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16 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
While exuding the professionalism of a 5 year old, "no fuss Russ" consistently missed deadlines for filings and was unable to accurately or efficiently handle several cases he worked on for me.
*The only thing he was efficient with was sending a pumped up bill, which when called on it, he promptly reduced.*
I wouldn't recommend him to anyone looking for an estate or elder law attorney. He gives Reminger a bad name.
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04 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Maureen Dodd in Ohio to represent a workers comp. For more than 6 months she failed to get me any weekly benefits, get approvals for Dr appointments, go to court to get approvals for PT, MRI Dr requested or mileage.
She never called me or told me why after my complaints that nothing was being done.
Maureen father Robert Dodd threatened to not work or even show up to a hearing after I refused to sign to have an IME done for the employer as they so low ball you and lie about your condition that you are refused anything. IME are done by the defense, not the plaintiff.
When I refused to go to a IME paid by the defense, not Maureen Dodd, but her dad wrote me a letter stating they were dropping me as a client.
They do not protect an injury party but act like defense lawyers.
Maureen failed to add my left hip to the claim as my records show, a severe aggrevation of my right knee injury from a fall at work on another comp claim and a posterior root tear on left knee. All she filed was a left shoulder injury and when I went to treat she refused to discuss other injuries except the shoulder and then refused to get me any medical care.
Hearing she wrote to have at the BWC she now has no intention of being involved.
This firm is not reputably and does not stand by anything in their advertisments.
Worst comp attorney because injured patients need good lawyers, not a firm that does nothing and walks out if a claim and does not listen to a client.
Thought this firm might be different. Maureen never asked about medical mileage or my right for weekly benefits.
Go somewhere else as this firm does damage to a client and then walks out. As a client I have every right to say no to my attorney and not be threatened that if I do not go to an IME my own attorney wants, not the defense lawyer they will drop your case.
Poor quality representation. Why would Maureen who I hired, not her father get him to do her dirty work to fire me as a client. He is head of their firm. This is sad that a female attorney cannot stand on her own two feet and talk to her client, and has her Dad do her dirty work.
Will be filing other charges against this firm
Stay away
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17 Feb, 2022 by Betty
My husband died May 11,2020,Had an open claim with Labor Industries Self-insured Claim.I have called my/this attorney unable to get through. Secretary says on a line, busy ect. Leave message to call me , never does. Received a letter from him January 10th that said they had received a portion of my husband's settlement. Said " Enclosed please find a check with the proceeds of that payment less full attorney fees plus $23 in miscellaneous. Nothing ENCLOSED ,NOTHING,I have called several times to talk with him..He is always with a client,and unable to speak with me according to the secretary. There was NO CHECK enclosed! That is the truth.I have not recieved anything. I try to call about the missing check. I have NO money, been waiting for help since my husband died. To recieve a letter from my attorney, that says enclosed please find a check with the proceeds...and NOTHING there, was very disheartening. No words to explain what I am going through. . Depending on and attorney that doesn't reach out to his client even after leaving a message. Letter stated self-injured employer has paid $30,7771.41 and I has the widow, have not recieved a dime...At this point in time I would probably think twice if asked about my attorney. The least he could do is return my calls,let me know what is going on...PAY THE GRIEVING WIDOW, SOME OF THE MONEY. I am appalled at his actions... I have not a clue what is going on, never hear from him ....Never takes my calls, has not answered my letters, did not pay me anything from my decease husbands proceeds he received..My letter said enclosed please find a check....Again NOTHING ENCLOSED...I HAVE RECIEVED NOTHING... To the point cannot pay house payment, taxes, nothing. Thank-you for letting me vent. The least he could do is accept my phone calls and explain...I don't care if it is shared public......Maybe that office will respond, or he will. please make it open to public
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29 May, 2018 by Ray
I was given an initial appointment time of 8:30 and when I arrived I was instructed that they didn't have me scheduled until 10:30. When I arrived there was nobody waiting in the lobby. They had my cell number wouldn't have hurt them to pick up their phone and let me know it's not like they were busy. NOT RECOMMENDED
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09 Sep, 2019 by Johnny
I was sent to appeal court with an Intern that knew absolutely nothing about "Disability Claims!" They did a horrible job representing me & then tried to refer me to another attorney! I wouldn't recommend this firm, they're not good at handling "Disability Cases!"
