Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are meant to protect workers if a workplace accident causes them disability. However, annual initial denial rates for applicants are high, preventing hard workers from getting the benefits they deserve. As experienced Social Security disability lawyers, we:
- Understand the system that you’re up against
- Offer support for the initial application
- Will fight through appeals, if necessary
- Serve clients nationwide
At Disability.Law, we provide the empathetic support and assistance necessary to explore your options and help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact us or call us for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer today.
What Is A Social Security Disability Lawyer?
A Social Security Disability lawyer is a legal professional with thorough knowledge of SSD and benefits. If a lawyer is an SSD lawyer, it means that they focus on SSD cases, and while this may not be the only area of law they practice, it is one of their primary areas of focus.
Should I Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Your lawyer has many jobs, the first being to review your case and determine your chances of approval. Using the law, your lawyer will then assist with developing a theory for your case, such as:
- How or if your condition meets one of the listings of impairments
- The extent of your condition and how it may prevent you from even sedentary work
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will use a listing of impairments and the details of the condition to determine your eligibility. Social Security disability lawyers can help through this initial filing and appeals and even recommend specific tests to have performed to provide sufficient evidence of your condition.
Your lawyer can:
- Review your case and the application.
- Work through tedious paperwork.
- Verify that your application is completed in its entirety.
- Recommend tests and exams from medical doctors.
- Improve your odds of approval.
- Obtain any evidence or documentation necessary.
Benefit denials are too common for you to risk rejection at a time when your medical bills, rent or mortgage payments and other bills are piling up. If you were injured at work and can no longer perform your same duties, choosing the right lawyer can help you secure your benefits.
How to Choose a Social Security Disability Lawyer
When choosing a lawyer, there are several factors to consider:
- Experience. Does the lawyer have experience handling Social Security Disability cases? Those with previous experience will understand the complexities of the system and what to include when filing a claim.
- Reputation. Does the lawyer have positive reviews from clients? Having experience is important, but you also want a lawyer who will give you and your case the time and attention it deserves. If a lawyer has a history of delivering a negative client experience, this may be a red flag.
- Familiarity with your medical condition. If possible, look for a lawyer with previous experience handling claims based on your medical condition or a similar condition. Their previous experience will help ensure your claim is properly supported with the right evidence.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Meet for Social Security Disability?
The SSA will take several factors into consideration when determining whether you qualify for benefits, including whether you have:
- Earned enough work credits.
- Worked recently enough and long enough to qualify for benefits.
- A medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
If you have worked enough to qualify for benefits, the SSA will then consider:
- Your earnings. If you earned more than the SSA’s limit, you generally will not be considered to have a disability.
- The severity of the condition. Does your condition significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as walking, standing, lifting or sitting? If not, you may not be considered to have a qualifying disability.
- The nature of the condition. Is it found on the SSA’s list of qualifying conditions? If not, the SSA will need to determine whether your condition is as severe as a medical condition that is on the list.
- The limitations of your injury. Does the impairment prevent you from doing the same work you did previously? If not, you may not be approved.
- Potential for other types of work. If you cannot perform the same work you did previously, is there another type of work that you can perform? If not, then you may be approved for benefits.
As you can see, qualifying for SSD isn’t quite as simple as it seems. The SSA will consider several factors, and you must show that your impairment is severe enough to prevent you from working.
Social Security disability lawyers understand the variables that can impact the outcome of a claim and help ensure that your application is as complete as possible.
What Happens If a Social Security Disability Claim is Denied?
According to the SSA, up to 67% of Social Security Disability claims are denied. Denials are common, and they can happen for a variety of reasons. While disappointing, a denial doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the end of the road for your disability claim.
You have the right to appeal the decision. In fact, the SSA has four levels of appeal:
- Request for reconsideration.
- Request for a hearing with an administrative law judge if you don’t agree with the response to your reconsideration request.
- Request a review with the Appeals Council if you disagree with the judge’s decision.
- Take your case to the U.S. District Court if you disagree with the Appeals Council’s response.
If your claim is denied, an experienced disability lawyer can help you understand the reasons for your denial and navigate the appeal process.
Why Work With Us?
Social Security Disability laws are highly complex. Filing a claim may seem like a straightforward process, but failing to provide the right documentation and ample medical evidence can result in your claim being denied.
The experienced Social Security disability lawyers at Disability.Law can help you navigate filing a claim or appealing a denial. Our attorneys understand the complexities and nuances of the system, and we’ll leverage this experience to help you get the financial support you deserve.
Clients choose us because:
- We are a top-rated firm with 400+ Google reviews.
- We assist clients nationwide.
- Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys are committed to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact us today or call us to schedule a free consultation with a disability lawyer.