You’re also more likely to receive benefits if someone who specializes in long-term disability law represents you.

How Do I Know If I Can Trust My Disability Lawyer?

It’s a good start to choose disability insurance lawyers that specialize in long-term disability claims. Having an experienced team on your side that has a high approval rate for long-term disability cases is important.

Need Representation for Your Long-Term Disability?

If you become injured or sick and need to file for long-term disability benefits, it’s in your best interest to hire a disability lawyer. The process of securing long-term disability benefits can be difficult if you don’t have any experience doing so.

How to find a disability lawyer?

In order to find a disability lawyer, you should gather referrals from a variety of sources and then look at the lawyers’ websites. Before hiring an attorney, be sure to meet ...

How much do disability attorneys get paid?

Generally, a disability attorney can only collect as a fee 25% of your past-due benefits up to a maximum of $6,000. Accordingly, if you are owed $8,000 in past-due benefits, then the attorney can only be paid $2,000.

How to get referrals for disability?

Ask friends or family. You can get referrals by asking anyone you know who has used a disability lawyer in the past if they would recommend their attorney. Co-workers may be a good source of information as well.

Can you leave a review anonymously?

Many websites allow people to leave reviews anonymously. Because of this, it is often difficult for lawyers to effectively respond to allegations because they do not know the identity of the person leaving the review. In fact, the person leaving the review might never have been a client.

1. Start Your Search Early

You don't have much time to make the decision to hire an attorney when OPM denies your claim for federal disability retirement. Research attorneys early, and, at the very least, have a list of attorneys that you will call when you decide to make the decision to hire an attorney.

2. Make Sure to Hire a Licensed Attorney

There are many attorneys and many non-attorneys that handle disability retirement claims. There is no rule that the advocate you hire must be an attorney. However, you can't get representation fees reimbursed by the MSPB (Merit Systems Protection Board) if you hire a non-attorney.

3. Talk to More Than One Attorney

There are a few reasons that I recommend investing the time and money on two to three consults with different attorneys for federal disability retirement claims for FERS/CSRS employees. Attorneys' styles are different; our approaches to cases are different; and our interactions with clients are different.

4. Confirm Your Attorney's Experience

If you need to appeal a denial, an attorney who handles federal disability retirement claims before OPM, but who has never represented employees before the MSPB, is like a car without wheels.

5. Prepare for Your Initial Meeting With Potential Attorneys

If you are hiring an attorney to help you apply to OPM for federal disability retirement, you should be prepared to provide a copy of your position description, your most recent SF-50, and any medical records that you have available.

6. Be Candid and Open About Attorneys Fees

There are many good attorneys who handle federal disability retirement applications and applications. Unlike attorneys who help with Social Security disability claims, all of us charge different types of fees. Those fees can be fixed fees, hourly fees, monthly fees, and so on.

Location And Hours

Many people assume the closest lawyer to them is the one they should pick. Yes, there are times when convenient in-person meetings are helpful. Signatures, face-to-face clear explanations, and other benefits of being nearby should not be discounted.

Academic And Professional Background And Activities

Taking time to review your potential lawyer’s qualifications. For example, attorney Karen Brod has two degrees in psychology, completed before she went to law school. She understands human behavior and people’s needs. Since beginning her legal career, she has been professionally active while building a strong law practice.

Evidence Of Past Successes

A lawyer’s previous case results should not be seen as predictors of how your case will go. However, a consistent pattern of success is worth paying attention to. When you meet with Ms. Brod to discuss your case, feel free to ask her about past cases similar to yours that brought great outcomes for her clients.

Rapport And Interpersonal Chemistry

Working with an attorney on personal matters such as documentation of a disability will require trust and confidence from both parties. Whether in person or over the phone, relax and let yourself get to know your potential lawyer as a human being. Also, look for clues about how this person will likely address your issues .

Social Security Disability Is All We Do

Thousands of people have chosen the Law Offices of Lawrence D. Rohlfing to handle their SSD case because we have a proven record of results with physical impairment claims as well as mental impairment claims. Our attorneys handle thousands of disability claims each year.

Contact Our Santa Fe Springs Office For Help

Our firm serves clients throughout the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. We offer a free consultation and charge no fees unless we recover benefits for you. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney at our firm, call 562-868-5886 or contact us by email.