what questions do i need to ask potential attorney about me drawing disability.

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 ...

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What questions should I Ask my Lawyer?

Keep in mind that disability lawyers need clients just as much as clients need lawyers. Whether you've found an attorney through a television commercial, a referral from a friend, or Nolo's Lawyer Directory , there are a number of questions you should ask before agreeing to let an attorney represent you.

What if my lawyer is not available in an emergency?

Jul 24, 2017 · 5. Lastly, ask “why disability law?” An attorney should have a reason for practicing an area of law. Sometimes it is simply because they enjoy helping clients and/or that particular type of law is profitable. For disability clients, we feel it should be different. Disability claimants have way too much at stake to risk using just any lawyer.

How do I choose a lawyer after a client dies?

Oct 21, 2020 · When meeting with a disability attorney, ask how much of her practice is devoted to handling SSD claims – it should be a good chunk, if not 100%. You should also ask about any professional organizations they belong to and what type of continuing education they receive.

What questions should I ask when meeting with an estate planning lawyer?

Apr 28, 2020 · You want to be sure that the lawyer you choose has your best interests at heart and is prepared to fight your case to the end. Below, you will find the top 3 questions to ask a disability attorney when you begin your search. Do You Have Specialized Training in Disability Law? Disability law is a specialized field. You don’t want just anyone ...

What should I tell my disability lawyer?

10 Questions to Ask Your Social Security Disability LawyerHow 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?More items...•Mar 4, 2020

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 can I expect at a disability interview?

You will also likely be asked about your job history. The interviewer may ask the dates you last work. He or she may also ask for your employment history for the past 15 years. Your employment history should include job titles held, as well as the type of business and the hours and days you worked.Feb 26, 2021

How do you answer a disability question?

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.

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

What questions are asked during disability?

Questions You Should Expect To Be Asked During A Social Security Disability HearingWhat is your formal education?Do you have any vocational training?Are you currently working?What was your last job and what were your job responsibilities?Have you tried working since you became disabled?More items...

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.

What kind of questions does Social Security disability ask?

Dates 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.Feb 23, 2017

What does a disabled person do all day?

ADLs are important for many different impairments, and are especially important with mental disorders. ADLs include things like shopping, cooking, getting around (either by public transportation or by driving yourself), cooking, paying bills, being able to take care of your personal hygiene, and so on.

How do I prepare for a disability hearing?

How do I prepare for my disability hearing?Know Your Claim. When you receive the notice of your appeal hearing, spend some time reviewing your case file. ... Use Your Cheat Sheets. ... Gather Recent Medical Records. ... Obtain Expert Opinions and Other Statements. ... Seek Help with Your Case.

Is chronic pain a disability?

The SSA does not consider chronic pain to be a disability, so there is no listing for it in the SSA's Blue Book. Chronic pain, even if it is severe and disabling, does not qualify unless you can prove it is caused by a verifiable condition that lasts for at least 12 months.Sep 11, 2018

1. Do you use a case manager to handle your disability cases?

This is important because you are hiring an attorney, not a case manager. A case manager is a not necessarily a bad thing. Our assistants do many things a case manager does: follow up with clients, order and submit records, and follow up with providers. However, if the case manager handles ALL of the case until the hearing, this can be a problem.

2. How involved is the attorney in my case?

While your attorney is too busy to handle every aspect of your case, they should be reviewing your records and directing the case manager, as well as working on preparing your case for the Administrative Law Judge (or other appropriate level.) Every case is different so the level of involvement would be different, but make sure your attorney gives an answer that satisfies your expectations before you hire them..

What is a contingency fee for disability?

Disability claims are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means the attorney is only paid if you are awarded benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA), which administers the SSD program, establishes the fees disability lawyers may collect. So, regardless of which disability attorney ultimately you hire, ...

What happens if you are denied a disability?

If your disability application is denied, there are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, administrative hearing, appeals council, and Federal District Court. Some disability attorneys handle appeals at every level; others will not. While you can certainly have different attorneys handle your case at each level, if you want continuity, ...

What is an administrative hearing?

Administrative hearings allow you to explain to the judge more about your disability and its impact on your ability to work. Not only will you have an opportunity to provide testimony, but the judge and the SSA attorney can ask you questions as well.

3 Questions to Ask a Disability Attorney

When you’re looking for a disability attorney, it’s important to do your research. Most initial disability claims are denied at the first two levels of the process, which means that the disability lawyer you hire is likely going to be standing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to plead your case.

