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Why You Need a Long Term Disability Attorney
Similar to how illnesses often necessitate the treatment of a doctor, legal issues often require the expertise and guidance of an attorney. Like medicine, law is complex, specialized and constantly evolving. Understanding laws, as well as legal systems and processes, not only takes years of studying and an advanced degree. It requires continuing education to ensure that attorneys are aware of new laws and stay abreast of changes to existing laws.
Although the increasing availability of legal services on the internet has made it easier to access basic legal information, these services are no substitute for the expert advice of a licensed, local attorney. Typically, online legal services offer only national perspectives, whereas local attorneys are able to provide clients with market-specific, regional insight and the personalized guidance needed to resolve a particular legal issue.
While self-representation may work for some, studies show that representing yourself, or “Pro Se” (the official term for legal self-representation) in disability-related legal matters can result in costly mistakes and unfavorable outcomes. Consider these findings:
- Statistics show that hiring a Social Security Disability lawyer can help increase your chances of successfully filing an initial disability claim. A disability lawyer does not get paid unless you are awarded benefits.
- Although a common perception is that applying for disability benefits is as simple as filling out a few forms, the reality is that the process requires extensive paperwork, medical records, and personal information. Mistakes or errors on an application could compromise an applicant’s eligibility. In fact, over 60 percent of initial applications are denied.
- Hiring an attorney prior to submitting a disability application can increase the chances of approval and help avoid the appeals process. One of the greatest advantages of working with a disability attorney is his or her familiarity with the Social Security review process and the rules that govern eligibility.