What Should You Expect During Your First Consultation with a Disability Lawyer?

Any American citizen who has a severe physical or mental disability that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least one year or more or result in death may apply for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA)  does not pay benefits for partial disability or short-term disability of less than twelve months. There are two programs under which SSA pays monthly benefits based on disabilities - Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The best way to secure approval for  Social Security disability benefits is to work with an experienced New Jersey disability lawyer who can help you understand and adhere to the SSA's strict eligibility requirements for both disability programs. Before the initial consultation, potential applicants must gather crucial medical records and work history details to maximize the effectiveness of their consultation and provide the lawyer with a comprehensive overview of their case.

A Disability Lawyer Will Help You Understand The Social Security System

Disability lawyers help disabled individuals and their families secure much-needed financial assistance and guide them through a tumultuous and challenging phase in their lives. An initial consultation with a disability lawyer helps disabled individuals understand their legal rights and obligations. The processes and procedures to get disability benefits can be overwhelming and complex. These processes involve extensive paperwork, stringent standards, and strict deadlines.

A disability lawyer will help you understand how the system works. The lawyer will help you understand the process and what the SSA looks for in an application.Once you hire the lawyer, they will work closely alongside you to create a plan of action for your claim to make it stand out among applications.

The Lawyer Will Inform You About Their Fees

Financial constraints should not prevent disabled individuals from seeking legal representation to secure disability benefits. A Contingency fee structure allows disabled individuals to access quality legal representation. Many future conflicts between lawyers and their clients involve fees. The best lawyers inform prospective clients about their fee structure during the free consultation. Clients should ask questions about fee concerns. Discussing fees early on can help avoid unpleasant disagreements later.

The Lawyer Will Discuss Effective Ways To Communicate With Their Office

Disability lawyers and their clients must have discussions to establish effective modes of communication and maintain open and sincere dialogue throughout the legal process. During the initial consultation, assess the lawyer’s communication skills, style, approach, and willingness to help. A lawyer with exemplary communication skills will listen actively and respond in a supportive and compassionate manner. 

An effective style of communication establishes trust and avoids misunderstandings.

Your lawyer will provide regular updates on any case progress or developments.

Claimants should not lie, tell inconsistent stories, or fail to disclose critical information or documents that may be relevant to their case.  Exaggerating about your disabling condition can damage your case’s credibility. 

Contact An Experienced New Jersey Disability Lawyer

Just because your treating doctor says you cannot work full-time or you believe that you are disabled does not necessarily mean the SSA will agree with you or your doctor and rely on your description of your symptoms and limitations. The SSA evaluates disability claims using its medical experts and claims examiners. 

A New Jersey disability lawyer knows how to deal with the SSA, gather vital evidence, and move the entire claims process swiftly by staying in regular contact with the SSA. 

In case you wish to know more about applying and qualifying for disability benefits in New Jersey, contact a seasoned disability attorney at Chermol And Fishman to schedule a free case assessment.