When dealing with disability, there are several procedures required by the federal government in filing a claim so that you can receive the benefits you are entitled to. It is an experience that can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The legal support of your disability attorney can prove to be very beneficial during this difficult time in your life.
The lawyer is responsible for helping you with the claims process so that your life can return to as normal as possible. Even though disability attorneys handle cases in different ways, there are many similarities in the approaches they use to develop and manage cases before hearing readiness. Below are some of the key things you should expect from your lawyer.
detailed interview
When you contact a lawyer for representation, the next thing they will do is set up an initial interview with you. The lawyer may come to you and the main objective of the interview is to get all the basic facts about the case. Facts are what will be used to develop the case using an approach that has a high success rate in your favor. Interview can be by phone or physical meeting. If there is a good chance of winning the case then the lawyer will be ready to represent you.
develop medical evidence
Once you have trusted the attorney with your case, you will need to sign a medical confidentiality release allowing them access to your medical records. After reviewing the medical records, the attorney will determine whether any additional tests are needed to increase the chances of winning the claim. Social Security dictates the exams that need to be taken for disability and can advocate it to schedule a consultative exam with one of your doctors or you can be allowed to be tested privately. The doctors involved will give supporting statements on any functional limitations and the lawyer will decide what to do with any corroborating evidence that may harm the case and also decide which medical records are most relevant to submit. Are.
prepare to listen to you
Once all the documents are ready and the hearing date is near, your lawyer will begin to prepare you for the claim hearing. Pre-hearing communication really matters because it gives you an idea of how the case will be handled and also teaches you how to answer questions that could potentially be asked. The lawyer will go over general questions with you. Some questions can be embarrassing and if you are not sure of their relevance you can always ask the lawyer to explain why you should answer that question and how it helps the case.
arrange witnesses
Allowing witnesses to testify at trial can help or hurt the case. Therefore, your disability attorney will be responsible for deciding what testimony is necessary to win the case and whether the case should have any witnesses. Carers and former employers make potential witnesses.
