Posted by jonny (24.147.230.154) on September 08, 2001 at 14:17:11:
In Reply to: Disability assistance posted by Tim on September 07, 2001 at 22:08:51:
Posted by michael (216.23.51.233) on July 24, 2001 at 20:26:52:
Some of you know me. For those that don't, Im an attorney. Please note: This
is not intended to be used as legal advice for representation. In no way
should any of this be relied upon as advice from your attorney. (Sorry, I
have to go through that as I am only licensed in two states and would be in
real trouble offering representation to someone in a state where I was not
licensed)
You should also note that I have practiced criminal law exclusively for many
years. I couldn't do my own disability claim if I had to.
I have however recently talked to professional friends who do a lot of
disability claims. I have no plans to seek disability myself and will not
recommend any attorney so don't even ask.
If you are however considering disability, PLEASE do yourself a favor and go
see a lawyer BEFORE you even call the Social Security office. The SS will
tell you that you do not need a lawyer; that you can file the initial claim
yourself and then get a lawyer if it is denied. The problem is that the SS
people are not on your side. They exist to deny claims. My professional
friends tell me that the best way to lose a disability case is to take one
over that has been filed before an attorney got involved. Your chances of
winning are significantly reduced if you wait to get a lawyer for the
appeal. The way to win a claim is to win it with the initial filing. If that
is denied, you are still basing your entire appeal upon the initial claim.
It should be filed with the appeal in mind.
Yes, I know everyone hates lawyers. Believe me, I am not trying to "drum up
business" for myself or the professional in general. Every lawyer I know is
already far too busy.
A good disability lawyer will take a portion of your award as his fee. But a
good disability lawyer will not charge you unless you win.
Think of it this way: Would you start operating on yourself to save some
money thinking you will call in a Doctor if it turns bad? Most of us, (well,
ok, except maybe jonny) wouldn't even dream of trying it ourselves. Your
disability claim is just as complex and my suggestion is to have a
professional involved right from the start.