{"id":352993,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-does-a-disability-attorney-do.html"},"modified":"2023-08-31T09:17:12","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T14:17:12","slug":"what-does-a-disability-attorney-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-does-a-disability-attorney-do.html","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Disability Attorney Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Does a Disability Attorney Do?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/ty-mcduffey-j-d\/\">Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            August 31, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>A disability attorney can guide you when applying for disability benefits through a private insurance company or Social Security. But more commonly, disability lawyers assist with appeals for denied benefits and represent clients in <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_54257273\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"54257273\">disability hearings<\/span>. Some cases involve litigating an insurance dispute in court.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Dealing with insurance companies or the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be difficult. Many people wonder about the value of hiring an attorney during the disability claim process.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A\u00a0disability claim\u00a0can be challenging to manage without experience. Contending with medical treatment and medical expenses arising from a disability is stressful. Working with an attorney or legal team can lessen the burden of the claim process and increase your chances of success.<\/p>\n<p>The guidance of an attorney can be helpful when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019re initially filing a disability benefit claim<\/li>\n<li>Your claim gets denied<\/li>\n<li>Your benefits are wrongly administered<\/li>\n<li>Your benefits get suspended or terminated against your will<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your disability is related to an injury case, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury lawyer<\/a> can also help you file a legal claim for the damages.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Find a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/disability\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local disability law attorney<\/a> who can help you build a case. They can also help you avoid financial hardship from lost benefits. They also know the common legal pitfalls when making a disability claim.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Explaining the System and Your Options<\/h2>\n<p>You may have public or private insurance coverage for disability benefits. The type of insurance affects the filing process and claim denials.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>Private or Employer-Provided Disability Insurance<\/h3>\n<p>Perhaps you have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/what-is-disability-insurance.html\">disability insurance<\/a> you purchased privately or that your employer provides. In either case, consulting an attorney can be helpful when you&#8217;re initially filing a claim for benefits. An attorney will build and supplement your medical records. An attorney will also help you navigate your insurance plan.<\/p>\n<p>For example, your lawyer can help you determine:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether you need to wait for a set length of time before payments begin<\/li>\n<li>What extent of disability you must show<\/li>\n<li>Whether you&#8217;re permitted to do limited work while getting benefits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/erisa-and-disability-benefits.html\">Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)<\/a>\u00a0governs employer-provided disability insurance policies. ERISA is a federal law establishing strict requirements for insurers and beneficiaries. ERISA creates strict deadlines for responding to claims and filing appeals. An attorney can help you navigate these deadlines, ensuring you don&#8217;t waive your right to benefits by missing an important date.<\/p>\n<h3>Social Security Disability Insurance<\/h3>\n<p>The Social Security Disability (SSD) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs are governed by rules and guidelines. Your disability attorney can clarify terms like &#8220;substantial gainful activity.&#8221; An attorney can help you understand your work history&#8217;s relevance in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/disability.html\">disability claims process<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability. An attorney can walk you through each step. They&#8217;ll explain the criteria the SSA will use. They&#8217;ll help you anticipate what information you&#8217;ll need.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond medical conditions, the SSA considers factors like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Income<\/li>\n<li>Age<\/li>\n<li>Resources (especially for SSI claims)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your attorney can help you understand these criteria.<\/p>\n<h2>Facilitating the Application Process<\/h2>\n<p>Many claims are denied due to incomplete or inaccurately filed initial applications. An attorney ensures that every detail aligns with the eligibility requirements of the SSA or private insurance plan. This reduces the risk of unnecessary denials.<\/p>\n<p>Before even beginning the application process, your attorney will review:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>All available medical records<\/li>\n<li>Work history<\/li>\n<li>Other relevant documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This ensures that every piece of evidence supports your claim.<\/p>\n<p>The SSA operates on strict deadlines. There are deadlines for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Submitting documents<\/li>\n<li>Appealing denials<\/li>\n<li>Other steps in the claims process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your attorney ensures that every required action happens within the stipulated timeframe. This keeps your application on track.<\/p>\n<h2>Assembling Medical Evidence<\/h2>\n<p>Your disability attorney can help in gathering medical records and evidence. This emphasizes how your medical condition meets the SSA&#8217;s impairment criteria. An attorney can detect bias in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/independent-medical-examination.html\">independent medical exams<\/a>. This helps the chances that your medical evidence reflects your condition.<\/p>\n<p>The SSA&#8217;s &#8220;Blue Book&#8221; lists specific criteria for various impairments. Your attorney will match your medical evidence with these criteria. This shows how your condition aligns with the SSA&#8217;s established guidelines for disability.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, a medical condition might not fit into the SSA&#8217;s predefined criteria. In such cases, your attorney can craft a compelling narrative. This narrative will be supported by medical evidence. It serves to prove that your condition, while not explicitly listed, is equivalently severe.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, your attorney might bring in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/litigation-disputes\/expert-witnesses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">expert witnesses<\/a>, such as specialists or vocational experts. These experts can testify to the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work.<\/p>\n<h2>Handling the Appeals Process<\/h2>\n<p>If your disability claim is denied, your attorney guides you through the reconsideration phase. If necessary, your attorney will take your case to an administrative law judge for a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/what-happens-at-a-disability-hearing-.html\">disability hearing<\/a>. These lawyers are versed in the appeals process up to the federal court. They can represent you before the appeals council.<\/p>\n<p>The first step post-denial is understanding the reason behind it. Your attorney will review the SSA&#8217;s explanation, identifying areas of contention or oversight. This ensures that the next steps in the appeal are focused and targeted.