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19 Feb, 2021 by Freida
If I could give zero as a star I would, James Sims is not a good representation of an Attorney, he will take your money once he is paid in full not communicate with you for months until it's days away from your court case, no returned phone calls after he has full payments. Upon going to court their is no representation from him,he literally has no fight in him for his clients. My family paid James Sims almost $3000 for our disabled Brother's divorce and got no fair representation from this man, he should be disbarred for how he rips his clients off,worst Attorney in Alabama. Take my advice do not give James Sims your hard earned money, he is useless.
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25 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
I contacted this lawyer regarding a social security disability claim. He cancelled our appointment less than one hour before the appointment for “a family emergency”. He told me to drop by and meet his assistant who would be handling the case. I assumed he meant next time I was in town. He called back one hour later and left a message wanting to know why I didn’t keep my appointment. I called back the next day to apologize to his assistant, assuming I misunderstood. She was unavailable so I left a message. I called back the next day, and was again told she was unavailable, so I left another message. I called back a third time, and after being on hold over five minutes was told she couldn’t be located. At this point I left the message for her to please send me the paperwork to sign in order to get things working. Two days later, I received correspondence from him. Instead of a contract to sign, I received a cancellation letter for failure to keep scheduled appointment (which he cancelled) and failure to return phone calls. I don’t know how good he is as a lawyer, I never got that far.
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27 Apr, 2008 by Anonymous
Maggie Zeppos was my custody attorny. Two weeks before my hearing date she left the firm she was with and went to work for the opposing councel's firm.
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08 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Unfortunately I never write reviews, but my experience using this law firm was awful. I never spoke to Stephen, the lawyer. I dealt with Claire. She is extremely condescending and abrupt. I felt I was bothering them when I had a question. Do yourself a favor and please go elsewhere. Caused so much stress for my family.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
First of all...she didn't even come out to take us back to her office. We had no idea where we were supposed to go. Her tone, delivery & demeanor was cold, callous and right away , I wanted to leave. Do not recommend! Horrible
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28 Oct, 2012 by Heather
I went thru legal aid and got Todd thompson as my lawyer. Cps was involved in my case and he told to just give my asstranged husband my children. Even went as to have me call my parents to the crt house and try to convince me/us to give him my girls. Well here we are few yrs later and my ex is now in jail for multiple charges from sexual assault to murder. To think if I listened to him what kind of environment they would have grown up in. He never once tried to learn my case or the situationhe just wanted me to give up BC he didn't want the work!! He DOESNT CARE
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29 Feb, 2024 by Arlene 210-309-0437
Took my $1200.00...Hired her to help Me to get custody of my 3 year old grandson...I go to Court on 1-23-14...she called me and said she has health Issues and will not be practicing law anymore...but will Not refund my money....so I can hire another attorney...Amazing
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06 Mar, 2018 by Joao
Felt overwhelmed about speaking with this attorney. I needed some legal and being from South America, it was very nerve racking trying to explain my situation to this woman. I felt ignored and patronized as though I was a child. I did not feel I could trust this persons ability in understanding and relaying my situation in court.
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23 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Robert Frey made promises he never kept, never spoke to me about my case after I hired him unless I called, and couldn't provide definitive answers unless it was at my own risk i.e. Couldn't answer my questions but could tell me what he wanted to do but couldn't explain why. I now see that "why" was because his experience is chalked up to "procedural" cases only, as it would appear that the only cases he talked about winning were cases where one simply needed an attorney to understand what paperwork needed filing-and to be honest it appeared that if said cases were not easy or "in the bag" he was inadequate, still, as far as his legal competency was concerned. Something else he and his associates did was talk about other clients cases in front of me and with me. In detail. Things I as a client wouldn't have wanted revealed. The day I arrived for mediation others in his office appeared to be just "hanging about" in the same office where this process was to take place, for no particular reason, just reading the newspaper, walking around, some were eating and some were having conversations across the table amongst themselves. When it came to settling, the mediator had to point out to Robert A Frey how the things he was considering didnt appear to make sense. When all was said and done this Robert A Frey could not even enforce (or would not) , the terms by which myself and the other party agreed to. Its like he did not care when I notified him of the breach of contract, although he had already taken thousands of dollars from me AND admitted that a breach had indeed occurred. I actually remember him saying "I just don't know what I can do about it". As his client I was defended with tired lack luster energy accompanied by disloyalty and inept skills. The aroma of how full of it he was left a psychological stench that I must clear evertime I think of how sloppy, unprofessional and dishonest he is, to this day. Can you imagine an attorney overseeing his client in a contract and then lacking the common skill to handle the obligated party who broke the signed agreement. Save yourself the hassle, disappointment and headache. If positive results that are "to your benefit" are what you want, then I suggest you Do Not Hire Robert A Frey.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Unprofessional, terrible communication. He ignores emails and calls. Our experience was horrible. We lost our case due to his negligent behavior and missed deadlines. No lawyer. NOT recommended. Very Bad.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Some people practice only for money, self-seeking desires over justice. Beware of who you give your money to.
