When it comes to filing for long term disability, the entire process can be daunting. Sure, there is an online application form and tutorials, but things don’t always go smoothly, especially when it is a complex case with a great deal of supporting evidence.
An attorney handles everything concerning your case from the jump. The minute you retain an attorney’s services they become in charge and will handle all of the heavy lifting. This fact alone makes retaining a disability attorney in Brevard County, FL almost a necessity.
Just about 75% of all applications for disability are denied on first attempt. The reasons they are denied is myriad but the number one reason is improper filing. A disability attorney will make sure all facets to the application have been handled. They make sure the applications is properly filed.
Appeals Process
This is when a large swath of people seeks the help from an attorney. After you receive a denial letter, you have 60 days to file an appeal. An attorney can use your original application as a starting point and work to strengthen it and trim any fat. The idea is to get across as much supporting evidence as possible without having the application become jumbled and confusing.
This phase has only about a 25% approval rate as well. That number nearly doubles when an attorney is involved. If you are still denied at this phase, even with an attorney, you will need to seek a hearing with a judge. This is truly when your attorney will shine.
Hearing Process
A hearing starts with an informal meeting with a judge where you can state your case. An attorney will almost always have familiarity with the judge, and this always helps. Your disability attorney will lay out your claim, enter the supporting evidence and help keep you informed while you await a decision. This can take months, so it is good to have someone monitoring the results for you in the meantime.
Your disability attorney will exhaust every avenue to get your case approved. After all, they don’t get paid one cent unless your case is approved. After you are approved and start receiving payments, you only have to pay your attorney a small % of each payment until the bill is paid off. There is a cap as to how much the lawyer can charge too. This is right under the $10K mark and rarely do fees ever get near that number.
Bottom Line
If you really want to give yourself the best chance of getting approved for disability payments, there is no better alternative to hiring an attorney to handle the case. Essentially, you double your odds of winning at each stage.
Your attorney has one mission: to get your approved for disability payments and on a fast schedule. They make their living by case wins and total volume of cases. The faster they get you approved the better for everyone involved. Don’t hesitate to call a local disability attorney today.
