Disability cases require lawyers that are knowledgeable about Social Security laws and regulations. When you decide to pursue a claim, you must research Social Security disability lawyers in your area. Disability law is a field that requires a trained attorney to litigate the case. SSDI lawyers know the proper medical records, forms, and statements you need to present during the discovery phase of a trial.
If you’re having trouble with your search, you may need some basic guidelines to help you pinpoint a professional. Our guide will tell you the questions you need to ask a Chattanooga Social Security disability lawyer before hiring one for your case.
What Level of Expertise Does This Attorney Possess?
Social Security law is a very extensive discipline. You can determine if an attorney has the right credentials by asking them if they are board certified in social security law. Many lawyers will display their certifications in their office so a certificate will be easy to spot. If they don’t have any certification, ask them about their experience litigating social security case. You want an attorney that has at least five years of experience in your state.
Another qualification of a trained disability lawyer is membership in the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR).
What is the Lawyer Fee?
Social Security disability lawyers do not ask for a retainer fee. They typically only ask that you create a small fund to cover traveling expenses, postage, and record retrieval. This fee is typically paid despite the final outcome of the case. Once a claimant has been awarded a settlement, the lawyer will be entitled to 25 percent of the settlement not exceeding $6,000. No matter the claims amount, the Social Security disability lawyer is only entitled to no more than $6,000.
Who handles Consultative Examinations (CE)?
A consultative examination is a meeting with a physician to discuss your medical condition and to corroborate your social security disability claim. These exams may not always be covered by insurance and can be quite costly. It is important to note, that a CE is not mandatory for your case but your Social Security lawyer should be willing to schedule one if the need arises.
Does the Attorney Know Any Court Staff?
Knowing the judge and other court officers in the jurisdiction is not a conflict of interest. Familiarity is actually a sign of good faith. It means that the lawyer has experience litigating with local officials and is familiar with the process. You want an attorney that has a relationship with local court officials.
Does the Lawyer Have Any Medical Knowledge?
Your attorney does not have to be a medical expert but they should be familiar with the medical conditions you or your claimant are suffering from. This helps the Social Security lawyer to properly aid you in your case. If they have no prior knowledge of your condition, they should be willing to familiarize themselves with it.
Contact a Chattanooga Social Security Disability Lawyer
Our firm litigates Social Security disability cases. We have a team of trained lawyers ready to help you win your case. Any claimant in need of a Chattanooga Social Security lawyer should contact McMahan Law Firm today. We offer a free case evaluation to help you get started.