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30 May, 2022 by Tory
Upon reaching the penalty date for the 20% plus compensation due, I was continually told by Attorney Gregory E. Camden and his legal assistants Melissa Moreno that I had to wait 44 days in lieu of the 14 days statute 65.2-524 states. After I asked Melissa Moreno to read statute 65.2-524 she agreed and said that I could bring my last check stub to her to make a copy. Then I called and asked for a meeting so we could address previous late checks that went 14 days past the due date.
At the meeting Mr. Camden was angry at me for contacting The Virginia Workers Compensation Commission. I was belittled, disrespected, and then told by Mr. Camden that I better find a new lawyer if I continued to act in this way. I had only contacted the V.W.C.C. to inquire about the 20% penalty.
By the unprofessionalism shown to me, I felt that Mr. Camden had no interest in representing me, therefore I felt it necessary to obtain new counsel that will have my best interest at heart.
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23 Nov, 2015 by Pissed off!!
Anne Wandling has "worked" on my Social Security Disability for several years now with little to NO results. She's slow with her tatics. I now wish that I had NEVER let her handle my case. The truth is that she DOES NOT care about the lives of the people she represents, after all when her day is done she gors home with her husband, DON WANDLING, to their plush and lush living. I will probably end up losing EVERYTHING I have that I've worked so hard for befote my accident. I personally WOULD NOT RECOMEND HER TO ANYONE!!! AND, I've had to provide her with alot of my medical records for her..SO, I may as well be handeling my case myself. My advise to anyone looking for a lawyer for your SS case, skip over her name in the yellow pages. Anne is a pitiful lawyer.
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13 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
This lawyer, yes he won my case got 20% of 100,000, but sent me a bill for another $1000!!!!!!! After 7 years of working with him he gained my trust and at the end he just completely lost it. The beginning he stated that if he won my case he would just collect the 20%, if he didn't win my case i would have to pay the legal fees which would be approximately $600. Well he won, and i thought the 20% was all that i would have to pay. Then a month later i got a bill in the mail stating i owed more. I called and complained and he kept stating he didn't say that. The only lawyer i talked to i would know what was said and what was not.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Cameron was terrible in my case! I ended up firing him and he had nine times to dismiss himself from my case and did not show up for any of the nine scheduled times to dismiss himself from the case. Cameron did finally show up but only after the statute of limitations was expired in my personal injury claim which prohibited my new attorney from being able to get the job done correctly. I strongly recommend that anyone look at a more professional attorney in any case in which a attorney is needed.
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24 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Judy Lamusga overcharged for her services and did nothing to help our elderly parent but to keep our loved one as her personal bank account from which she overly paid herself and robbed us of our inheritance. Don't hire her or trust her with your loved one.
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17 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
He has refused to talk to me he won't return my phone calls or answer my emails and I don't know him I don't think he is a lawyer he has 2 mailing address and he has frauded me he sold my house with out my permission and and his fees are to high he is exploding me and my records I want to fire him but I can't I need help sorting everything out he took my case 4 years ago and I have only talked to him once I don't know what he looks like the internet has no pictures of him
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25 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Did not fight my case at all. Went along with anything and everything the DA recommended. I could have won this case easily with another attorney.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I fired this man because he has no people skills wants to talk to his clients like crap don't hire this man at all!!
