While you are not required to have legal representation for a disability case, statistics have shown that those who hire a Social Security Lawyer in California have a higher likelihood of approval for benefits, especially when the claim reaches the hearing level. If you decide that you want to hire a lawyer, there are some things that you should remember to find the right attorney for your particular situation, which are highlighted here.
Courtesy and Professionalism
When you call a lawyer you are considering using, you should pay close attention to the level of professionalism and the treatment that they give, both by the attorney, as well as their staff. While a disability firm is typically going to be a busy place, you should still be able to be called back in a timely manner and be given ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Access to the Attorney
You should not be put off if you are not able to speak to the lawyer the first time you call an office, or if the person answering the phone asks you to talk with a different staff member. This is because any reputable disability attorney will spend their time in hearings, which means they rely on the expertise of their staff to handle any calls coming into the office. However, any reputable firm should provide you with a free consultation with the actual attorney.
Outcome Promises
It is unfair and unethical for any attorney to guarantee that they will get your claim approved. The fact is there are no guarantees in any legal situation. A reputable attorney will provide you with an honest evaluation of your situation, but only after they have had a chance to carefully review all the facts. A quality attorney will likely let you know that they will be able to get an approval faster than you could alone.
Rates of Approval
When talking with the lawyer you are considering using, you should ask about the approval rate for the firm. Some questions to consider asking include:
* What is their overall rate of approval?
* What percentage of approvals are granted at the trial level?
* What percentage of the approvals will come with full benefits?
Asking the right questions will give you a good idea of how successful a certain lawyer has been with these types of claims in the past.
Do you need the services of a Social Security Lawyer in California? If so, visit the website of the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen for more information. Click here to know more.