WHY A LAWYER SHOULD LOOK AT YOUR DISABILITY CASE

Social Security is quick to point out that you don't have to have a lawyer to file a disability claim.  But should you have a lawyer or advocate look at your claim?  Here's why I think you should.

1.  You must prove disability according to a complicated set of rules and regulations.  Trying to do that without any training or familiarity with the rules is hit or miss--mostly miss.

3.  You cannot examine or rebut Social Security's expert witnesses on your own.  They will call a vocational expert and possibly a medical expert to testify at your hearing.  Someone on your side must be able to cross examine and handle these experts, staying within the rules and regulations.

4.  No one at Social Security will take steps to help win your case or make sure you are not denied.  In fact, Social Security will deny over 70 percent of disability applications.  Are these the people you want to rely on to get your benefits?

5.  Be sure you qualify for the most back pay available.  This will depend on proving your alleged onset date, which Social Security may argue with.  Your representative will know how to secure all the back pay to which you are entitled.

6.  Most claims will be denied and end up in a hearing before an administrative law judge.  This simply doesn't sound like something you want to walk into alone or unrepresented.

7.  There will be technical issues that you won't know how to handle.  Listings, grid rules, DOT codes, medical source statements, conflicting medical opinions, residual functional capacities, vocational expert's testimony....  You will want an expert on your side.

8.  A number of appeals may be needed before you get paid.

9.  Sitting in a hearing room full of strangers asking you difficult questions can be a very lonely experience. 

10.  You only pay a representative if your case ends well.  If you don't win, you pay no legal fee. If you win but don't collect any back pay, you pay no legal fee.  The only time you pay a fee is when you win and collect a back pay settlement.  So if an attorney's fee becomes due it means you have had a very successful case!


__________
The Forsythe Firm
Social Security Disability Specialists
7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
"Across from Bridge Street"
Huntsville, AL 3506

PH (256) 799-0297




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