3 Things To Ask Your Social Security Disability Attorney About
Posted on: 1 September 2015
While many people in the United States may only think of Social Security in terms of the benefits offered to retired people, it also serves an important function in providing for those who have limited physical or mental ability to provide for themselves. If you've recently become disabled and you're struggling to secure the benefits you feel you're entitled to, it's important that you take the necessary steps to protect your interests.
Below, you'll find a guide to some things you should be sure to ask your Social Security disability attorney about. Many people who are forced to litigate to secure their benefits have little to no experience with the process, so asking these questions is a great way to make sure all of your bases are covered.
Ask About Additional Medical Opinions
The central issue in most disability proceedings is whether or not you're truly limited in your ability to care for yourself and your loved ones. While a medical diagnosis from a trusted doctor may display this clearly, it's possible that a court will be skeptical of any findings that come from a doctor with perceived biases.
Your attorney will be able to work with you to find a neutral, third party physician whose opinion is likely to be highly respected by the court. By seeking an additional opinion, you can help guarantee that you expose all of the information that will help you in your search for financial relief.
Ask About Payment Arrangements
One of the most unfortunate ironies surrounding disability cases is that some people delay seeking the relief they're entitled to out of a concern that they'll have to pay an attorney. If you're facing financial instability, it's important that you have the confidence of knowing that your finances will be appropriately secured and protected.
Your lawyer will be able to work with you to develop a contingency payment plan that can allow you to delay paying him or her until your settlement is reached. In fact, this is often to both of your benefits, as it can allow your lawyer's fees to be fixed to a percentage of your achieved settlement.
Ask About On-The-Record Requests
In some cases, you may be able to avoid a lengthy hearing by simply convincing a judge that your disability is evident enough that you shouldn't be forced into undergoing a delay. By asking about this process, known as an on-the-record hearing, you can shorten the amount of time before you begin to receive benefits and take immediate steps toward achieving the stability that you desire so much.
Visit http://www.johnehornattorney.com and talk to a social security lawyer today for more information.
Share