Do You Have Specialized Training in Disability Law?

Disability law is a specialized field. You don’t want just anyone standing up in front of an ALJ. Ideally, you want to work with someone who has decades of experience in the field. Consider who you’re working with carefully.

How Often Will You Be in Touch During the Process?

Social Security Disability cases often take years from beginning to end. You can read more about the process here, but the short version is that you spend a lot of time waiting for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make decisions and present you with hearing dates.

Disability Associates Answers to Questions for a Disability Attorney

Tracey Pate has over 25 years’ experience in Disability Law, representing thousands of clients. In creating her firm, she did so with the belief that everyone should have access to a quality disability lawyer.

Do I Have a Substantial Claim?

In your initial consultation, your lawyer should give a full assessment of your case. In some cases, an attorney will see clearly that you don’t have a solid case and most likely will not be awarded benefits but will neglect to tell you so that they can collect a fee.

Do You Have Specialized Training in Disability Law?

Disability law is a highly specialized field, and a general practitioner attorney will not be as knowledgeable or familiar with the ins and outs of the SSA when handling your case as a disability attorney would.

What are Your Success Rates in Handling a Social Security Disability Appeal?

It’s important to know your disability attorney’s credentials, from their educational background, license to practice law, and experience. When asking about experience, it’s important to get a good idea of success rates, especially if you’re hoping that they will handle your Social Security disability appeal and overturn your rejection.

Will You Be Handling My Case?

It’s not uncommon for a lawyer to pass off their work to another staff member. All of your questioning about your disability lawyer’s qualification and competence are irrelevant if they are passing off the brunt of your case work to a member of their staff who doesn’t meet all of those qualifications.

What Do I Need to Do?

Get a clear idea of what your disability attorney needs from you. Whether they are building your case from the ground up or taking over for your Social Security disability appeal, there could very well be information or documents that are needed in order to best represent your case.

What is Your Fee?

You’re in a vulnerable position. It’s crucial that you have a solid understanding of the financial agreement that you’re making before you commit to a disability lawyer. Disability lawyers work on a contingency fee; if you win, the usual agreement is that their fee is a certain percentage of your back pay benefits (i.e.

Looking for a Disability Attorney in Springfield, MO?

Choose RGG Law. We specialize in disability law. We are members of NOSSCR; we are knowledgeable and experienced. Give yourself the best chance; make sure that a qualified disability attorney is handling your claim. Call RGG Law and schedule your free consultation with one of our disability lawyers.

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.

What is a conflict in a lawyer?

If the lawyer’s representation of prior or existing clients would limit the attorney’s ability to represent you, there is likely a conflict. For example, if you want to sue a hospital that the potential lawyer regularly represents, there would be a conflict. A conflict might also arise if the attorney you are interviewing has already been hired by ...

Why is it important to choose the right lawyer?

Choosing the right lawyer is a very important decision—whether you were in a car accident, have a medical malpractice claim, or find yourself the target of a criminal investigation. Referrals from friends or co-workers can be great, but you need to do your homework to make sure you have the right attorney for the job.

What is the importance of having a lawyer?

Getting a lawyer with the right legal background is essential, but it is also important to know whether your attorney has experience with the judges who will likely preside over your case. If yours is a criminal matter, it is important to know if your lawyer knows the local prosecutors. This courtroom experience can greatly enhance your lawyer’s ability to evaluate the likely outcomes in your case and give you advice that you can rely on.

How to feel comfortable with an attorney?

You should feel comfortable from the beginning of your attorney-client relationship that you will be able to have regular communications with your counsel. Make sure that you exchange contact information and agree on the ways that you will stay in touch.

What is contingency fee?

In cases where you are suing for monetary damages, the lawyer may represent you for a “contingency fee.”. This means the attorney gets paid a portion (typically one-third) of the amount you receive after a successful trial or settlement. Make sure you discuss expenses as well as attorney fees.

How can a lawyer save you money?

Your lawyer can often save you money by delegating routine tasks to firm employees who charge a lower hourly rate. However, your lawyer should be involved in all key aspects and decisions of your case, or should explain to you why a colleague can handle some important part of the matter just as well.

What is the process of a civil case?

In civil cases, your lawyer might propose mediation , a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party. Other times, arbitration might be an option. Arbitration— using a private service to adjudicate a dispute—is a less formal, less costly, and faster way of getting a decision in some civil matters.