Q: Do I need a lawyer first to represent me in filing for disability?
A: Yes. Social Security (SS) law is very complicated and hard to understand, even with a law degree. Most people assume that the treating physician's opinion about your ability to work is sufficient. The law actually requires a more detailed and thoughtful analysis of your doctor's opinion about a Claimant's restrictions and functional capacity. In NC, rejection rates for first time applicants are 70% and 91% for the first two (2) applications. A qualified lawyer's guidance and advice on how to proceed in SS claims can make the difference between winning and losing your application and appeal.
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A: You are not required to have a lawyer to represent you when you file for disability. However, hiring a lawyer early in the disability application process, even before you file, is a good idea. You will be able to discuss your particular case issues with your lawyer and be able to present your disability claim well. A person's age, education, work experience, as well as functional limitations caused by physical and psychological impairments all factor in to a disability claim. It can be a lot to handle on your own. Most disability lawyers offer a free initial consultation and will accept disability cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your disability case. It costs the same to have a disability lawyer at the very start as it would if you hired the lawyer later before you have to appear at a hearing.
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