The process of filing a disability claim according to the Social Security Administration’s regulations can be difficult. It can be especially hard when you suffer a condition that is not recognized on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. Even if your condition is listed here, your claim could be denied for various reasons. You may be left wondering, “Who can I turn to for advice?”
If you or your loved one is in this situation, be assured: You are not alone. A disability lawyer works to help all sorts of people get the benefits and protection they need under federal, state, and local laws, and you can find the right disability lawyer for you.
At Phillips Law Group, we strive to make navigating the Arizona legal system easier for you. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining disability benefits for our clients, and we are committed to fighting for the rights of those who need our help. When you or someone you love faces a disability claim, we urge you to contact us today to learn how we can help.
What to Look for When Hiring a Disability Lawyer in Arizona
One excellent way of finding a Social Security disability attorney is to make use of your social circles. Ask people in your community, such as your family and friends. Most likely, someone you know has worked with attorneys before. Utilizing your personal networks is an excellent way to find resources or recommendations.
Additionally, you should read online reviews about the potential lawyers you are considering.
Remember, the most important recommendation for any law firm comes from its past clients. What do people who have used their services have to say about the firm? Are the attorneys easy to work with? Do they pride themselves on good communication, reliability, and honesty?
Choosing the wrong lawyer can make an already difficult situation much more frustrating. Save yourself the headache by going online to see what other people have to say about their services.
Should You Trust Advertisements When Looking for a Lawyer?
It has been said that we live in the “information age.” We intake a plethora of digital and print media. Many of our day-to-day decisions are influenced by what we have seen or heard in advertisements online, in the newspaper, or on television.
Of course, there is a big difference between deciding what brand to wear or food to eat and deciding which lawyer you should hire. Thus, you may wonder, “Are advertisements a good place to look for a lawyer?”
Can you really make such an important decision using an advertisement?
Admittedly, advertisements can be a good place to find a lawyer. However, you should be cautious about choosing one based only on an advertisement. Always do your research to make sure that the lawyer you choose is qualified and experienced in handling disability cases.
You cannot tell from an advertisement if a lawyer is honest or competent. Neither does an ad tell you whether the lawyer is respected by his or her peers and clients.
Inquire About Recent Case Results
Look for an attorney who has experience in specifically handling disability cases. He or she should be familiar with local laws and regulations of the Social Security Administration. Before settling on a lawyer, you should examine the firm’s case results. This will give you an idea of the firm’s success rate when handling cases like yours.
You can start with the firm’s website. Most firms will list their recent case results there. If you cannot find this information on the firm’s website, you can always call them to request it. Or you can request this information when having your initial consultation.
Once you have found a lawyer that you are interested in hiring, you should schedule an initial consultation to see if he or she would be a good fit for your case.
Questions to Ask During Your Initial Consultation
If you are filing a disability claim, you probably are facing frustrating and difficult decisions. The lawyer you choose should not add to your stress. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with your lawyer. Do you genuinely think he or she has your best interest at heart? Do you feel that he or she shows you respect and dignity regardless of your disability?
The following are examples of questions that you may ask your potential attorney:
How long do you expect my claim to take?
What are the estimated costs involved if I hire you?
How will you keep me updated on the status of my case?
Who will be handling my case? Can I directly contact you?
You should never feel like you are being rushed through a meeting or that your questions are unimportant. If a lawyer makes you feel this way, you have the right to seek out another option for legal representation.
What Claim Types Does the Potential Lawyer Focus On?
Another important question to ask a potential attorney is “Do you have any experience with my specific type of disability case?” Since there are different types of disability claims, you need to find out which areas your potential attorney focuses on.
The most common type of claim is for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. This claim type is made by people who have worked in the past and have paid into the Social Security system. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a disabling condition that prevents you from working. It must be expected to last at least 1 year or result in death.
Other types of SSD claims that disability lawyers handle include:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims: For people who have low incomes and few resources and who are disabled, blind, or 65 years of age and older
Childhood Disability benefits claims: For children under 18 years of age who have disabilities. These prevent the children from performing normal daily activities.
Disabled Adult Child claims: Made by children over the age of 18 who were disabled before the age of 22
There are many different types of disabilities, and each case is unique. The lawyer you choose should carefully examine the details of your specific case and needs.
If Your Claim Has Been Denied, Phillips Law Group Can Fight for Your Rights
Finding the right disability lawyer can be a daunting task. With careful consideration and preparation, you can find an excellent disability lawyer.
For many years, Phillips Law Group has been helping people with disabilities get the benefits they deserve. Our lawyers understand how difficult it can be to deal with a disabling condition. We know that getting the benefits you are entitled to can make a big difference in your life.
We understand that choosing a lawyer is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident in your choice. We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with us and get all the information you need to make a decision.
