Making The Call: How to Find and Hire a Disability Attorney in North Carolina
If you are injured, suffering from a medical condition, or otherwise dealing with an issue that you think may qualify you to collect Social Security Disability benefits, then you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to see what options are available to you. While no one wants to go through the hassle and red tape of the Social Security Administration, it is better to deal with it now rather than put it off until your situation becomes even direr. Facing the problem head-on is the only sure way to tackle it, and one of the most proactive and effective steps you can take right from the beginning is finding and hiring a disability attorney & lawyer to walk you through the process.
Why should you find an attorney right away? It’s estimated that only 25 to 30 percent of first-time disability claims in North Carolina are actually approved. This means that 70 to 75 percent of claimants can expect to go through part or all of the appeals process in order to receive their benefits.
However, that approval rate is significantly higher for those who are represented by an attorney. If you find yourself having to go through the appeals process, then legal representation is a must as it takes an experienced professional to know how to navigate through the murky, confusing waters of the Social Security Administration.
So, what should you do? Hire a disability lawyer as soon a possible. Disability attorneys, like the ones at The Clauson Law Firm, have the legal knowledge and experience to help you every step of the way. As you start to look for the right attorney, remember that you owe it to yourself to find the best, and in this case, the best is easily affordable. Under federal law, disability attorneys are awarded either 25 percent of your back pay, or $6,000, whichever is less, and they usually will cost you nothing else aside from possible compensation for copying and paying for medical records and similar actions. That means it makes sense to hire an attorney early, as the sooner you are awarded benefits, the less you pay.
As you start to look for an attorney, don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as “Are you a licensed attorney?”, “Do you specialize in disability law?”, and “How often will we meet or discuss my case?” Remember, your attorney is working for you, not the other way around, so he or she should be open and willing to discuss the case with you periodically over the phone, via email, or in person. If you feel like it’s not the right fit for you and your situation, make the call early to avoid wasting anybody’s time.
Once you find the right attorney, it’s time to get started working on your case. Since it will involve collecting a good bit of information to help you prove your disability, the earlier you get started, the better!
If you are still looking for an attorney or wondering if legal representation is right for you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call here at The Clauson Law Firm.
