According to recent Bureau of Labor (BOL) studies, there are more than 15 million people of working age who have some sort of disability. If you happen to have a disability and want to receive compensation for your inability to earn a living, you will need to file a disability case with the help of a lawyer.
There are several options for lawyers that you can look into, and hiring correctly is half the battle when you want results. We can help you out so that you are able to find the right pro to lead the charge.
Here are some things you should know about picking disability lawyers.
1. Make Sure You Understand Disability Law
Understanding disability law is the first piece of the puzzle. This is important not just for your own information, but also so that you know what questions to ask a lawyer, and so that you can vet and check the responses that you get.
With a disability law case, you will need to prove that your disability prevents you from being able to work, and must also prove the amount that you are owed. You will need to learn as much as you can about disability filings so that you can handle the process correctly and completely.
2. Ask the Attorney About Their Experience Level and History
You have to hire a professional legal attorney that has the credibility, experience, and track record to assist you. Learn how long they have been trying these cases, so that you know they’re great at what they do, and able to push your case forward.
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find some leads on great attorneys that can represent you. When you find a list of disability lawyers in your area, do a deep dive into their background to learn what university they got their legal degree from, and how high in their class they graduated.
Find out what professional associations they belong to, how many cases they have tried, and what outcomes they have received.
3. Learn as Much as You Can About the Law Firm
Rather than just speaking to one lawyer at the firm, make sure that you research the entire firm. Learn how long they have been in business and what states they practice within.
As you research these firms, make sure that they have plenty of options for attorneys you can hire, and that they keep a tight ship that is well-organized and productive. A lawyer is only as good as the firm they work for, and choosing a quality firm will give you access to more resources so that you get the results that you need for your case.
4. Find Out How Much They Charge
It’s also up to you to learn exactly how much you will pay for a lawyer. When it comes to disability law cases and other forms of personal injury law, you can expect to pay a contingency fee, which is collected at the conclusion of the legal matter.
You might pay about 25% and up of your back payment when hiring a disability attorney. Because they are taking a significant chunk of your back payout, make sure that they are qualified to get the job done and justify the payment.
Comparing lawyer fees could be worthwhile, to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.
Doing your research will allow you to have peace of mind with your choice of attorney so that you know that they are worth every dime for the services that they provide. Learn the cost upfront so that you don’t get caught off-guard by it when it comes time to receive your payout.
5. Check Out Reviews and Get in Touch With Prior Clients
Always look into references and reviews before hiring a disability lawyer. This lets you find out how other people worked with these lawyers, and what outcomes they received.
When you set up a consultation with a lawyer, you can also ask them to point you toward past customers who can speak to their own experiences. By taking this step, you will have a better understanding of whether or not you are hiring the best professionals in your state to assist you.
6. Be Sure They Have Space for You in Their Workload
The last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer that is too booked up to properly try your case. If they already have a tremendous workload, they are likely going to be too booked up to give your case the proper care and consideration that it deserves.
Ask them how many clients they are currently working with, and what kind of time, effort, and energy they will be able to dedicate to your case.
7. Get to Know the Communication and Working Relationship You Will Have
Finally, you need to learn exactly how you will be communicating and working with your attorney. Different lawyers have different preferences and styles when it comes to relaying information and developing a working relationship.
Find someone with a style that suits you, and above all, make sure that they are an open book when it comes to the details of your case and how they will work for you.
Take the Right Time to Make Sure You’re Picking Disability Lawyers That Can Help
Picking disability lawyers correctly will help you out when you choose to go about it correctly. But when you find the right fit, you will breathe a sigh of relief and know that you are steps closer to your goal.
At the Sweet Law Firm, we’re more than happy to assist you with any disability law needs that you have. Take some time to contact us via the web, or pick up the phone and dial 1-800-674-7854.