Disability Lawyer in Media, PA Explains How to Protect Your Rights by Hiring the Right Lawyer for Your Case
If you have a disability that is keeping you out of work for a prolonged period of time, you may need a disability attorney in Media, PA. While it may be tempting to pick the first option you find, the closest option, or the cheapest option when choosing a lawyer, it is essential to realize that some mistakes in the application process or in the handling of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could be irreversible. In fact, statistics from the Social Security Administration (SSA) reveal that only approximately 36% of all applications are granted on the initial application. This means that most applicants face prolonged delays to recover the SSDI/SSI benefits they may desperately need and may be entitled to.
This is why individuals and their families should call Silver & Silver. Our experienced disability lawyers in Media, PA, have over 40 years of experience representing applicants and their families in nearly any type of Social Security matter. Whether you are preparing your initial application or have already been denied, our law firm can help protect your rights to SSDI or SSI at any stage of the process. Learn more by calling our law firm for a FREE consultation.
How to Find a Good Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Finding a good lawyer to handle your Social Security matter could mean the difference between receiving your benefits promptly versus having to wait years for appeals to finish. This is why it is imperative that applicants find a good disability attorney the first time. There are some important considerations to know to ensure that your representation is suitable for you.
The Lawyer Advertises and Handles These Types of Cases
Unfortunately, some lawyers will take any type of case that comes through the door. That might be okay for certain types of cases like contracts or land disputes, but not when you and your family are relying on monthly benefits payments to pay the mortgage/rent, keep on the heat, or pay for food.
This is why you need to make sure that your lawyer handles Social Security applications, hearings, and appeals. The best way to find this out is to see if it is advertised on their website. A law firm that is actively advertising for this type of case will have a dedicated practice area page and several blogs or news releases about it. Do not accept representation from a law firm that does not have any mention of Social Security cases on their website—that is a clear sign they do not regularly handle these types of cases.
Also look to see if they are sustaining members of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants and Representatives, one of the leading organizations in the U.S. for the training of disability advocates. Our founder, Mike Silver, is a past president of the important organization.
Ask if the Law Firm Handles Appeals Too
Not every law firm will handle an appeal. It is often a separate part of a retainer, and some lawyers will expressly state that they do not handle an appeal and will require the client to seek other counsel.
But since the vast majority of Social Security applications are denied at the initial phase, it is important that your law firm handles appeals with the SSA and in civil court if necessary. If you have a law firm handling your SSDI/SSI application that does not handle appeals, you may be losing out on the valuable representation that you need.
Learn Who Will be Handling Your Case
It is not just the disability attorney that will be handling your case. Learn what support staff your lawyer has, including secretaries and paralegals, and ask what experience they have. A strong disability law firm will also have experienced support staff who can help answer your questions, draft basic forms, submit medical record requests, and edit complicated legal papers for the lawyer. Having this type of support staff is crucial to not just getting your application completed in a timely manner, but also in a proper manner.
Need a Good Disability Lawyer in Media, PA? Call Silver & Silver
Our dedicated law firm has over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of people who have become disabled and can no longer work. We know how important it is for you and your family to get your benefits. If you or a loved one need to submit an SSDI or SSI application, or have already submitted an application that is delayed, being questioned by the SSA, or has been denied, call our experienced Social Security lawyers in Media, PA, at Silver & Silver or a FREE consultation by dialing 610-638-7255 or by sending us a message through our “contact us” box available here.
