| Research shows that people spend WAY more time | | | | YOUR INITIAL DISABILITY LAWYER |
| selecting a car then they do an attorney - of any | | | | CONSULTATION |
| type! However, if you are looking for, and need, the | | | | Remember, you will want to select about 2 or 3 |
| services of a Disability Lawyer, it is STRONGLY | | | | lawyers to interview, so that you have the ability to |
| recommended that you spend time preparing a | | | | compare styles, personalities, and "fit" for you. Also, |
| search for, actually selecting, and actively working | | | | sometimes it helps to take along someone else that |
| with the "right" one for you. Here are some | | | | you trust, so that they can write down what is said. |
| suggestions for you in this process. | | | | Many disability lawyers will not charge for the initial |
| WHY WOULD I NEED A DISABILITY LAWYER? | | | | free no-obligation initial consultation. BUT, IT IS YOUR |
| First of all, a lawyer's presence gives you significant | | | | RESPONSIBILITY TO COME PREPARED SO THAT |
| clout, or what is known as "gravitas" (i.e., credibility | | | | YOU DO NOT WASTE THEIR TIME. |
| and wealth of expertise and experience) with | | | | Take paper and pen to document your discussion. |
| Insurance Companies and the Social Security | | | | Write down your questions ahead of time, so that |
| Administration (particularly in the appeals processes). | | | | you will not forget them. |
| Secondly, disability lawyers are aware of any | | | | 1) Explain your situation BRIEFLY. Start with what |
| loopholes that may exist, and can help you focus | | | | you want as an outcome from your association with |
| your energies and activities toward a successful | | | | the attorney. |
| outcome, particularly if you are in an appeals process. | | | | 2) Ask what his charges will be. See if he/she will not |
| Finally, and most importantly, if you have already | | | | charge a fee unless they win or settle your case. |
| been denied benefits, you REALLY need that | | | | 3) Ask how they will approach your problem. |
| disability lawyer to assist you in the appeals | | | | 4) Ask what you can do to improve your chances of |
| processes. | | | | success. |
| RESEARCHING A DISABILITY LAWYER SOURCE | | | | 5) Ask what you can expect to happen over the |
| In future blogs, we will be providing direct links for | | | | next few weeks, months, at conclusion of the case. |
| you to use in locating a "disease-specific" Association | | | | 6) Ask if they have any questions for you - about |
| or Organization in your state/location. These places | | | | your case or anything else. |
| are full of information, usually for free. And, they | | | | WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR |
| usually have a list of disability lawyers that their | | | | DISABILITY LAWYER, AND WHAT YOUR |
| members have recommended. | | | | DISABILITY LAWYER SHOULD BE ABLE TO |
| Go online to a website that you have confidence in | | | | EXPECT FROM YOU! |
| to search for law firms in your area. Visit their | | | | You should expect your chosen disability lawyer, the |
| websites to check out their practice specialties, | | | | right one for you, to be someone who is: |
| articles, clients, results, and personality. Particularly | | | | Honest about your situation, your chances, and each |
| look to see if their website summarizes any cases in | | | | step in the process; |
| their areas of specialty. | | | | Timely in scheduling meetings, turning in documents, in |
| Other "professional" friends or acquaintances of | | | | letting you know who, what, and where you need to |
| yours (Real Estate Agent; another type of lawyer; | | | | do, go, and see; |
| Church Pastor; Banker, etc.) might be able to | | | | Available (either him/herself or someone on his/her |
| recommend someone. | | | | staff) at critical junctions in your case; and, |
| DISABILITY LAWYER SELECTION CRITERIA | | | | Realistic about the process, your case, and each step |
| Selecting a disability lawyer should be like selecting a | | | | in the journey. |
| doctor; you really have to be comfortable with the | | | | In exchange for his/her expertise in your case, your |
| one you select; their personality, their style, their | | | | disability attorney should be able to expect the |
| way of communicating, etc. | | | | following from you. That you will be: |
| You want a lawyer with at least five to seven (5 - | | | | Honest with him/her at all times; |
| 7) years of experience (and at least 3 of those must | | | | Timely in providing documents to him/her, in |
| be in your particular state). | | | | attending meetings, etc.; |
| You want a lawyer who specializes in the area you | | | | Prepared and available for each meeting, and |
| need (i.e., Social Security law, or Disability Insurances - | | | | respectful of his/her time; and, |
| Long Term Disability Insurance), and whose practice | | | | Realistic about your chances in the process. |
| is 70% to 75% or more in this specific area. | | | | Best of luck in your successful selection and work |
| You want a lawyer who believes in communicating | | | | with the RIGHT disability attorney for you! If you |
| well with their client. You want him/her to be upfront | | | | have any additional suggestions for folks looking for a |
| and honest about your chances of winning. | | | | disability lawyer, we'd love to hear them. |