Should I Hire an Attorney?

If you are ever turned down in a Social Security Disability or SSI application, it is a good idea to at least talk to an attorney. When you are turned down, there is often some proof missing in your claim. Attorneys who are experienced in this field should know what evidence is necessary to prove your case, and how to get that evidence.

For each illness that is disabling, the Administration requires certain findings in order to establish disability. Even if your doctor writes out the most helpful statement he can imagine, it is common that certain of those findings will be left out of his statement. A good attorney knows exactly what is necessary to prove each sort of case.

It is also common that it will be necessary to have certain medical tests performed in order to have the findings the Administration is looking for. A good attorney will know what tests are necessary for the particular problem you have; will know how to get them; and will often be willing to advance money to get them.

It is a good idea to sit down and talk to an attorney even before you file your claim, or even if you are still working but have serious health problems. A good attorney can give you guidance about how to keep your job; where to go to upgrade your skills or improve your health so that a disability claim can be avoided or delayed; preserving health care coverage; and strategies you can undertake while you are still working to avoid a long delay between the date you file for benefits and the date benefits are awarded. These strategies can make the difference between financial survival and bankruptcy. Some of them work only if you start before you quit work, or before you file.

I will be happy to help you with these problems; if you want to talk to us please call 1-800-775-3985 from anywhere. You may also call 235-2350 in Greenville, SC or 582-7882 in Spartanburg, SC. I will try to either take care of you or else find an attorney who will.

You are welcome to e-mail Paul. However, it is better to do this only if you are not in a hurry. I answer these promptly only if time permits.