<\/p>\n<p>Before proceeding to a formal hearing, there&#8217;s the reconsideration phase. This is where another review of your claim is conducted. Your attorney ensures that any additional evidence or corrections are submitted. Your attorney will highlight the areas where the initial decision may have been flawed.<\/p>\n<p>If reconsideration doesn&#8217;t yield a favorable result, the next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge. Your attorney will prepare you for the hearing. They will help you rehearse potential questions. They will also ensure that your testimony is both truthful and persuasive.<\/p>\n<p>During the hearing, your attorney will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Present your case<\/li>\n<li>Call upon and cross-examine witnesses<\/li>\n<li>Challenge any evidence presented by the SSA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This ensures that the proceedings remain favorable to your cause.<\/p>\n<p>A seasoned disability attorney is also well-versed in previous rulings. These decisions can be used as precedents to strengthen your case. Your attorney will cite relevant cases where judges ruled in favor of claimants with similar conditions.<\/p>\n<p>If the hearing doesn&#8217;t go as planned, the next recourse is the Appeals Council. Your attorney can submit additional arguments or evidence. This evidence can emphasize why the administrative law judge&#8217;s decision should be overturned.<\/p>\n<p>In rare cases where all else fails, a claim might be escalated to a federal court. Here, the role of your attorney is even more critical. Your attorney will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Draft and present legal arguments<\/li>\n<li>Challenge the SSA&#8217;s positions<\/li>\n<li>Advocate for your rights in a formal court setting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Ensuring You Receive the Right Benefits<\/h2>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re eligible for SSDI based on your work history or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to financial need, an attorney ensures you&#8217;re applying for the right Social Security disability benefits.<\/p>\n<p>SSDI and SSI, while both catering to disabled individuals, have different qualifying criteria. SSDI benefits are based on your work history. They&#8217;re also based on the Social Security credits you&#8217;ve earned. SSI is need-based, helping those with limited income and resources. SSI also supports older adults who may not be disabled but have little income or resources. Your attorney will guide you about which program aligns with your circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, individuals might qualify for both SSDI and SSI. In such cases, a disability attorney can guide you on how to apply for both. This ensures you receive the most benefits available to you.<\/p>\n<p>Certain benefits can affect others. For instance, receiving <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/the-difference-between-workers-comp-and-disability-benefits.html\">workers&#8217; compensation<\/a> might reduce your Social Security disability benefits. An attorney will advise on these nuances. This ensures that you don&#8217;t jeopardize one benefit while pursuing another.<\/p>\n<p>Receiving benefits isn&#8217;t a one-time event. The SSA conducts periodic reviews to determine continued eligibility. Your attorney can provide guidance on these reviews. This ensures you continue to meet the requirements and keep your benefits.<\/p>\n<h2>Affordable Legal Representation<\/h2>\n<p>Some disability attorneys work on a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-a-contingency-fee\/\">contingency fee<\/a>\u00a0basis. You only pay\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/litigation-disputes\/attorney-s-fees.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney&#8217;s fees<\/a>\u00a0if you win your case. Some even offer a free case evaluation. This allows you to understand the merits of your claim before moving forward.<\/p>\n<h2>Interacting with the SSA on Your Behalf<\/h2>\n<p>From filling out important documents to communicating with the local Social Security office, your attorney acts as your representative. They ensure all interactions are in line with your best interests.<\/p>\n<p>This professional mediation often speeds up the process. It eliminates potential misunderstandings and bureaucratic hurdles. With their experience, they can anticipate and navigate the nuances of SSA communications. This provides you with an advantage and reduces the stress of direct negotiations.<\/p>\n<h2>Unique Qualifications of Disability Lawyers<\/h2>\n<p>A reputable Social Security disability attorney possesses specific credentials. These include in-depth training on the SSA guidelines. It also includes an understanding of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/medical-malpractice.html\">medical malpractice<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/personal-injury-law-the-basics.html\">personal injury<\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/workers-compensation-law.html\">workers&#8217; compensation<\/a>. Their education and certification processes ensure they are well-prepared to handle disability cases.<\/p>\n<p>Continuous professional development keeps them updated on evolving laws and practices. This enables them to provide clients with the most current and effective representation.<\/p>\n<h2>Do I Need a Disability Attorney for a Car Accident-Related Claim?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. If your car accident results in a disability that impacts your ability to work long-term, a disability attorney can be helpful. While a car accident may lead to disability, the process of securing Social Security disability benefits is different from an auto accident claim. A disability attorney can guide you on merging these two processes if needed.<\/p>\n<h3>Will the Attorney Be Available Throughout the Whole Process?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. From the initial application and potential appeals to hearings before an administrative law judge, your attorney will be by your side.<\/p>\n<h2>What if My Benefits Get Terminated or Suspended?<\/h2>\n<p>If your disability benefits get terminated or suspended against your wishes, you can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/apply\/appeal-decision-we-made\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">challenge<\/a>\u00a0the decision. Consulting with an attorney can help you prevent the wrongful loss of your benefits.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help for Your Disability Case<\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps you\u2019re filing a disability claim after a motorcycle accident or truck accident. Or you may be having problems with your current benefits and are unable to cover your medical bills due to a brain injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Handling the SSA or your insurance company and securing your rightful disability benefits can be a challenging task. But with a dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/social-security-disability\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">disability attorney<\/a>\u00a0in your corner, the journey becomes more manageable.<\/p>\n<p>Before making a decision, check their experience. Understand their approach and make sure they&#8217;re the best fit for your unique situation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                       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A skilled disability attorney can help with the application process, the appeals process, and any other issues that may present themselves. Find out more at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352917,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2734],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352993","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-injury"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352993\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352917"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352993"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352993"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}