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Representing Social Security Claimants

August 31, 2017 Blog

Whether you’re applying for SSI benefits for the first time, appealing a denial of benefits, filing for modification of existing benefits, or otherwise pursuing a claim under the Social Security Act, you are legally entitled to be represented by an attorney for such purposes.  Skilled Social Security disability attorneys are aggressive advocates for their clients, and their wealth of experience navigating various Social Security processes can help claimants obtain satisfactory results at every stage.  It’s thus worth consulting with a qualified attorney as early as possible to ensure that your claims are expertly handled.

You do not have to pay for representation.  The Social Security Act entitles an attorney to reasonable fees for their services, which will be proportional to the past-due benefits award.  As such, your attorney will only be paid if you are successful in pursuing your claims.

So, how — exactly — can a Social Security attorney help claimants?  Consider the following non-exhaustive list of advantages associated with competent legal representation, in the context of Social Security benefits and claims.

Approval of Initial Application

The expertise provided by an experienced Social Security lawyer can be critical to the success of your benefits application.  The Social Security Administration sets forth basic application criteria and requirements, and thereafter, assesses the claimant’s application (and whether the claimant is entitled to benefits) in accordance with more in-depth criteria, such as severity of the claimant’s medical condition, impairment, and future earning capacity, among other things.

Consultation with a skilled Social Security attorney can help improve the chance that your initial application for benefits is approved, as such an attorney will understand what criteria to emphasize and what information to share on your application so as to strengthen it.  If the initial application is approved, then you will not have to go through a lengthy and complicated appeals process.

Navigation of the Appeals Process

In the event that your initial application is denied, you have the legal right to appeal the decision of the Social Security Administration.  Going through the appeals process isn’t easy, however.  Your attorney will help you navigate each phase of the process, from requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge, to advocating on your behalf at the hearing, to requesting an Appeals Council review of the subsequent decision, to filing a lawsuit.

Investigation and Information Gathering

Your attorney will work with you to investigate relevant medical conditions, career issues, and other circumstances important to the Social Security disability application process, and will be able to “information gather” in a manner that is beneficial to your application.  For example, your attorney can hire a medical expert to assess your injuries with fresh eyes and provide their own conclusions in language that will strengthen your application (i.e., the medical expert may note that you are, in fact, disabled).

Skilled Social Security attorneys will thoroughly investigate your work situation, hire industry experts, and present information in such a way as to demonstrate that you are unable to work due to your medical condition.

If you are suffering from a medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits.  Call 813-264-5363 today to schedule a free consultation with one of the experienced Tampa social security lawyers at the Office of Attorney Mike Murburg.