Why Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or if you are appealing a claim denial, your chances are much stronger when you have a lawyer on your side. Social Security Administration (SSA) data has shown that applicants who are represented by an attorney are significantly more likely to obtain a favorable result. Below, we offer a few reasons why you are more likely to get the disability benefits you deserve when you have a competent California Social Security Disability benefits attorney on your side.
Your Social Security Lawyer Knows the Legal Processes Involved
Getting the government to pay you money for any reason is bound to be a complex process with any number of administrative hurdles along the way. The process for obtaining Social Security disability benefits or appealing an SSD/SSI claim denial is no different. You have forms to fill out, documents to collect and provide, deadlines to watch out for, and many pitfalls along the way. If you miss a deadline, fill out a form incorrectly, or misunderstand the legal processes involved, you could forfeit your right to benefits unnecessarily. A lawyer specializing in the SSA’s processes and procedures will make sure that your application or appeal has the best chance of success and does not fall through the cracks of bureaucracy.
Your Social Security Lawyer Understands the Medical Evidence That Matters
In order to secure SSI or SSDI benefits, you need to provide the right medical evidence to support your claim. The primary reason benefits are denied is a lack of supporting evidence. A qualified Social Security benefits attorney knows what evidence is necessary to support your claim, where to gather that evidence, and how to provide that evidence in the strongest possible fashion.
Your attorney will review your file thoroughly to identify any potential gaps or weaknesses and make sure that those are filled with the right evidence. They’ll help you determine whether any additional tests or medical records would support your claim, keep out irrelevant evidence that might distract the SSA or weaken your claim, and make sure that your case is presented as strongly as possible. Should your claim go to a hearing, it’s important to have all the evidence you need, and no distracting evidence that serves no purpose in pursuing your claim.
Your Social Security Lawyer Knows the Legal Arguments That Win
The law can be complex and labyrinthine, especially when it comes to obtaining government benefits. You may have one of several routes to qualify for benefits, but it can be difficult to understand how to best present your claim or even which set of disability qualifications might apply in your case. Your attorney understands the SSA’s rules and regulations, and they know what evidence and legal arguments administrative judges find convincing in these matters.
Your Social Security Lawyer Knows How to Handle a Hearing
As part of your application process or appeal, you may need to appear at a hearing. You’ll be asked to present evidence, make arguments, and testify on your behalf. A vocational expert may testify as well. Your Social Security lawyer knows how the hearing process works, what arguments and evidence matter, and the rules of the courtroom. They will be ready to cross-examine the vocational expert, address any bad facts or weaknesses in your file, and make sure that you get the testimony that helps your case.
Helping You Get the California Disability Benefits You Need
For help applying for disability benefits or appealing a disability benefits denial in Southern California or statewide, call the seasoned and professional Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSD/SSI) attorneys of Drake & Drake at 818-624-4695.
