If you find yourself injured, sick, or unable to perform substantial gainful activity, then you need to find a competent social security disability lawyer. The sooner you get a lawyer, the better off you will be. The lawyer can file all of the paperwork for you, and this will make things much less stressful. The laws are difficult to understand, and you would be doing yourself a disservice if you tried to file the claim alone. If you try to file a Social Security Disability claim without a competent lawyer that specializes in disability law in Bedford, PA, then your claim could be denied. It may be denied anyway even if you have an attorney, but at least your chances of winning will be better if you have someone with experience who knows how to navigate the social security procedures and laws.
Knowing Weaknesses before a Claim is Filed
A competent attorney will be able to increase your chances of being successful when you apply for disability benefits. The good thing about having a lawyer on your side is that they can review your claim application before it is submitted to determine whether or not it has any weaknesses. They may be able to help you correct those weaknesses before the claim application is filed. Lawyers are especially vital if your claim is denied, because they can help put a strategy together to fight for your rights during the appeals process. It is important to keep appealing your claim if you are denied, because you deserve the benefits if you are disabled.
The Appeals Process
If you have gone through the initial stage and the reconsideration stage with a denial in both stages, then you will have the opportunity to file a Request for Hearing. Your lawyer will be vital during this stage, because you will need them to represent you in court. Your lawyer will be able to submit new evidence of your disability at the hearing, so this could help sway the judge in your favor if the evidence is good enough. The lawyer will also present opening and closing statements to the court that will highlight the strong points of your case. It is possible that you will have to take the stand during the hearing, and your attorney may have medical experts testify as well. The court will usually make a ruling within 90 days following the hearing, but it can take longer depending on the area you live in, and the number of cases that the court has on their docket.
J. Kirk Kling Attorney at Law concentrates on disability law in Bedford, PA. Visit website to get further information.
