How should I choose a disability lawyer?
6 Tips for Finding the Right Representation for You
If you’ve decided you need a disability lawyer to help you get crucial financial benefits, now you ask: But how do I choose the right one?
It’s a decision that could mean the difference between winning a financial lifeline and struggling to survive when you can’t work because of your health. It’s also about being treated with dignity and respect at a very difficult time your life. This is a complicated, personal decision.
At Nash Disability Law, we’ve been helping people win the SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSD) BENEFITS they deserve for more than 40 years. We’ve helped more Chicago area people get benefits than any other law firm.
We know the system and most importantly, we know what separates a top-notch disability lawyer from one that doesn’t deserve your trust.
See our 6 tips on how to find the disability lawyer that’s right for you:
No. 1: Get Someone Experienced.
This is the most important factor you can consider. How long has this attorney been practicing? How many clients have they helped win benefits?
Social Security Disability is a notoriously complicated system that can leave outsiders confused and, sadly, often DENIED on their first application.
An EXPERIENCED DISABILITY ATTORNEY will know the system, the rules, the steps, the deadlines, and the people who work at Social Security. They’ll know how to navigate the maze of forms and procedures, so you don’t have to.
No. 2: Get an Attorney Who Focuses on Disability Law.
Often, law firms that handle many kinds of legal matters will take an SSD case, too.
But because of the complicated system you’re facing, you want someone who spends a significant amount of their time on disability claims.
Social Security has its own separate legal system for deciding who wins benefits. Just because someone’s a lawyer—maybe with years of experience with different kinds of cases—it doesn’t mean they’ll fully understand the details of the Social Security process.
Make sure Social Security Disability cases are a major priority for any attorney you choose.
Nash Disability Law is entirely dedicated to Social Security Disability.
No. 3: Read Reviews from Past Clients.
It’s wise to CONSIDER ONLINE REVIEWS of any lawyer you work with. Don’t judge an attorney purely on a star rating, but dig into the reviews and see what people are saying. Often, you’ll be able to tell the difference between a real review and someone behaving strangely online.
Look for how the attorneys treat clients and if that’s reflected in those reviews. If the law firm responds to any reviews, see if they are respectful and professional in their comments.
Someone who takes the time and effort to understand your case and situation is the person you should pick.
No. 4: Work with a Local Lawyer.
Some national law firms will send a lawyer from out of state who does a drive-by job on your SSD application or appeal.
You might not get the chance to meet them much in person. You might not get much personal attention from them at all.
And they probably don’t know much about the Social Security offices near you and what those offices and the Social Security officials there are like to deal with.
In the Chicago area, Nash Disability Law has OFFICES IN CHICAGO, and Palos Hills, and our entire mission is helping Chicago people, who we see as neighbors, not numbers.
No. 5: Ask if they’ll Meet You before Your Hearing.
The most important step for many disability claims is going to meet a Social Security administrative law judge to explain in person why you need benefits.
You wait for this hearing for months, but some lawyers only meet you on the day the hearing happens.
You deserve better than that. Going to see a judge is stressful. Make sure your lawyer will meet with you ahead of time and help you feel as prepared and confident as you can before your hearing.
No. 6: Evaluate the Law Firm’s Staff, Too.
A good disability law firm should make you feel welcome from your first point of contact to the end of your case. That means the people answering the phones, helping process your case and the attorney.
If the whole legal team is unwilling to help you feel comforted in your time of need, they aren’t for you.
At our law firm, we take immense pride in providing a caring client experience from start to finish. We believe it’s what every disability lawyer should provide when people are too sick or hurt to work and need help.
If you’re anywhere in the Chicagoland area and need help winning disability benefits,
