Many people wonder if they need an attorney to handle their Social Security case. An attorney can provide many benefits that can maximize a claimant’s chance of success. If you get an experienced Social Security Disability attorney who practices in your geographic area, he or she will know what your particular Administrative Law Judge prefers to see in a successful case. If you get an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, he or she might be able to have your case reviewed for a Favorable Decision well before your hearing date. This could save months or years off of your pending claim. If you get an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, he or she should be able to recognize the strengths of your case, and work to overcome the weaknesses in your case.
Unrepresented claimants are often unable to recognize the problem areas in their case. Unfortunately, many unrepresented claimants think just because they cannot work, and their doctor agrees with them, that they will win their case. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to see if a claimant is disabled. An experienced Social Security disability attorney will know the rules and regulations, as well as the case law that relates to every disability case.
Are there any downsides to having an attorney? One potential downside to hiring an attorney to handle your Social Security Case is the potential attorney fee. Fees are capped by the Social Security Administration, and each fee agreement must be approved by the Social Security Administration when a case is approved. However, B. Thomas Golden does not ask for any up front fees or expenses from his clients. His clients only pay him when and if he wins your case. An attorney may ask a client to cover the expenses incurred on a case. These expenses often include the cost of getting medical records from your medical providers.
In many cases, clients who weigh the benefits and pitfalls of hiring an attorney, choose to hire an attorney. After all, when an attorney works on a contingency fee, he has every incentive to fully prepare and win your case. With many claimants waiting two or more years for a hearing, one mistake by an claimant without an attorney could lead to years without the disability payments the claimant deserves.
For a free, no pressure consultation, contact the office of B. Thomas Golden. The phone numbers are listed on the right side of this page. You may also email him at btg@bthomasgolden.com.