what questions are important when hiring a disability attorney

by Prof. Kianna McKenzie 5 min read

Start by asking these five questions.

  1. Do you use a case manager to handle your disability cases? This is important because you are hiring an attorney, not...
  2. How involved is the attorney in my case? While your attorney is too busy to handle every aspect of your case, they...
  3. What is the law firm’s communication policy? Every attorney, not just disability...

10 Questions to Ask Your Social Security Disability Lawyer
  • How Do You Charge for Your Services? ...
  • How Often Do You Meet with Clients? ...
  • How Much Experience Do You Have with SSD Claims? ...
  • Are You Familiar with My Medical Conditions? ...
  • How Do You Handle SSD Claims? ...
  • Do You Handle Appeals Council Cases?
Mar 4, 2020

Full Answer

What questions does Social Security Disability ask?

They may ask questions such as marital status, number of children, who you live with in your home and any history of military service. The SSA may also request the social security numbers of these immediate family members, in addition to their contact information in case they can't reach you.Apr 26, 2017

What questions should I ask a lawyer about seeking help?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What should you not say in a disability interview?

Do not say things like, “I want to work” or “If I could work, I would.” By saying such statements, a judge may get the picture that you could possibly work. The point is that there are some people with extreme disabilities who do work but this is not the point that you should be making at your hearing.

How do you answer an ALJ question?

When answering an ALJ's questions, we recommend to our clients that they:Stay on subject and don't ramble.Be honest.Be prepared to explain any discrepancies that may be in their record.Don't be embarrassed or offended by the judge's questions.Be specific about their symptoms, treatment and limitations.More items...•Jan 22, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

How do you prepare for an attorney meeting?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

How would you describe pain to a disability judge?

Pain is often hard to describe, but you should do your best to relate your pain as specifically as possible to the judge. This would include telling the judge what type of pain you experience (burning, stabbing, etc.), how often you experience it, and how you would quantify it (for example, on a scale of 1 to 10).

How do you win a disability case?

Tips for Winning Your Social Security Disability HearingHire a Qualified Disability Lawyer or Advocate. ... Do Whatever It Takes to Get There. ... Understand That Appearances Matter. ... Be Familiar with Your Case and Your Medical Records. ... Keep in Contact with Your Lawyer. ... Do Not Minimize the Effects of Your Disability.More items...•Aug 10, 2018

How do I prepare for a disability interview?

Prepare for your disability interview: tips from Social SecurityDates you last worked;The names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits to your doctors;The names of medications that you take and medical tests you've had; and.Marital information.Feb 23, 2017

What should you not say when applying for Social Security disability?

For example, don't describe yourself as a manager or supervisor unless you had the ability to hire, fire, or discipline employees. This is the case regardless of your job title. Describe exactly what you did in your job—don't talk yourself up or down.

How do you answer a disability questionnaire?

Be Honest and Don't Exaggerate The most important way to answer an ALJ's question is with honesty. Some claimants feel that if they make their symptoms sound worse than they really are, they will have a better chance at winning their claim. However, exaggerating your disability usually has the opposite affect.

How do you answer a disability hearing question?

Tips When Answering Disability Judge QuestionsBe direct and concise. ... Be Honest – Even if you think your answer might harm your case. ... If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be repeated. ... Be prepared. ... Contemplate your answers to key questions.

1. Does the firm specialize in disability insurance law?

DarrasLaw is the largest disability and long-term care insurance litigation firm in the nation focusing EXCLUSIVELY on individual and group long-term disability cases for policyholders. We are the most honored and highly decorated firm in the country. Our founding partner, Frank N.

2. What is your experience in handling claims with my disabling condition?

DarrasLaw has over 100 years of combined litigation and insurance claim experience representing people with every type of illness and disability imaginable, including: M.S., cardiovascular problems, Chrons, I.B.S., digestive issues, cancer, COVID-19, respiratory, lung and neurological conditions, back, neck and foot issues, and every type of accident causing disability..

4. What do past clients say about DarrasLaw?

Our clients say we’re “ Extraordinary,” “They were treated like family,” “They felt they were the only case in our office,” “We [DarrasLaw] constantly communicated effectively” and “We [DarrasLaw] empathized with them.”

5. Is your free case review and free claim advice truly free?

At DarrasLaw, we always offer free consultations on all individual and group disability insurance matters. We know it is a different way to practice law, but we put our clients’ needs as our top priority. No matter the size of your claim you receive real help in addressing your medical, financial and occupational claim issues.

7. Are you recognized by these prominent award organizations?

Best Law Firms in America has rated DarrasLaw as Tier 1 law firm, LawDragon has put Frank N. Darras in its Top 500 Lawyers in America for 16 years in a row, the Daily Journal named Frank N.

8. Who is going to handle my case and what type of ongoing communication can I expect?

You’ll be assigned a point person, lawyer, paralegal, secretary and administrative contact support person on your particular case, but we take a team approach to every client we serve. We are here to quickly respond to questions and are always available if you need us.

9. How do you handle cases and are you willing to take mine to trial?

Insurance companies will tell you DarrasLaw hires the top medical, financial and vocational experts and prepares their clients’ files impeccably. We’ve taken cases all the way to the courtroom and won at trial or on appeal whenever appropriate.

12 best questions to ask a disability lawyer

It is important to understand whether or not the individual you hire has experience working with your type of claim. It can definitely be a hindrance to your case if the lawyer you hire doesn’t have the knowledge and has to do the homework before they even get started.

Next Steps

Understanding who you are hiring and what that fully entails are key factors you need to evaluate when deciding how to move forward with your claim. These 12 questions to ask a disability lawyer are important; however, they are just a suggested list.

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