“I worked hard all my life. A lot of money came out of my paychecks for Social Security. Now that I can’t work, my case should be awarded. Why should I spend money on hiring a lawyer?”
That’s a fair question. The short answer is hiring a lawyer knowledgeable about Social Security disability can increase the likelihood of your claim being awarded AND it doesn’t cost you any money up front. In fact, statistics show that those who hire an attorney are twice as likely to win a disability case than those who go it alone.
How hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer can Help You
1. Free Consultations
It doesn’t cost anything to meet with one of our lawyers and have your questions answered. We don’t do a hard sell during consultations. We’re here to answer questions. We’re not here to pressure you to sign up as a client if you’re not ready to do so.
We don't believe in giving false hope. We prefer being honest and setting realistic expectations – i.e., if we think your case is a winner, we will let you know. If we don't think you will be approved for benefits, we will let you know. It's never what someone wants to hear - it's not personal, it's federal law.
2. No Upfront Cost
We don’t receive any payment unless and until we win your case. Disability lawyers typically handle cases on a contingency fee basis. IF we win your case and IF that win results in back benefits owed to you, then we are paid the lesser of 25% or $7,200 of those back due benefits. IF we win the case AFTER a successful appeal to the Appeals Council or federal court, then the contingency fee becomes a flat 25%.
3. Case Development for Improving Chances of Winning
A disability lawyer will ensure ALL of your medical records are gathered and submitted to Social Security. Without an attorney, Social Security will make just 1 single attempt to get your records. If they don't receive everything after that 1 attempt, they will make a decision on your case with an incomplete record.
We will also get medical opinions from your doctors detailing how your impairment(s) affect your ability to work to earn a living. Social Security does not attempt to get such evidence in support of your case.
A knowledgeable disability lawyer, who again does not receive payment unless they win your case, will properly develop the case to improve your likelihood of winning.
In fact, statistics show that those who hire an attorney are twice as likely to win (small self-report study), and 3x more likely at the hearing level (SSA Statistic) than those who go it alone. Frankly, we think that estimate is incredibly low given that 80% of initial applications are denied. Ultimately, 67% are never approved, even after appeals. Rest assured, Balin Law's clients are far more likely to be approved than just 2-3x the average.
When using a reputable disability law firm like Balin Law, you have an experienced disability attorney to properly develop your case. Having practiced disability law for decades, our attorneys know what evidence will best prove your eligibility for benefits. Our amazing administrative team will diligently gather all the records and supporting evidence. The Balin Law team then lays out your case to Social Security, maximizing your likelihood of approval.
4. Stress Reduction
Applying for disability involves more paperwork and phone calls than most folks imagine when they are preparing to sign up. The shortest wait time involved in applying for disability is three months. Thus, it’s helpful to have someone to call who will explain to you exactly what is going on with your case. When Social Security is asking you to fill out the same form you completed 6 months ago, it’s helpful to have someone to call who will explain why it is necessary (and will gladly complain with you!).
When Social Security needs to contact you to discuss your case, it’s helpful to have a buffer who can explain what questions they will ask in advance. And when Social Security sets up an appointment for you to see one of their doctors, it’s helpful to have someone to call who will explain what that appointment will entail. If you receive a denial, it’s helpful to have someone to call who will help you keep the faith. A disability attorney will ensure to file your appeal in a timely manner as well.
Disability lawyers are also your advocates when applying for or appealing a disability case. At Balin Law, we will help prepare you for the types of questions asked in court. We will also explain why the court is asking those questions. It’s our job to set your expectations and help you feel prepared and confident throughout the disability process.
5. Disability Lawyers Understand the Hearing Process
Do not attend a disability hearing without a knowledgeable lawyer. There will be at least one expert witness testifying at your hearing. If it is a vocational expert, you need a lawyer familiar with the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and its companion publication the Selected Characteristics of Occupations to cross examine the vocational expert.
Disability attorneys also have inside knowledge about Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). We know their personalities and decision-making processes, which can help in preparing for a case. If it is a medical expert, you need a lawyer familiar with Social Security’s medical listings to cross examine the medical expert. Again, do not attend a disability hearing without a knowledgeable lawyer.
We hope we have informed you with several reasons as to why it’s beneficial to hire a knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney. Balin Law has been in practice since 1980 fighting and winning cases for those who are so deserving of disability benefits. We encourage you to get an experienced lawyer on your side when looking to file Social Security disability benefits or while appealing a denial.