If you are disabled, either physically or mentally, you may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. If you feel you fall into this category then you are facing what can be a long, drawn out process. If you decide up front to hire a disability lawyer in Maryville you will not be alone, however, many applicants make the initial application unaided.
The application:
The application must be correct and supported by detailed medical records. If you opt to hire a lawyer at this stage he or she will help you develop the claim based on your impairment, how it happened, your age and other details, the most important being medical evidence that supports the claim.
Reconsideration:
Based on nothing but statistics, a full three quarters of claims for disability benefits are denied. The first step in the appeals process is to ask that the application be reconsidered. Once again, the greatest majority of requests are denied. Many of those that “go it alone” give up at this point; if you are represented by a disability lawyer in Maryville he or she will go to the next stage which is formal hearing.
The hearing:
The hearing is held in the presence of an Administrative Law Judge, the judge will decide whether you are granted benefits or your case goes on to an Appeals Council. It often takes a year before your case is heard, during this time your disability lawyer in Maryville prepares the case and prepares you for what might happen during the hearing.
An experienced disability lawyer often is familiar with the judge and knows somewhat in advance what questions to expect.
When the case is eventually heard, your medical records that were originally submitted will be several months out of date, if you are represented in the hearing by a lawyer he or she will ensure that your current records along with supporting statements from your physician are presented at the hearing.
A seasoned disability lawyer in Maryville can make the difference between success and failure in being granted Social Security disability benefits. To discuss your case in detail you are invited to contact the Law Offices of Miller & Drozdowski, P.C. for a free case evaluation. Follow us on Facebook.