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20 Jul, 2023 by Tami
I use this attorney because somebody referred me to him.. he was not communicated enough for me He he did not pick up his phone or answer emails when I engaged conversation with him so I had social security take him of.. he's not liable
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15 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired for custody case. The judge literally had to pause the hearing because Mr. Kennedy was incorrect about the type of custody I currently had. Once the court case resumed, we again had to pause so I could personally work out a deal with opposing counsel for healthcare for our son. This is something I asks Mr. Kennedy for and was told “that will never happen.” Well it did that day through speaking across Mr. Kennedy and communicating with opposing counsel to obtain the desired outcome. As the case progressed, there was an area that Mr. Kennedy had stated we would object to and have dismissed immediately. The opposing counsel brought it up and continued talking as I sat there wanting to kick Mr. Kennedy under the table. FINALLY he objected. The judge simply said, “if you wanted to object, you should have stated it when she began and over ruled him.” It was horrible. After all of this I received the final bill. I was shocked to see it included all the times Mr. Kennedy called to ask the same questioned that were answered in his office. He just couldn’t remember. He also gave us paperwork to fill out for court and my husband realized it was another client’s paperwork and it was already filled out. At the end of the court case Mr. Kennedy stated he thought the case went well. I replied what about the part that you were supposed to object to? He brushed it off and said, “Well we will just go back to court to try to overturn the verdict.” Not what you want to hear after having to work out your own deals with opposing counsel and have your case stopped twice by the judge because your lawyer doesn’t have his crap together. I found him to be arrogant, argumentative and lacks the skills to litegait as a lawyer. should retire or be disbarred.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Larry
This experience dates back to 1985/1986. Williams was enlisted to represent me as plaintiff asking for damages relating to an unprovoked beating at a 4th of July event at the local fairgrounds by a local used car dealer. This should have been a slam dunk case in as much as the assailant ran away after committing the crime and later fully admitting it to a local sheriff's detective. The beating resulted in local brain hemorrhage and having corrective surgery for a broken nose and permanent physical and psychological damage. Williams submitted a one or two page complaint with essentially no background description of the incident or ensuing harm. Defendant's lawyer submitted a request for a summary dismissal, which was granted, and the Defendant's counter claim scheduled for consideration.
Williams failed to interview the Detective, local witnesses or surgeon or review medical records nor to keep me adequately informed as to the progress of the case. It seemed he was telling me I had no case and that the Defendant might successfully counter sue.
I enlisted another lawyer, appealed the summary dismissal at the cost of thousands of dollars, won the appeal (at which it appeared the three Appellate Judges almost seemed to laugh at the original submission and decision), and continued the case in the lower court. The new lawyer did some homework and the case was won hands down.
Summary: Williams failed miserably to prepare the original complaint and failed to adequately prepare for trial.
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07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
In my honest opinion this guy is a perfect example of not what you know but who you know. Why in the world this guy is working in civil rights for the state is beyond me.......perhaps daddy set that up. Condescending, arrogant, Pee-Wee Herman like little guy. After a minute listening to this character I wanted to run for the exit. Dispicable lawyer in my opinion.
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29 Jul, 2021 by Shawn
Steer clear, much better lawyers available from an inmate. Represent yourself, you’ll thank me later.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Adam saidane
The worst lawyer can client get
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Can Do for You
A Social Security and Disability lawyer specializes in helping individuals navigate the complex process of applying for and securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These lawyers assist clients in filing applications, gathering necessary medical evidence, appealing denied claims, and representing them in hearings before administrative law judges. A lawyer can help maximize the chances of approval by ensuring that the paperwork is accurate, deadlines are met, and legal standards are addressed.
If you are disabled and unable to work, or if your Social Security Disability claim has been denied, a Social Security and Disability lawyer can guide you through the legal process to obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
When Should I Hire a Social Security & Disability Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer in the following situations:
- Applying for SSDI or SSI benefits: The application process for disability benefits can be complex, with strict requirements and documentation. A lawyer can assist in completing the application correctly and submitting the required medical evidence to improve your chances of approval.
- Denied disability claim: If your initial claim for SSDI or SSI benefits has been denied, a lawyer can help file an appeal and represent you in hearings. Many claims are denied initially, and having legal representation during the appeal process significantly increases the chances of success.
- Requesting reconsideration: After an initial denial, you have the right to request reconsideration of your claim. A lawyer can help present new medical evidence or correct any errors in your original application.
- Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ): If your reconsideration request is denied, you may request a hearing before an ALJ. A lawyer can represent you during the hearing, preparing you to answer questions and presenting a strong case based on your medical and work history.
- Proving medical conditions: If your disability involves complex medical conditions, a lawyer can help gather expert medical testimony or additional evidence to demonstrate that your condition meets the legal criteria for disability.
- Overpayments and cessation of benefits: If the Social Security Administration (SSA) claims you were overpaid or attempts to terminate your benefits, a lawyer can assist in challenging the decision and protect your right to continue receiving benefits.
- SSI for low-income individuals: If you are applying for SSI, which is based on financial need in addition to disability, a lawyer can help ensure that your financial records are correctly submitted to meet SSA’s strict income and asset limits.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help you avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your claim.
What Does a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Do?
