Tips for Hiring an SSD Lawyer - If you want to win your disability benefit, you may want a social security disability lawyer represent you in a court of law. These benefits are meant for people who are unable to perform an adequate gainful activity because of mental or physical impairment. This situation is expected to continue for a minimum period of 12 months. There could be cases where an individual is denied his social security benefit and hiring an lawyer gains paramount importance.
Selecting a social security disability lawyer
Hiring a lawyer who specializes in social security benefits is critical for the simple reason that he is knowledgeable in this specific area and would have handled many similar cases. This works in your favor to get successful results in a shorter period of time. Specific experience has no substitute when it comes to any area of law. While specialization is primary, the second most important aspect is to do your bit of research in identifying a suitable social security disability lawyer after consulting a few of them. Try to get as much pertinent information as possible such as depth of experience, time taken to obtain compensation, fee charged by the lawyer etc.
A lawyer who is reputed and certified by the State's Bar Association should be your first choice. Another point to consider is the comfort that you share with the lawyer. Most lawyers today offer scope for a free initial appointment. There is no legal obligation on you to hire the first or every lawyer you meet. These face to face consultations will give you an idea about the responsiveness of the lawyer and thereby helps in establishing a harmonious relationship. You may also want to review the lawyer's earlier references to check for complaints filed against him.
Ways to select your lawyer
(1) You can look for a social security disability lawyer in the phone book. The yellow pages has lawyers listed according to their field of practice.
(2) Word of mouth works best when you need guaranteed results. You can contact your trusted contacts who can refer you to a successful lawyer.
(3) The local Bar Association usually runs referral services that you can make use of. When you provide details of your case to them, they can refer you to a lawyer who has handled similar cases just like yours.
(4) While the first three points are conventional sources to identify a suitable lawyer, today's age has people resorting to the internet for information. Many websites carry detailed information on lawyers and their success stories along with their contact particulars.
Fees charged by your lawyer should be reviewed appropriately. You may want to make a comparison since these charges can vary widely. Comprehensively review the hiring agreement or more popularly referred to as the retainer agreement to check on all financial charges. Irrespective of the legal system's just and equitable nature, a case that is well presented by a social security disability lawyer goes a long way in increasing the likelihood of successful results.