Social Security disability benefits are important for those who are injured or ill and cannot work. The application and appeal process can be overwhelming, and many individuals choose to hire a lawyer for assistance. There are many resources available to help an individual locate several lawyers who specialize in Social Security disability benefits. Narrowing down that number and choosing which one to hire requires attention to detail. To find the best lawyer for your case, keep these five qualities in mind.
1. Experience
Experience is perhaps one of the most important factors in choosing a lawyer. Ask how many years he or she has been practicing law and how many Social Security disability benefits cases have been handled. It is also beneficial to ask how long the lawyer has been practicing in the area. Although the laws for Social Security are uniform throughout the United States, a lawyer with local experience will be best equipped to work with local judges and officials.
2. Specialization
Any lawyer can represent someone in a Social Security disability benefits claim. In fact, through the hearing process, it is not essential to have a lawyer. However, working with an individual who is intimately familiar with the laws will ensure your claim is thorough. In some situations, a lawyer who is familiar with your type of disability can best explain your circumstances.
3. Success Rate
A lawyer may specialize in Social Security and have years of experience, but it is important to know how often they have won. Nobody has a flawless case history, but you want someone who wins more often than not. You may want to ask what percentage of those wins is for full or partial benefits. While each case is unique, a track record for success is a positive aspect.
4. Availability
It is important to hire a lawyer who will be there for you when needed. A firm that takes on many cases might not have as much time to spend on your claim. You should be able to meet with the lawyer you hire regularly and be able to reach him or her by phone.
5. Personality
Personality is not critical to winning a claim. However, you will be spending a significant amount of time with the person you hire. Clashing personalities can be discouraging and make the process more stressful than necessary.
Schedule a meeting with a few lawyers for a case evaluation. This appointment is an opportunity for you to evaluate each one according to these qualities. Most evaluations are free and you need not worry about payment until the lawyer has taken on your case and won. However, always ask about payment details upfront to avoid financial issues. Visit Disability Lawyer for more information.
