A disability lawyer is a legal representative who uses their knowledge of the complex rules and regulations that govern social security disability to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.
Navigating these rules and regulations can be daunting to applicants, and failing to follow them could result in delays in approval or outright denial of benefits. This is where disability lawyers play a crucial role as advocates who help individuals understand their rights and guide them through the intricate process of securing disability benefits.
If you want to apply for or have been denied disability benefits and are considering hiring an attorney, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the important services offered by disability lawyers and how they can assist you in detail.
What Does a Disability Lawyer Do and How Do They Help You?
Let’s understand the various legal procedures that a disability lawyer can help you with.
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Understanding Disability Law and Regulations
Disability lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations around disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. They can guide you on the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and relevant legal principles to ensure your claim is handled in a way that best supports approval. In short, they are experts in helping applicants put a strong case forward.
If you want to apply for SSDI benefits, an experienced disability lawyer can clarify complex legal terms that may be hard to understand and guide you at every step of the application process. They can help you make the strongest possible case for approval.
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Case Evaluation
Before proceeding with a disability claim, a disability lawyer will conduct a thorough case evaluation during your initial consultation. This assessment is important to determine the viability of your claim.
Consulting with a professional for your disability claim can help you understand the steps necessary to proceed with an application or give you the tools and support you need to fight a denial in court.
For instance, the SSA’s “Blue Book” has a list of specific criteria for various impairments. Your lawyer will help match your medical evidence with these criteria to determine how your condition aligns with the SSA’s established guidelines and build your case accordingly.
Whether you’re considering applying for benefits or appealing a denial, a disability lawyer can offer great insight and direction for your case.
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Application Assistance
There are a lot of moving parts to applying for disability benefits. Completing the application form clearly and accurately, collecting all the necessary paperwork and medical evidence, and meeting deadlines can be overwhelming – especially when you’re sick.
Disability lawyers streamline this process and support you at every step, even taking some of the work off your hands by helping to gather and organize essential medical evidence, obtaining supporting documentation from doctors, banks, and insurance companies, and ensure that your application is thorough and compelling.
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Representation in Appeals and Hearings
If your initial disability application is denied, disability lawyers provide support and representation throughout the appeals process. They keep track of the dates of administrative hearings, speak to all the parties involved, keep all the proof handy, and represent you before the administrative law judges.
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Ongoing Support and Advocacy
Once you receive Social Security Disability, circumstances can impact your eligibility for benefits. There can also be issues involving overpayment claims by the SSA, and even outright termination of benefits.
When beneficiaries receive notifications of these actions, social security lawyers are there to address questions and concerns, and if necessary, represent you in any further interactions with the SSA.
Win the Benefits you Deserve with a Disability Lawyer
Disability lawyers play a vital role in navigating the complex disability claims process. From providing expert guidance and assistance with applications to representing you in appeals, and beyond, they are dedicated advocates committed to supporting you and helping to ensure your financial well-being.
With decades of specialized experience in social security law, Lemoine Law Firm can help you maximize your chances of qualifying for disability benefits. We have multiple locations throughout Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama, to serve you. Contact us today.
Social Security Disability Representative
Annie began working at the firm in 2011 and received her Juris Doctor Degree from Southern University Law Center in 2016. She has been a member of the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR), and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSCR) since 2016; and in 2018 she became an Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney (EDPNA) Representative.
