Checking the credentials of a Social Security Disability LawyerAgain, advice from a forum (I begin to wonder if I will ever run out of these -- possibly not since I keep finding new forums to quote from). "When you check on getting a disability lawyer, ask questions. What is their track record? How often do they do win their disability cases. You don't want a lawyer who doesn't win most of his cases". Hmmm. In theory, there's nothing heinously wrong with asking such questions. But theory is one thing and practice is another. Think about it. If you call a disability lawyer on the phone and tell him that you are looking for representation but only want an attorney who meets certain qualifications, how are you going to ascertain those qualifications? By asking him questions like this? You can ask away, but I doubt it will do much good. For example, if you ask a Social Security Disability attorney the question "what is your track record on handling disability cases?", you'll probably be answered with "My track record is very good". Why on earth would he (or she) say otherwise? And even if the attorney's track record is not so bright and shining, how would you know? Second example: You ask the attorney "How many of your cases do you win?" Is it even remotely concievable that a disability lawyer with a poor record of representation is going to answer such a question with "I win about about thirty percent of my cases"? If he has brain damage, maybe he will. But, of course not, because everytime he gave such an answer he would be turning away opportunities to gain new clients to represent. So, in theory, being advised to ask a prospective disability lawyer about his or her "track record" is not particularly useful. How do you gauge the quality of someone you may be about to hire? That's a hard question to answer. You'll probably have to rely on a combination of the following: 1. Your first impressions. 2. Your gut instinct. 3. And your own appraisal of how well they have handled your own case up to a certain point -- i.e. if they miss appeal deadlines, never return your calls, and never seem to know the status of your case....you may want to consider a different person to handle your Social Security Disability or SSI disability claim. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How to file for disability in Florida FL Do you apply for SSD or SSI? Type 2 Diabetes and Filing for Disability How long to get a Social Security decision letter? When does Social Security pay the first disability benefit check? Can I get disability based on my high blood pressure and my age? Can I get disability if I have seizures? Can you qualify for Social Security Disability on the basis of fibromyalgia? What are the requirements and criteria for Social Security Disability? Disability at age 50 or older Long-Term Disability From Back Injuries Does Depression Make Your Head Ache? How does music affect stroke victims? How to file for disability in New York Social Security medical disability determination process |
