A disability lawyer is a legal professional offering services to people submitting SSDI claims and appealing for denied benefits. Although appealing for the SSDI is extremely easy, approvals take time. It is important to prove that all your disabilities meet the SSA criteria that require in-depth medical documentation. Although receiving benefits is not guaranteed, having a great representation is a big benefit. If you are thinking about what a disability lawyer does, we have got you covered. Read this article to learn about the functions of a disability lawyer. Learn more here!

Role of a disability lawyer

1. Case evaluation and strategy development
Firstly, disability lawyers start by evaluating the client's case to understand the eligibility for SSD benefits. They review the employment history, the client's medical records and other vital documents.

2. Assistance with the application process
The SSD application procedure has different requirements. Further, there is ample paperwork, which can be intimidating. Disability attorneys assist clients with the application process. This ensures that the papers are correctly filled out and the requisite medical records are gathered to bolster their claim. Disability attorneys reduce the possibility of refusal by making sure the application is complete and well-documented.

3. Administrative proceeding representation
In case the SD claim of your client is defined, disability lawyers offer representation during the administrative appeals process. It includes attending hearings before the ALJ, requesting an initial decision reconsideration, and presenting arguments and evidence on the client's behalf.

4. Negotiation and settlement
In some instances, SSD lawyers negotiate with the Social Security Administration to solve a client's claim without any formal hearing. This could entail coming to a consensus over the conditions of continued benefits or the amount of back pay due to the client. Disability attorneys use their negotiating abilities to get their clients the results they want without having to deal with the ambiguity and delays that come with going to court.

5. Litigation in federal court
If your SSD client's claims are denied for any reason, a disability attorney files a lawsuit in the federal court against the decision. Further, the client is represented through court proceedings and presents legal arguments. Federal court litigation is usually pursued as a last option after all other channels for getting benefits have been fully explored.

Wrapping up
In general, disability attorneys advocate for people with impairments, helping them navigate the Social Security Administration (SSD) system, defending them in administrative hearings, settling cases out of court when needed, and taking them to trial in federal court.