What do you expect from your disability attorney
When dealing with a disability, there are several procedures that the federal government requires in filing claims so that you can receive the benefits to which you are truly entitled. It is an experience that can be physically and emotionally stressful. Legal support from your disability attorney can be very helpful during this difficult time in your life.
The attorney is responsible for helping you through the claim process so that your life can return to as normal as possible. Although disability attorneys approach cases in different ways, there are many similarities in the methods they use to develop and manage cases in preparation for the hearing. Here are some of the main things you should expect from your attorney.
Detailed interview
When you contact an attorney for representation, the next thing they will do is schedule an initial interview with you. The lawyer can come to you and the main objective of the interview is to get all the basic facts related to the case. The facts are what will be used to develop a case using an approach that will have higher success rates in your favour. The interview can be over the phone or a physical meeting. If there are higher chances of winning the case, the attorney will be more than willing to represent you.
Develop medical evidence
Once you trust the attorney with your case, you will be asked to sign a medical privacy statement, which will allow them to access your medical records. After reviewing the medical records, the attorney will determine if any other additional tests are needed to increase the chances of winning the claim. Social Security mandates which tests must be taken for disability and may be required by an attorney to schedule a consultative examination with one of their doctors or you may be allowed to take the test in private. The doctors involved will provide supporting statements regarding any functional limitations if any and the attorney will decide what to do with any bad evidence that may ultimately damage the case and also which medical records are most appropriate to present.
Prepare to listen
Once all the documents are ready and the hearing date approaches, your attorney will begin preparing you for the hearing. Communication before the hearing is really important because it gives you an idea of how the case will be conducted and also teaches you how to answer questions that may be asked. The attorney will review the FAQ with you. Some of the questions can be embarrassing, and if you are not sure of their relevance, you can always ask the attorney to explain why you should answer that question and how it helps the case.
Witness arrangement
Witnesses who are allowed to testify at the hearing can either help or harm the case. Therefore, your disability attorney will be responsible for determining what testimonies are needed to win the case and whether any witnesses should at all take a stand in the case. Former caregivers and employers provide potential witnesses.