A Social Security and Disability lawyer provides a range of services to help individuals navigate the application and appeals process for SSDI or SSI benefits. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing initial applications: A lawyer can help prepare and file your SSDI or SSI application, ensuring that all necessary forms are completed accurately and medical evidence is included.
- Gathering medical evidence: A lawyer works with your doctors and healthcare providers to collect medical records, treatment histories, and expert opinions to support your disability claim.
- Filing appeals: If your initial application is denied, a lawyer can file an appeal and guide you through the reconsideration process, ensuring that any additional documentation or evidence is provided.
- Representing you in hearings: A lawyer will represent you in front of an administrative law judge, helping you prepare for the hearing and arguing your case to demonstrate that your disability prevents you from working.
- Handling deadlines and paperwork: A lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are met, and that any requests for additional information from the SSA are responded to promptly.
- Negotiating settlements (for private disability insurance claims): If your disability benefits claim involves private disability insurance (in addition to or instead of SSDI/SSI), a lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
- Fighting benefit terminations or overpayment claims: If the SSA attempts to terminate your benefits or claims you were overpaid, a lawyer can defend you in administrative proceedings or file for a waiver or reconsideration.
How Are Social Security & Disability Lawyers Paid?
Social Security and Disability lawyers are typically paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if your case is successful, either through the approval of your disability benefits or winning an appeal. Here's how it generally works:
- Contingency fee: The fee is usually 25% of your past-due (backpay) benefits, but no more than $7,200. This fee structure is set by the SSA, and lawyers cannot charge more than this amount for SSDI or SSI cases.
- No cost for future benefits: Lawyers are not entitled to any portion of your future monthly disability benefits. Their fee is strictly limited to a percentage of your backpay.
- Additional costs: In some cases, you may need to pay for additional expenses, such as obtaining medical records or expert witness testimony. These costs are usually minimal, but it’s essential to ask your lawyer about any additional expenses upfront.
It’s essential to confirm fee arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to avoid misunderstandings.
How Much Does a Social Security & Disability Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer is typically structured around the contingency fee system outlined by the SSA. General cost information includes:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is capped at 25% of your backpay, with a maximum of $7,200. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 in backpay, the lawyer will receive $2,500 (25%), and you will receive the remaining $7,500.
- No cost for future benefits: Lawyers are not entitled to any portion of your future monthly disability benefits. Their fee is strictly limited to a percentage of your backpay.
- Additional costs: In some cases, you may need to pay for additional expenses, such as obtaining medical records or expert witness testimony. These costs are usually minimal, but it’s essential to ask your lawyer about any additional expenses upfront.
Overall, there is no financial risk in hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer, as they only get paid if your case is successful.
Top Questions to Ask a Social Security & Disability Lawyer
Before hiring a Social Security and Disability lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with Social Security Disability cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling SSDI and SSI cases similar to yours, particularly if you have a complex medical condition. -
How do you charge for your services?
Confirm that the lawyer charges a contingency fee and that you won’t owe any fees unless your claim is successful. Ask if there are any additional costs for medical records or other expenses. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Disability claims can take time, especially if you’re appealing a denial. Ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what the typical timeline is for cases like yours. -
How will you help me prepare for my hearing?
If your case is going to a hearing before an administrative law judge, ask the lawyer how they will help you prepare for testimony and present your medical evidence effectively. -
What happens if I’m denied again?
Ask about the next steps if your reconsideration or appeal is denied, including the possibility of further appeals to federal court.
How to Check the Credibility of a Social Security & Disability Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable Social Security and Disability lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for Social Security experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in Social Security and Disability law and have successfully handled cases like yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on Social Security Disability matters.
- Check for memberships in relevant organizations: Membership in organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) can indicate that the lawyer is committed to representing disability claimants.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a Social Security and Disability lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Medical records: Bring copies of your medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, treatment histories, and any disability-related diagnoses.
- List of medications and treatments: Provide a detailed list of any medications you are taking, treatments you have received, and ongoing medical care related to your disability.
- Denial letters (if applicable): If your disability claim has been denied, bring a copy of the denial letter from the SSA, along with any documentation related to your appeal.
- Work history: Provide information about your previous jobs and work history, including details about how your disability has impacted your ability to work.
- Social Security application (if already filed): If you’ve already submitted an application, bring a copy of the application and any correspondence you’ve had with the SSA.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions you have about the legal process, the lawyer’s fees, and what to expect in terms of timelines and outcomes.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your situation.
