If you develop an illness or injury that prevents you from being able to continue working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. However, navigating the disability application process can be complicated and overwhelming, particularly when you are trying to recover from your illness or injury. While you may want to consider managing this process on your own, even a minor misstep can negatively impact the total benefits that you will receive. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer who will help you navigate every step of the application process, communicate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) on your behalf, and ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
How Will a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me With My Case in Sacramento?
Even if you have the time and the desire to navigate the process on your own, it is generally in your best interest to work with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer who handles these types of cases and will significantly increase the odds of reaching a successful outcome. The following are examples of some of the main benefits of hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer:
- Conduct an initial case review. A dedicated lawyer will conduct a thorough review of your case and recommend the most effective strategy that will secure a successful outcome.
- Ensure that your application is complete. One of the most common reasons that applications for Social Security Disability benefits are denied is that information is missing from the application. A Social Security Disability lawyer will review your application and ensure that it is filled out accurately and completely.
- Obtain medical evidence. This is an important step in the application process. You will need to collect the medical records that are relevant to your injury or illness and present them in a way that strengthens your case. Your Social Security Disability lawyer will oversee the following steps regarding the collection of medical information:
– Carefully review your medical records in their entirety
– Highlight pertinent information that is relevant to your claim
– Obtain missing records necessary to support your claim. If additional medical tests are needed, your lawyer will oversee this process.
– Present the information in a way that tells your unique story in a clear and concise manner
– Gather statements from doctors and other healthcare providers to include professional opinions that support your claim - Communicate with the SSA. An application can easily get lost in the enormous volume of applications that the SSA receives. Your Social Security Disability lawyer will be in regular communication with the SSA and ensure that your application is reviewed and that you have the best chance of receiving the benefits you deserve.
- File all necessary appeals. Over half of all initial applications for Social Security Disability benefits are denied, which means that it is highly likely that you will have to file an appeal. Your lawyer will guide you through this process, make sure that specific deadlines are met, and ensure that your claim receives the attention it deserves.
- Represent you at your disability hearing. Most claims proceed to the hearing level, where you will go before a judge and speak on your own behalf about your disability and why you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits. This is a private hearing that is often held in a small room with the judge, your attorney, and possibly your spouse or another trusted friend or family member. Your lawyer will make sure that you are well prepared for your hearing and represent you at the initial conference.
- Address financial concerns. A common concern is that hiring a lawyer will be expensive. Although that is a valid concern, having an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer on your side will alleviate much of the stress involved in applying for benefits and ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
In addition to the above benefits, there are certain tasks that only an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can do, which can be particularly advantageous to your case:
- Access the SSA’s Electronic Records Express (ERE), which includes all the information about your case
- Provide supplementary documents to support your application, including on-the-record (OTR) briefs, which are helpful if you have a significant medical condition that affects your ability to function
- Comprehensively understand Social Security codes and GRID rules, which are methods used to categorize medical conditions and vocational abilities
- Ensure that the application process goes smoothly by ensuring that the SSA representative does not provide you with inaccurate information about processes and deadlines
When Should I Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Whether you are considering filing for Social Security Disability benefits or you wish to start the application process, it is highly recommended that you contact a Social Security Disability lawyer at your earliest convenience. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation, and you do not owe any money until you win your case. Your Social Security Disability lawyer will conduct a thorough review of your case, determine whether there are any weaknesses or missing information, and assist you with every step of the application process. Working with an experienced lawyer will increase the chances that your application will be approved. In addition, by working with a dedicated lawyer, you are more likely to recover significantly more financial compensation than if you delay the process or try to navigate the application process on your own.
Sacramento Social Security Disability Lawyers at Walters & Zinn, Attorneys at Law, Seek Justice for Social Security Disability Clients
If you are no longer able to work because of an injury or illness, do not hesitate to contact the Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyers at Walters & Zinn, Attorneys at Law. Our highly skilled legal team will help you navigate every step of the application process, address any questions or concerns you may have, and pursue the benefits for which you are entitled. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 916-610-4706 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Folsom and Fairfield, California, where we serve clients in the surrounding areas.