Disability affects as many as 1 in 4 Americans. Worse, about 20% of these adults aged 18 to 44 have at least one unmet healthcare need due to cost. Their disability further makes it difficult because it hinders them from gainful employment.
If you’re in the same boat, it’s time to learn how to pick a disability attorney. The right lawyer can help you file for and receive the financial assistance you need.
Below, we’ll share tips for choosing an attorney to assist with your disability claim, so read on.
Pick a Disability Attorney With Extensive Experience
You have over 1.3 million options for attorneys in the United States. That’s the number of practicing lawyers in the U.S. as of 2022. However, only some specialize in disability claims, which can often be complex.
So, the first thing to look for is an attorney whose primary focus is disability law. They must also be experts in social security disability cases similar to yours.
For example, suppose you suffer from bipolar and SSI benefits apply to your case. If so, it’s imperative to hire a disability attorney who has handled and won similar claims.
Validate Each Lawyer’s Claims About Their Expertise
Once you have at least three prospective lawyers, compare what they say to what the State Bar does.
Please note that all practicing attorneys in the U.S. must have a valid license and be a State Bar member. The State Bar, in turn, regulates and disciplines its members, among many other roles. Thus, it’s one of the best sources to help you confirm a lawyer’s claims about their expertise.
For example, let’s say you find a lawyer who says they’ve been practicing disability law for ten years. To confirm that claim is factual, visit your State Bar Association’s website. You can then conduct a lawyer search there to see when they got their license and if they have a good or bad standing.
Read Independent Lawyer Reviews
Websites like Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell are online review platforms for lawyers. The testimonials (or complaints) are from clients and peers (other legal professionals). Reading online reviews like those on such sites can help you learn more about your prospects.
Most of those online platforms use similar review criteria, such as but not limited to:
- Overall service quality
- Responsiveness and communication
- Value for money
Many reviews also include comments about client-lawyer interactions. These are where previous clients usually say if they recommend the attorney and why (or why not).
Those online platforms are free, so please take advantage of them. What you learn from these sites can help you better gauge your prospective attorneys.
Hire Only the Best Disability Attorney
While a disability shouldn’t cause embarrassment, it makes one’s cost of living higher. Indeed, surveys found that families with an adult with a work disability need 29% more income.
So, if your household is part of that group, please pick a disability attorney who can protect your rights. Start by following all our tips, as they can help you make the right choice.
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