Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Oak Lawn Social Security Disability | What can an attorney do for me?

Generally, people who have been denied Social Security Disability benefits ask for attorney assistance to appeal their decision. Usually, they have applied for Disability benefits and have been denied. The next step is to ask for "reconsideration". If you are denied again after the reconsideration stage, it is important to immediately call an attorney. At each stage of the application process, there is a time limit on appealing the decision. If you miss that deadline, you will not be able to appeal the decision.

 So you have been denied on reconsideration and now call an attorney, what can they do for you? The biggest thing that an attorney can do for you is compare your condition to the requirements that are set out by the Social Security Administration. This evaluation is a great indicator of whether or not your claim for disability benefits is a winning claim. If a claim has a chance for success, your attorney will prepare a brief and submit it to the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge). This brief will set out the reasons why you should qualify for benefits and how your conditions fit the requirements for your particular disease or disability. In addition, your attorney will be present in the ALJ's hearing and will have the opportunity to cross examine the occupational specialist and medical expert. This is important because there are times when an ALJ misspeaks and asks questions that may not be pertinent to your situation. An attorney also can argue that you meet a special set of circumstances that we call "The Grid". These arguments are specialized in that they are a combination between formal and informal arguments. The advantage of having an attorney in your corner is that they know the proper way to make arguments to the ALJ. There are very specific requirements that must be met, and specific medical documentation that should support those requirements. An attorney knows how to present that documentation so that the judge can easily follow how you qualify.

To speak to an attorney about your Social Security Disability case, call;

The Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole
5013 W. 95th St.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 529-7794
www.jwcolelaw.com

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