What Experience Do You Have With Social Security Disability Claims?

It's important to work with a lawyer who has experience in Social Security Disability law. Ask about:

• How long have you been handling SSD cases?
• How many SSD claims have you handled in the past year?
• What percentage of your cases are SSD-related?
• What is your success rate with SSD claims?

These questions will help you gauge whether the lawyer is familiar with the complexities of SSD law and has a proven track record of success in similar cases.

Do You Have Experience with Appeals and Hearings?

If your claim is denied and you need to go through the appeals process, it's important to know if the lawyer has experience with that part of the process. Ask:

• Have you handled Social Security Disability appeals before?
• How often do you represent clients at SSD hearings before Administrative Law Judges (ALJs)?
• What is your experience with winning appeals at hearings?

A lawyer with experience in appeals and hearings will be better prepared to handle the complexities of challenging a denied claim.

How Do You Charge for Your Services?

Knowing the lawyer’s fee structure is essential to understanding the cost of legal representation. Ask:

• Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
• What percentage of the back pay do you charge if I win my case?
• Are there any other costs or fees I should be aware of?

Most Social Security Disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win. The fee is typically capped at 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum of $6,000. Ensure you understand how much you might owe if you win your case.

What is the Likely Outcome of My Case?

While no lawyer can guarantee an outcome, an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer should be able to provide an honest assessment of your case. Ask:

• Based on your experience, what do you think the likelihood of success is for my claim?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
• How long do you anticipate it will take to resolve my case?

A good lawyer will give you an honest and realistic view of your case’s chances and timeline.

How Will You Keep Me Informed Throughout the Process?

Clear communication is essential when working with a lawyer. Ask about the lawyer’s communication style:

• How often will you update me on the status of my case?
• What is the best way to reach you if I have questions?
• Will I be working directly with you, or will I be working with other members of your team?

It's important to choose a lawyer who will keep you informed and answer your questions in a timely manner.

What Should I Expect During the Application Process?

Understanding the Social Security Disability application process is key to knowing what to expect. Ask:

• Can you walk me through the steps involved in filing my SSD claim?
• What type of documentation and medical records do you need from me?
• How do you handle cases if they need to go to a hearing?

Knowing what to expect will help you feel more prepared throughout the process.

How Will You Gather and Present My Medical Evidence?

Medical evidence is crucial to your Social Security Disability claim. Ask the lawyer how they will help with gathering and presenting your medical records:

• What will you do to gather and organize my medical evidence?
• Do you have relationships with medical experts who can provide additional testimony if needed?
• How will you present my case to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or during an appeal?

The lawyer should have a solid strategy for collecting and presenting the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Will You Represent Me in a Hearing if My Claim is Denied?

If your claim is denied, you may need to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Ask:

• If my claim is denied, will you represent me at the hearing?
• What is your experience with hearings and how successful are you at winning them?
• How do you prepare for a hearing?

It’s important to know that your lawyer will be prepared to represent you throughout the entire process, including hearings.

How Will You Handle Any Challenges or Obstacles in My Case?

There can be unexpected challenges in any Social Security Disability claim. Ask the lawyer:

• How do you handle potential setbacks, such as delays or additional documentation requests?
• What happens if the SSA requests more information or denies my claim?

A good lawyer should be proactive in handling challenges and should have a plan in place for addressing potential obstacles.